What to Wear for Family Photos: Choosing Colors That Work Together

When planning your next Jacksonville family photography session, one of the first questions that comes up is: What should we wear? At our Jacksonville photography studio, we help families every day style their sessions so that everyone looks amazing while still feeling comfortable and natural. The key is balance—choosing outfits that coordinate without looking too “matchy-matchy.”

A great way to accomplish this is by selecting two or three main colors to build your family’s wardrobe around. This creates harmony in your photos without everyone needing to wear the exact same thing. Let’s break down how to do it.

Why Avoid the “Everyone in White Shirts and Jeans” Look

If you grew up in Jacksonville, you’ve probably seen those classic beach photos with everyone wearing white shirts and denim. While simple, it doesn’t always capture your family’s personality. Matching outfits can make photos look dated or flat because there’s no variety. Not to mention, white can make you look bigger and most of us are trying to hide some extra pounds.

Instead, when you layer in two or three complementary colors, your family photos instantly feel modern, stylish, and unique to you. Coordinated outfits let each person’s personality shine while still looking cohesive as a group.

And saving mom’s sanity.

Step 1: Choose a Base Color

Start with a base color that feels timeless and flattering. Think of neutrals like navy, cream, gray, or even earthy tones like olive or tan. These colors photograph beautifully in a professional studio setting and provide a subtle foundation.

I find the best thing to do is find the outfit that you love the most or the pickiest person in the house looks good in and base everything off that. If it’s a floral dress, pull colors from that and have everyone wear something that goes with it.

I also like to choose a base for pants, to make it easy for kids and adults. Blue jeans? Khakis? Those are usually staples in most people’s closets and can easily and cheaply be added to to create the perfect ensemble.

For example, in our Jacksonville family photography sessions, navy is one of the most popular base choices. It looks great on parents, works well on kids, and pairs beautifully with many accent colors. Not to mention blue works great with all skin tones.

Step 2: Add One or Two Accent Colors

Once you’ve chosen your base, add one or two accent colors to make the overall look more dynamic. This is where you can have fun! Consider:

• Soft accents: blush pink, dusty blue, sage green

• Bold accents: mustard yellow, rust orange, burgundy

• Seasonal accents: emerald green for winter, coral for spring and summer

The goal is to have variation without overwhelm. For example, a navy base with touches of blush and cream creates a polished, classic look. Or, olive green paired with mustard and tan gives off a warm, fall vibe.

For my own family photos, we had about 20 people from several households. So we did Navy blue, pink, tan and denim. That way everyone could easily blend in and some of the older people, like my grandfather was comfortable in his jeans.

Step 3: Mix Patterns and Textures

To keep your photos from looking too uniform, encourage family members to wear a mix of textures and subtle patterns. Pair a floral dress with a solid shirt, or a textured sweater with simple jeans. Small details like lace, knits, or layered accessories add dimension without clashing. But be careful of small tight patterns, which are popular in men’s shirts, in creates moire. Avoid lots of pattern and small tight patterns.

At our Jacksonville photography studio, we often recommend families bring a few outfit options. Sometimes the best combinations come together when you see the clothes side by side before your session begins.

Step 4: Think About Location

If your family session is happening outdoors around Jacksonville, the backdrop matters. Neutral colors with pops of accent shades work well at the beach, while earthy tones look beautiful against the greenery of local parks. For studio family photography, softer tones tend to highlight faces and emotions better, while darker bases give a dramatic, fine-art feel.

If you want a really nice formal portrait in studio that focuses on emotion and not on clothing, choose straight black.

Family Photo Outfit Color Palette Ideas

If you’re unsure where to start, here are some tried-and-true color combinations we often recommend at our Jacksonville photography studio. Each includes a base color with one or two accents that photograph beautifully together:

1. Navy + Blush + Cream

   • Classic and timeless. Works well for studio family photography or outdoor sessions in Jacksonville.

2. Olive Green + Mustard + Tan

   • Warm and earthy. Perfect for fall photos in local parks or nature preserves.

3. Gray + Dusty Blue + White

   • Soft and airy. Great for family photography sessions with younger kids or in a bright studio setting.

4. Burgundy + Navy + Beige

   • Rich and bold. Ideal for holiday portraits or formal family sessions.

5. Denim Blue + Coral + Khaki

   • Fun and vibrant. A great choice for spring and summer shoots.

6. Cream + Sage Green + Gold

   • Natural and elegant. Looks beautiful in both indoor studio portraits and outdoor family photos.

7. Black + Rust Orange + Camel

   • Modern and dramatic. Perfect if your family wants a more fashion-forward style in your photography session.

👉 These palettes give each family member flexibility while still creating a cohesive look that shines in professional portraits.

Final Thoughts from a Jacksonville Family Photography Photographer

Choosing 2–3 clothing colors for your family photography session makes your images timeless and stylish without being too “matchy-matchy.” Whether you’re booking in our Jacksonville studio or planning an outdoor shoot around North Florida, a little planning goes a long way in making sure your family photos look polished and personal.

Remember: keep it simple, coordinate rather than match (unless you plan on doing something like the above where we do all black), and don’t be afraid to add a pop of color. Your family’s personality should shine through—and the right wardrobe choices will make your photos something you’ll love for years to come.

Ready to plan your Jacksonville family photography session? Our studio specializes in helping families look their best with expert posing, lighting, and styling tips. Contact us today to schedule your shoot—we’ll help you every step of the way!

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