Planning your summer family photos is so exciting. But let’s be honest—choosing outfits can feel like the hardest part. Don’t worry, I’ve got you. This guide will help you choose outfits that feel natural, look beautiful on camera, and allow your family to move, play, and connect effortlessly.
Let’s walk through exactly how to style your family in a way that feels elevated, effortless, and true to you.
Choose Neutral Outfits for Timeless North Dakota Family Photos
Start with a neutral color palette. This is the foundation of a beautiful, cohesive gallery.
Think soft tones like cream, ivory, tan, light gray, and warm beige. These shades photograph beautifully in North Dakota’s natural landscapes—whether you’re in an open field, by the water, or surrounded by prairie grasses. This is something I guide all my clients through as a North Dakota family photographer.
Neutral tones:
- Keep the focus on your connection
- Reflect natural light in a soft, flattering way
- Create a polished, luxury feel without trying too hard
From there, you can layer in gentle, coordinating colors like sage green, dusty blue, or muted blush. This adds variety while still keeping everything cohesive.
Incorporate Textures, Layers, and Soft Patterns for Depth
Instead of matching exactly, focus on coordinating textures, layers, and subtle patterns.
This adds richness and visual interest without overwhelming your photos.
Some beautiful options include:
- Linen and cotton fabrics
- Flowy chiffon or gauze dresses
- Knit sweaters or lightweight cardigans
- Layered pieces like kimonos, denim jackets, or button-ups
- Soft florals or delicate stripes
Layers are especially powerful. They add dimension, create movement, and photograph beautifully when they catch a breeze or shift naturally as you move.
These details elevate your outfits and give your images that refined, editorial feel while still staying approachable.
What Mom Should Wear for Summer Family Photos
Mom, your outfit sets the tone for the entire session. I always recommend starting here.
Flowy dresses are my go-to for a reason. They create movement, catch the light, and photograph beautifully in motion.
Look for:
- Maxi or midi dresses
- Soft, breathable fabrics
- Neutral or softly toned colors
When you can move easily—walking, swaying, holding your babies—your photos feel natural and full of life.
Favorite places to shop:
- Indie Blue
- Baltic Born
- Rylee & Cru
- Amazon
What Dad Should Wear for a Clean, Elevated Look
For dads, simplicity always wins.
Choose pieces that complement mom without matching exactly.
Great options include:
- Neutral chinos or soft denim
- Linen or cotton button-up shirts
- Fitted tees in muted tones
Avoid bold logos or graphics. Clean, classic pieces keep the overall look timeless and refined.
Styling Kids for Playful, Connected Moments
Kids bring so much life into your session. Their outfits should reflect that.
Think:
- Flowy dresses for girls
- Overalls, soft tees, or button-ups for boys
- Neutral tones with a few coordinating colors
Most importantly, choose outfits they can move in. Running, twirling, and playing create those genuine, joy-filled moments that make your gallery feel alive.
Dressing Babies and Toddlers for Comfort and Simplicity
For your littlest ones, keep things soft and simple.
Go with:
- Neutral rompers or onesies
- Muslin or knit fabrics
- Barefoot whenever possible
Comfort is everything at this stage. Happy babies lead to natural, snuggly, connection-filled images.
What to Avoid for a Cohesive, Elevated Look
There are a few things that can distract from the overall feel of your images. Avoiding these will help keep your gallery timeless and polished.
Try to skip:
- Polos or overly structured shirts
- Clothing with large logos, graphics, or characters
- Bright primary colors like red, blue, or yellow
- Fluorescent or neon tones
- Matching everyone in the exact same outfit
These elements can pull attention away from your connection and date your photos quickly. Instead, lean into soft tones, textures, and movement-friendly pieces.
Why Movement Creates the Most Beautiful Photos
The most meaningful photos are not stiff or overly posed. They come from movement and connection.
When your outfits allow you to:
- Walk hand-in-hand
- Sway together
- Pick up your kids with ease
- Laugh, dance, and play
…your images feel effortless and emotional.
Flowy fabrics, breathable materials, and comfortable fits all work together to create that soft, storytelling look I am known for as a North Dakota family photographer.
Where to Start When Planning Your Outfits
If you are unsure where to begin, start with mom’s outfit. Then build the rest of the family around it.
Stick with:
- A neutral base
- Coordinating tones
- Mixed textures
- Comfortable fits
This approach keeps everything cohesive while still allowing each personality to shine.
Book Your North Dakota Family Session
If you’re planning a summer family session in North Dakota and want guidance every step of the way—including styling your outfits—I would love to work with you as your North Dakota family photographer.
You can reach out and start planning your session here:
https://copperandpinestudio.com/contact
Let’s create something timeless, connected, and beautifully you 🤍
