What to Wear for Family Photos in Sugar Land, TX
- athousandwordstexa
- Sep 4
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 8

Alright, so you booked the session. The date is on the calendar. You’re excited. And then it hits you: WHAT ARE WE GOING TO WEAR?
Take a breath. This post is here to save you from outfit-induced panic.
Because I’ve seen a lot of family sessions, and the truth is—what you wear does make a difference. But it doesn’t have to be complicated, uncomfortable, or involve a last-minute shopping trip meltdown.
Here’s how to nail your photo outfits and still feel like yourselves.
1. Start with One Outfit and Build from There
Pick one person’s outfit first—usually mom’s or the person who’s hardest to shop for. (Sidenote: I am 100% that person. Why? Because I care. Also because my husband is convinced that a Target t-shirt is high fashion and he is bringing it.) Once that’s figured out, build everyone else’s look around it using coordinating (not matching) colors.
Trust me, this works better than trying to buy five identical outfits and realizing no one wants to wear the itchy sweater. (The exception to this general rule is if you decided to buy Christmas PJs for an in-home lifestyle shoot. Because, obviously.)
2. Think Soft, Neutral, and Natural
Creams, beiges, muted blues, soft pinks, olive green, mustard yellow… These kinds of tones look beautiful in almost any setting and don’t distract from the most important part of the photo: YOU.
Avoid neons, logos, or anything that could be mistaken for a billboard.
3. Mix Textures, Not Patterns
Textures like knits, linen, denim, lace? Yes. Loud patterns that compete with each other? Not so much.
A subtle floral or a gingham on one person? Totally fine. But don’t put the whole family in clashing prints or we might all get a headache.
4. Comfort is Queen (and King)
If your kid hates that button-up shirt or your dress doesn’t let you sit, it’ll show. Choose outfits that you feel good in and can move around in—because I will absolutely ask you to dance, sit, run, snuggle, or piggyback.
We want natural movement, not wardrobe regret.
5. Shoes (or No Shoes) Matter
If we’re in the park, skip the stilettos. If we’re at home, barefoot is beautiful. Simple sandals, clean sneakers, or boots are all solid choices. Also, don't feel like you need new shoes for every family member that they are going to wear once for 5 minutes before kicking them off. I have lovely photos of my kiddos in button shirts and running shoes and -spoiler alert- not a single person has mom-shamed me for it.
6. Need Help? I Got You.
I’m happy to look at outfit photos, send inspo, or help you coordinate looks with zero judgment. Also, while new outfits can be fun for a photoshoot (we all want to pretend to live the life of Gisele Bundchen for like 5 minutes, right?), make sure it is actually comfortable and not, "I thought these pants fit for the 5 minutes I tried them on but now I may be mooning the people walking behind me" kind of way.
You don’t need to look like a magazine ad. You just need to look like yourselves—put together, comfortable, and ready to have fun.
Want to chat more? Always happy to hear from my mommas!
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