Let’s start with 2 obvious points – dresses are lovely and lots of women wear them for family photos. It’s the main thing you’ll see moms in if you google or search for inspiration. But what if you’re not a dress person? You’re in good company because the majority of women I work with actually don’t wear dresses for their sessions! My approach to family photos is relaxed, natural, and homey – and for the most part, moms in my world are not frolicking in flowy linen dresses in their day-to-day lives.
This post is here to pull tips and examples that will help you breathe a sigh of solidarity in knowing what to wear for family photos besides dresses.
Another crucial point to lay out –
I am not stylish.
I like quality clothing and I like to feel “pulled together…” but I am no high-fashion maven. My personal, everyday style is very functional, comfortable, and a little masculine. I have no business as your wardrobe consultant.
I just know about photos and people.
I know that when people feel good, they look good.
There are some basic style recommendations that I will give for the sake of keeping things relatively timeless and non-distracting… but there are always exceptions.
Shop your closet
In this post, I’ll share some favorite shop recommendations if you’re on the hunt for updated wardrobe staples you love, but always feel free to shop your closet first. Your go-to favorites are great options and absolutely “photo-worthy.” In fact, they’re what your people see and know you in, which will make your photos feel even more honest.
Plus, less waste in fast-fashion, please.
Any stores I’ll share with you utilize sustainable creation practices in their clothing and/or are small businesses who take your dollar to heart.
Coordinate Without Matching
Good news – if you’ve been under the impression that you need to have matching outfits for everyone in your family photos, times have changed!
This is not a requirement (or a recommendation.) Variety and personality are key elements in photos that feel like you, so it’s 100% okay to loosen your hold on what’s “photo worthy.” Whatever will bring you a smile when you think about who your kids were in this season is OKAY to wear in family photos. And for women, when it comes to choosing what to wear besides dresses, the same rule applies!
Choose something that feels like you – something you feel good in and like yourself at your best.
That’s my #1 tip for walking away happy with your outfit choices.
Stylish Alternatives to Dresses
Jumpsuits
If you’re not a dress person (me either!) there are still so many options for a look that says lovely but still relaxed. I’m a big fan of jumpsuits. They’re just as flattering and comfortable as dresses, but more casual-feeling. (This store and this one tend to have sustainable and cute jumpsuits that can become a closet staple if you’re in the market.)
Denim + a sweater or blouse
Most of the moms I work with wear jeans. Forget Pinterest – it’s the truth.
Pair denim with a soft sweater or a button-up blouse. A favorite t-shirt, even. You can also go for relaxed-fit pants like linen or wide-leg styles, which allow for movement and on-trend. And really, your favorite fitting denim is going to make you feel like a million bucks.
I love Madewell and Roolee for beautiful tops to pair with jeans. Check Everlane for the most gorgeous, cozy sweaters or hit up ThreadUp for a secondhand version at a lower price point!
A fun skirt with a casual top
This is a great way to dress up an everyday look while still giving you-vibes. If you’re deciding what to wear for family photos besides dresses, skirts can pull the same flattering duty with more customized fit. Pair a flowy skirt with a fitted top or favorite teeshirt to mix and match sizing that will feel good all around.
Final Tips for what to wear for family photos besides dresses –
- Avoid big logos or loud prints – they can be dating for your photos and distract from your gorg faces. Clothes are meant to compliment you, not steal the show.
- Consider the location when choosing what to wear. This can help influence complementary colors and vibe.
- Make sure outfits fit well and pass “the movement test.” (Can you sit, stand, lay, and move comfortably in it?)
- Most importantly, wear something that makes you feel good. Confidence looks amazing in photos! But if you feel like you need more of that, check out this post – how to feel more confident in your family photos.
Contrary to popular belief, dresses are not a requirement for family photos.
There’s no need at all to wear clothes that don’t feel like something you’d ever wear in your real life, just “for the photos.”
The photos are for you.
If you want to capture true memories of your life, make sure your clothing is actually something that speaks to who you are – not a pretend, dolled up version your kids won’t recognize. If that means ditching the flowy dresses for pajamas, I say go for it.
You may also like:
Don’t control it, Embrace it (Featured session)
What to wear for your home newborn session
Podcast Interview on The Sleep And Wellness Podcast – Take the Stress out of Family Photos
