What to Wear for Family Photos in Memphis (2026 Style Guide)

Family photo sessions should feel joyful and relaxed, but many moms tell me the same thing before their session:

“What on earth should we wear?”

The good news is that choosing outfits for family photos doesn’t have to be stressful. With a few simple guidelines, you can create a look that feels natural, timeless, and beautiful in photos.

As a Memphis family photographer, I guide every client through wardrobe planning so their photos feel cohesive and effortless.

Start With Mom’s Outfit First

The easiest way to plan family outfits is to begin with mom.

Choose something you feel:

• comfortable in
• confident in
• able to move in

Flowy dresses photograph beautifully because they add movement and softness to images. My favorite websites for these are Baltic Born, JessaKae and Worth Collective.

Once mom’s outfit is chosen, build the rest of the family’s outfits around those colors.

Choose a Coordinated Color Palette (Not Matching)

The biggest mistake families make is dressing everyone in identical outfits.

Instead, choose 3–4 coordinating colors such as:

Example palettes:

• Cream, tan, soft blue
• Rust, cream, olive
• Neutral beige tones

These combinations photograph beautifully in both indoor and outdoor sessions.

Avoid These Common Outfit Mistakes

Some clothing choices can distract from the emotion of your photos.

Try to avoid:

• Large logos
• Bright neon colors
• Busy patterns
• Athletic shoes
• Matching everyone exactly

The goal is for the focus to stay on your connection as a family.

Adding texture creates depth in photos.

Examples include:

• knit sweaters
• linen fabrics
• lace dresses
• soft cardigans

Layers also give your gallery more variety without changing outfits.

Dress the Kids Last

Once the adults’ outfits are finalized, choose children’s clothing that complements the color palette.

Soft neutrals and simple patterns photograph best.

Comfort is also key. Kids who feel comfortable tend to be happier during the session.

Consider Your Photo Location

Outfit choices can also depend on where your session takes place.

For example:

Outdoor sunset sessions:

• warm tones
• earthy neutrals
• soft textures

Studio sessions:

• light neutrals
• creams
• soft pastels

These tones help keep the final images timeless. You can see examples of sessions shot in both these locations on my website.

Don’t Stress — I Help With All of This

Every client receives wardrobe guidance before their session so they never have to guess what to wear.

Many families also choose pieces from my client closet, which includes beautiful dresses specifically selected to photograph well.

My goal is to make the entire experience easy so you can focus on enjoying time with your family.

If you’re thinking about scheduling family photos, I would love to help you create a relaxed and meaningful experience.

Your session should feel natural, joyful, and stress-free from start to finish.