What to Wear for Your Laid-Back Family Photo Session

Jessica Delp
May 16
3 min read

Updated: May 27

There’s something about late afternoon light hitting a worn-in sweater or the hem of a linen dress caught in a coastal breeze. It’s quiet. It’s honest. It photographs like a memory.

When families ask me what to wear for their session, I always tell them the same thing: Wear what feels most like you on your best, most easy-going day. The kind of outfit you’d wear barefoot in the backyard at golden hour, or bundled up on a windswept beach in October, just elevated a little.

If you’re hoping for a little more guidance, here are some thoughts — drawn from sessions I’ve loved and images scattered across my inspo boards (if you're curious to see where I draw my inspiration from, check out my Pinterest account here).

1. KEEP IT NATURAL, KEEP IT TEXTURED

Fabrics with texture catch the light in a way flat, synthetic materials just can’t. Think cotton, linen, wool, gauze, waffle knits, etc. A chunky cardigan slung over a slip dress. A soft tee under worn denim. Baby in a muslin romper.

Earth tones, neutrals, and soft, dusty shades — sage, clay, oatmeal, rust, misty blue — they’re timeless and they let the connection between you take center stage (although I'll NEVER turn down a pop of joyful, vibrant tones here and there). Patterns are welcome too, especially delicate florals or subtle stripes, as long as they don’t overwhelm (if you’re ever in doubt, send me a photo of what you’re thinking about before your session!).

2. AIM FOR MOVEMENT

The photos that make your heart ache a little are often ones with movement. Dresses that catch the wind. Sleeves that catch on your wrist a bit as you scoop up your kid. A long scarf. Flowing skirts. Let your clothes move with you.

Stiff, tight outfits will make YOU feel stiff and tight. Choose pieces you can chase your littles in, laugh hard in, pick someone up in.

3. COORDINATE, DON'T MATCH

Gone are the days of everyone in white shirts and jeans. (Thank goodness.) Instead, pick a palette — say, warm neutrals with a few pops of terracotta or olive, or a bright and bold jewel tone if you’re feeling bold — and build outfits around it. Mix tones and textures within that range.

One person in a soft knit. Another in linen. A child in a cozy onesie. It’ll feel organic and connected without being contrived.

4. BAREFOOT IS PERFECT

Especially for beach, field, or at-home sessions — bare feet make your portraits feel effortlessly undone and honest. It softens everything. It says we’re present, unpolished and together. If shoes are necessary, go for simple sandals or boots in natural tones. (Pro tip, if you want to elongate your legs, keep your shoes and pants / dress skirt / in the same color.)

5. DRESS FOR THE SEASON

Lean into the textures of the season! Cable knits in fall, breezy cottons in summer, layered denim and patterns in spring. Above all— wear what makes you joyful and helps you feel like yourself! If your daughter wants to wear her favorite velvet dress to a July beach session, let her.

6. KEEP YOUR ENVIRONMENT IN MIND

When you're selecting your outfits, think about WHERE you're taking your family portraits. Are you going to playing alongside a beautiful beach together? You're going to want something that complements or stands out from the blue of the waves and sky. Will you be in the woods? Warm, terracotta colors and ivories look LOVELY against deep, rich greens.

At the end of the day, these images are about the way you look at each other, not what you’re wearing. Clothes are just a frame for that. So pick things that make you feel lovely, comfortable, free.

Again, if you’re one of my clients, PLEASE feel free send me photos of your outfit ideas ahead of time! Part of my job is to help you curate the feel and tone you’re looking for, I’m more than happy to help you pull a look together — one that feels like the best version of your real, imperfect, gorgeous everyday life.

Let’s make art that feels like you!

(Pssst, stay tuned for a customized guide for family outfit coordination!)