If you've ever stared at your closet the night before a family session and thought, "Why didn't I plan this sooner?" — you're in good company. What to wear is hands-down one of the questions I hear most often, and honestly? It makes total sense. You want everyone to look coordinated but not too matchy. You want colours that photograph beautifully. You want the kids to be comfortable enough to actually move. And you want to feel like yourself.Good news: it's simpler than you think. Here's everything you need to know.

Start With One Person (Usually Mom)

Here's my favourite trick: start with one outfit — usually Mom's — and build everyone else around it.Find something you love, something that feels like you on a good day. Then pull colours and textures from that piece to guide the rest of the family. You don't need to match. You just need to harmonize.Think of it like putting together a bouquet. Not every flower is the same colour, but they all work together beautifully.

Choose a Colour Palette, Not a Uniform

Coordinated doesn't mean identical. In fact, when everyone wears the exact same colour, it can feel a little flat in photos. Instead, choose 2–4 colours that complement each other and let everyone work within that range. Palettes that photograph beautifully:

Soft neutrals — creams, taupes, warm whites, and sandy tones. Earth tones — rust, terracotta, sage, olive, warm brown

Muted pastels — dusty blush, soft blue, lavender, sage green. Classic navy, white, and denim (timeless for a reason!)Colours to approach with care:

Bright neons — they can cast colour onto skin and distract from faces. Pure white on everyone — can feel stark and wash out in bright light. Logos and busy graphics — they pull the eye away from the people you love most

Think About Texture and Layers

This is where the magic really happens. When everyone wears something with a little texture — a knit sweater, a flowy dress, a linen shirt — the photos feel rich and interesting, even within a simple palette. Layers also give you options during the session. A cozy cardigan on a toddler? Adorable with, just as adorable off. A denim jacket for the kids while Mom and Dad look a little more dressed up? Works perfectly.Some of my favourite go-to pieces for families: Flowy maxi dresses or midi skirts for Mom. Linen button-downs for Dad (rolled sleeves = instant style points), soft knit or textured tops for the kids, Bare feet or simple, neutral shoes — shoes often get cropped out anyway!

Comfort Is Non-Negotiable (Especially for Kids)

I mean this sincerely: if your child is itchy, too hot, or in shoes that pinch, you will feel it in the photos. A wiggly, uncomfortable toddler is a force of nature, and no amount of beautiful styling will overcome it. A few things that help: Wash new clothes before the session so they're softer and already broken inLet kids have a say — if they feel good in what they're wearing, their confidence showsSkip scratchy waistbands, stiff collars, or shoes they've never worn — save the brand new sandals for another dayBring a backup outfit for little ones — spills happen, and it's never a bad idea

What About Patterns?

Patterns can absolutely work — you just want to be mindful of mixing them. A good rule of thumb: one statement pattern per group, and keep everything else solid. So if your daughter is wearing a floral dress, pair it with solid tops and bottoms for everyone else. The pattern becomes a beautiful accent rather than visual chaos. Stripes can be tricky — fine, thin stripes sometimes create a moiré effect in photos (a kind of shimmery distortion). Opt for wider, bolder stripes if you love the look.

A Note on Seasonal Styling

Spring/Summer: Light fabrics, soft florals, linen, and cotton — breathable and beautiful. Think relaxed and breezy. Fall: This is a golden season for layering. Sweaters, scarves, boots, rich warm tones — fall family photos in London are something special. Winter/Holiday: Deep jewel tones, cozy knits, velvet for little ones. You don't have to go full Christmas — sometimes a rich plum or forest green feels more timeless and every bit as festive.

Before Your Session: A Quick Checklist

Outfits chosen and tried on (including shoes!)

New clothes washed and broken in.

Backup outfit packed for babies and toddlers.

Nails done if your hands will be in close-up shots (totally optional, just a nice touch!)

Hair and makeup as you'd wear it for a special dinner — polished but still you.

Outfits photographed and sent to me if you'd like a second opinion.

When in Doubt — Ask!

Seriously. I love helping families think through their outfits before sessions. A quick photo on a hanger, a text asking "does this work with this?" — I'm here for all of it. My goal is for you to look back at these photos years from now and feel like that was us, at that season of life — beautiful, real, and completely ourselves. Ready to book your family session? www.redballoonsphotography.com and let's make something you'll treasure for a lifetime.