What to Wear for a Family Photoshoot in Houston (and How to Actually Enjoy It)
- athousandwordstexa
- Jun 8
- 5 min read
Updated: Oct 3
Hey y’all!
You’ve booked your fabulous family portrait session in Houston—or maybe near Sugar Land, Richmond, or Katy—and now comes the part you dread: what do you even wear? Fear not! I’m here with a friendly nudge (and a wink) to help you look stunning, cohesive, and heat-ready—without matching head‑to‑toe in cheesy family tees.
Why Outfit Planning Matters
Photoshops don’t just fix blemishes—they preserve moments. Coordinating outfits creates albums that will stand the test of time, not fade into “what were they thinking?” territory. I recommend choosing a color palette and coordinating—not copying—across outfits. Unfortunately, trends are not always timeless. Consider wearing more classic silhouettes and clothes that will stand the test of time (unlike all of my '90s teenage grunge look).
Color Palettes: How Not to Rub Everyone the Wrong Way
— Avoid neon, bright red, hot pink, busy prints or cartoon graphics—they distract and often cast weird color on skin .
— Stick to pastels, jewel tones, neutrals like sage, cream, navy, blush or camel. These flatter all skin tones and pop gently in outdoor shots.
— Pattern smart: limit patterns—one patterned outfit per group max, keep them subtle; mix with solids. Avoid stripes, moiré-inducing designs, and tiny checks .
Pro Tip: Lay all your outfits flat before the shoot for a mini “fashion runway” photo. Trust me—what looked good in your closet might clash on camera .
Patterns, Textures & Accessories
— Textures like linen, lace, chunky knit, or suede add depth without stealing focus. They also really pop and add some beautiful texture in those close up shots.
— Accessories elevate! Think a statement necklace, belt, light scarf, or stylish hat—but not too much. Keep it simple: no giant logos or dangling bling.
— Layers work wonders: cardigans, jackets, vests—they let you shift looks mid-shoot without a full outfit change .
The Texas Heat Factor
— Houston Heat Is Real. Go for lightweight, breathable fabrics (cotton, linen) and flowy styles that maximize airflow and comfort, especially for kiddos.
— Keep a handheld fan or spray bottle in the car between takes—you (and the camera) will thank me.
— Avoid dark, heavy fabrics that absorb heat—you won’t be comfortable, and it shows on your face.
Footwear Matters
— No flip-flops (unless beach) or worn sneakers. Opt for clean casual footwear: loafers, ankle boots, sandals in neutral shades .
— High heels? Cute—but maybe save them for the last shot unless you’re not rockin’ cobblestone or park terrain. Remember: comfy = confident.
Comfort Is Everything
— Do the mirror test—standing tall, stretching, walking. If you hate it in your mirror at home, it’s not going to glow on camera .
— Kids first—no itchy tags or stiff collars. Keep them smiling and mobile .
— Everyone should walk, sit, and move in their clothes—this isn’t a runway; it’s real life, captured. I love incorporating movement into my photos - make sure that you can bend down to pick up your kiddo, sit on the ground for a group snuggle, or snuggle in a park bench. For mom, if you would like to wear a dress (which I love!) I recommend one that isn't too form fitting in the skirt. Those can make it very difficult to get sitting and crouching photos and can also be more difficult to pose for sitting photos so you aren't accidentally flashing the camera and having to tilt your knees to the side.
Do’s & Don’ts Cheat Sheet
✅ DO | ❌ DON’T |
Coordinate two-to-four colors | Match everyone head-to-toe |
Mix textures & layer outfits | Over-match, logos, graphic tees |
Choose solid or subtle patterns | Go neon, busy prints, moiré fabrics |
Dress for your location (park? urban?) | Wear business style outfits that clash with a park like setting |
Prioritize comfort & fit | Squeeze into your favorite dress from 10 years ago that barely fits |
Bring an emergency zip for kids | Assume no spills will happen |
Test hair, makeup & try-on look | Scramble last-minute outfit fixes- growth spurts are real! Just because those jeans fit your 5 year old 4 months ago doesn't mean he'll be able to button them up today! |
Fun Outfit Ideas by Location
Park/Botanical: Flowy cream maxi (mom), linen collared shirt + chinos (dad), pastel Minnie-style dress (little sis), breathable polo + shorts (little bro).
Urban/Houston skyline: Crisp button-downs, structured blazer, sleek jumpsuit, modern styles.
Beach/Lake: Barefoot or sandals, airy shorts, light dresses—just watch for tide/grass.
Makeup, Grooming & Final Prep
Remember to moisturize! It is actually not that difficult to photoshop out some red spots or pimples but dry skin will make it difficult for your makeup to go on smoothly and is much more difficult to smooth out in photoshop while still leaving your skin looking natural and not like an AI creation. So, don't worry if you have a break out but remember to bring the moisture!
Keep makeup natural—no heavy shimmer, overly matte, or fake tan streaks .
Haircuts - I recommend getting them at least a week before your photoshoot so that you have a chance to grow into them and test out whatever style you want for your shoot.
Hair styling- For ladies, long flowing hair looks beautiful in photos but feel free to add a clip, headband or other accessories to pin back from your face. During my sessions I love to have movement: looking down at your kiddos, tickle fights, spinning - and it can be difficult to keep hair out of your face when it is down.
Luxe-but-Not-Outrageous Boutiques Near You
Here are some local spots that offer elevated, stylish outfits without the super-premium price tag. These are perfect for grabbing a special dressy piece.
1- Saylor Grace Boutique
Women’s (XS‑3XL), men’s & kids’ curated pieces, daily new arrivals. saylorgraceandmagnolialane.com
2- Scout & Molly's Sugar Land
On‑trend brands for work, weekend & weddings.
Review: 365thingsinhouston.com
3- The Wearhouse
Embroidered tops, mini‑dresses, denim & boots.
Review: 365thingsinhouston.com
4- Très Chic Boutique
Colorful separates, maxi dresses, cowgirl‑inspired pieces.
5- Luxington Boutique
Trendy upscale women’s clothing, great service.
Review: bestinhood.com
6- Pomp And Circumstance
Jewelry
Colorful sundresses & bold earrings, kids’ corner.
Review: houstoniamag.com
7- Hamilton Shirts
High‑end bespoke & made‑to‑measure men’s shirts.
Review: wanderlog.com
8- A Ma Maniére
Luxury blends: Dior/Balenciaga + smaller contemporary brands.
Bottom Line
A few coordinated colors, breathable fabrics, sensible layers and shoes, plus a little personality (no logos, please!) = beautiful, timeless photos. Accessorize minimally, plan for the heat, and have a blast laughing through the shoot.
Bonus tip: Revisit your home decor before picking your palette—your walls will be thankful. 😉
Now go grab one standout piece, bring backup, breathe—and get ready for some gorgeous, joy-filled portraits that’ll make your walls shine.
Your Next Steps:
Pick your palette—two to four colors that flatter all.
Visit one (or two!) local boutiques like those above for that “just right” third piece.
Try everything on, do the mirror dance, and snap a photo to check cohesion.
Pack an emergency kit: lint roller, water, snacks, fan, hair touch-up tools.
Relax and feel the love—I'm going to capture your best.
For clients, I'm always happy to offer styling tips and help to coordinate outfits. You got this, mama! 💕
Questions? I'm always happy to chat with locals about styling a family photoshoot!
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