If there’s one question we field the most….it’s family photo outfit ideas.  So we came up with a few fun strategies for your next photoshoot (sounds so glam when we call it that, right?).

But at the heart of each idea?  Mamas, dress yourself first.  It turns out that if Mama ain’t happy….nobody’s ever gonna see that photo again.

Here’s what we’re thinking:

Got it? Ok, now let’s talk about it….

Try Some Mixed Prints

Master-level print mixing gives your photos some color and movement, and are a far cry from the Perfectly Matched Outfits that plague so many family photos.  When everyone is in jeans and solid tops (even if the tops are different colors), the look is sometimes a little contrived.  Pulling in a few well-chosen patterns gives the photo a modern, effortless vibe.  Keep the look cohesive by choosing different patterns that have colors in common (in the example below, it’s dark red, navy blue, and white).

Mama, let’s start with you:  put on your favorite jeans (the sexy ones with a good bum), find an interesting sweater that drapes well, and wear statement shoes.  The look is chic, and just timeless enough.  (NOTE:  You can also wear a solid color sweater – just stick your partner in a pattern.)

For the kids, let them wear some cute sneaks, and do a mixed prints classic: stripes and floral (or in our case, stripes and butterfly).  It’s an easy and effortless win.

For your partner?  Stick ’em in in jeans and either a solid or a really small patterned shirt.  As long as the colors in the shirt echo whatever else you’ve got going on, and the pattern is tiny enough, it’ll work.

on the mom: sweater | jeans | flats 

on the daughter: dress | shoes

on the son: t-shirt | pants | shoes

on the father: shirt | jeans | shoes

Just Make Your Outerwear Game Strong

There are very few things as flattering as a well-fitting jacket or coat, and this is one area you can buy seriously drool-worthy kids’ pieces without breaking the bank (thank you, H&M).  Add a few pops of color via accessories (hats, scarves, sneakers, mittens), and you have not only a winning family photo, but the whole fam is now outfitted for city excursions.  (And those chic kid jackets will come in handy during the holidays, too.)

on the mom: jacket | scarf | jeans | shoes

on the daughter: sweater | skirt | hat | shoes

on the son: jacket | jeans | hat | shoes 

on the father: jacket | shirt | jeans | shoes

Get Allllll Dressed Up

Speaking of glam, why not go all out?  I’ve noticed, over the years,  that some of my very favorite family photos have been taken at someone else’s wedding.  We’re alllll dressed up, my hair looks good, makeup is on point, and there’s something really fun about looking fancy.  Even my boys – despite their initial complaints – tend to strut a little bit more in a suit.

I especially love this idea for a beach photoshoot, but it would work equally well in the city.  Picture photos of the family getting in/out of a cab….SWOON.

on the mom: dress | heels

on the daughter: shirt | skirt (alternative here) | flats

on the son: blazer | shirt | tie | pants | shoes

on the father: blazer | shirt | tie | pantsshoes 

Enjoy!

xo,

S