Perfect Color Combinations for Family Outfits: Tips for a Beautiful Photoshoot

As a photographer, I always get asked, “What should we wear for our family photoshoot?” It’s a great question because choosing the right outfits can make all the difference in creating timeless, beautiful images. The colors you choose play a huge role in setting the mood, highlighting the love in your family, and ensuring that everyone looks cohesive without being too matchy-matchy. Let’s dive into some of my favorite color combinations for family outfits that will help you look and feel your best during your photoshoot!

1. Neutral Tones with a Pop of Color

Neutral colors like beige, white, gray, and soft pastels always create a calm, timeless feel. These colors are perfect because they allow the focus to be on the people rather than the clothes.

Combination Example:

•Soft white or ivory for mom, beige or light gray for dad, and muted pink or soft blue for the kids.

•Add a pop of color with accessories like scarves, headbands, or shoes in a vibrant shade, such as mustard, teal, or coral.

This color combo works particularly well in natural settings or when you’re going for a light, airy vibe.

2. Earthy Tones

For a warm, cozy feel, earthy tones are a perfect choice. Think terracotta, olive green, mustard yellow, rust, and deep browns. These colors are timeless and give off an organic, grounded feel.

Combination Example:

•Olive green for mom, rust-colored dress for the daughter, and brown or tan for dad and the son.

•A plaid shirt or sweater with a mix of these earthy tones can add depth and interest.

Earthy tones look fantastic in outdoor settings, especially during autumn, but they also work beautifully indoors with a bit of natural light.

3. Classic Denim & Whites

Denim and white are classic choices that never go out of style. They’re simple, crisp, and versatile, allowing everyone’s personality to shine through while still maintaining a cohesive look.

Combination Example:

•White shirts for everyone, paired with different styles of denim—jeans for the kids and maybe a denim jacket for mom and dad.

•Add a subtle hint of color with accessories, like a red scarf or navy shoes, to keep it from feeling too plain.

This combination works well for almost any type of photoshoot and is particularly ideal for a relaxed, casual vibe.

4. Soft Blues and Greens

For a calming, serene vibe, blues and greens are perfect. These colors are not only flattering on all skin tones but also pair beautifully together to create a peaceful and balanced composition.

Combination Example:

•Light blue for mom, sage green for dad, and denim or navy blue for the kids.

•Incorporate some soft prints, like a floral dress for mom or a plaid shirt for dad, to break up the monotony.

These hues work wonderfully for family photos by the water, in a garden, or even in the living room with soft, natural light filtering in.

5. Complementary Colors

Complementary colors are pairs of colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel, like blue and orange or purple and yellow. These color combinations tend to pop and create a sense of balance and harmony in photos.

Combination Example:

•Soft purple for mom, mustard yellow for dad, and shades of blue or teal for the kids.

•Mix in some subtle patterns like stripes or floral prints to add texture.

Complementary colors can give your family photos a more dynamic and energetic feel, especially if you’re going for a bold and vibrant look.

6. Monochromatic Elegance

If you’re aiming for a more formal or elegant look, consider sticking to a monochromatic palette. By choosing varying shades of the same color, you can create a sophisticated and polished appearance without it feeling too rigid.

Combination Example:

•Different shades of blue—from navy for dad to a lighter baby blue for the kids, and a soft denim dress for mom.

•Accessorize with subtle metallics like gold or silver to add a touch of shine.

This combination is perfect for more formal family photoshoots, such as a holiday or anniversary shoot, or if you’re planning a family portrait for your home.

7. Vintage-Inspired Palettes

If you love nostalgia and want your photos to have a retro flair, consider vintage-inspired colors. These palettes often incorporate warm, muted tones that feel timeless.

Combination Example:

•Mustard yellow, burgundy, and forest green.

•Plaid or striped patterns can be incorporated, and don’t be afraid to add texture with knitted sweaters or corduroy pants.

Vintage palettes work especially well in indoor settings or with props that evoke a sense of history, like old furniture or vintage cars.

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Tips for Making Color Combinations Work:

•Coordinate, Don’t Match: It’s important to coordinate the colors rather than match everyone exactly. Variety in outfits, but with similar tones, creates a more dynamic, visually interesting photo.

•Avoid Bold Logos & Distracting Patterns: You want the focus to be on your family, not on logos or busy patterns. Stick to subtle prints and textures.

•Consider Your Location & Setting: Choose colors that complement the environment. Soft, neutral tones work well in natural outdoor settings, while bolder hues are great for urban locations.

•Comfort is Key: Make sure everyone feels comfortable in what they’re wearing. The more at ease you are, the more natural your smiles will be!

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Choosing the right colors for your family photos can be a fun and creative process. Whether you opt for neutral tones, earthy hues, or bold complementary colors, the goal is to reflect your family’s personality while keeping everything cohesive.

I always tell my clients that the most important thing is that you feel comfortable and confident in your outfits. When you love what you’re wearing, it shows in the photos!

Need help picking out the perfect outfits for your upcoming family photoshoot? Feel free to reach out—I’d be happy to guide you through the process and make sure we capture those special moments in a way that feels true to you. Happy styling!

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Christin Coats Photography – capturing real moments, one photo at a time.