What to Wear for Your Laid-Back Family Photo Session

Jessica Delp
May 16, 2025
3 min read

Updated: Jan 4

There’s something about late afternoon light hitting a worn-in sweater or the hem of a linen dress caught in an errant breeze off the coast. It’s quiet. It’s honest. It photographs with a texture that just can't be beaten.

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 with your family, or bundled up on a windswept beach in October with your loved one. 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). You can also feel free to ask me for my wardrobe quick guide, available to every client that books with me!

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. Your little one in a muslin romper.

Earth tones, neutrals, and soft, dusty shades — sage, clay, oatmeal, rust, misty blue — are timeless, and 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 your overall fell (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. Flowing skirts in deep, evergreen woods. Find clothes that 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. PLEASE for the love of all that's good and holy DO NOT wear clothes that hinder you, bear in mind that if you're working with me, I use a LOT of prompts and movements over poses.

3. COORDINATE, DON'T MATCH

While I think matching outfits can be adorable for siblings or for a gag portrait session, fully matching outfits, especially across a group of 3 or more, feel cheesy and outdated. Instead, pick a palette — say, warm neutrals with a few pops of terracotta or olive, or a bright jewel tone if you’re feeling bold — and build outfits around it (I personally love a pop of red). 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!)