family photo outfit style 2020

Hi there! Happy Monday!

Last week we got family pictures taken (finally. legit the last time we did our youngest who is 5.5 was in the womb) and I was asked several times on my Instagram how I selected our outfits, so today I am going to share my process.

How-To Pick Family Picture Outfits

1-Pick your own outfit first

Now, stay with me here. I knew that I wanted to feel confident and comfortable, so I wanted something that I felt that I could take truly happy, candid, and beautiful pictures in that I wasn’t sucking in, worried about wrinkling, or feeling less than my best in. If it’s engagement pictures or couple pictures, you can focus on your heels or your posture, but with family pictures and young kids? I knew if I picked something that would cover all my bases, I could build the rest of the family’s outfits around that I picked a Blush dress from Lucy Avenue.

2-Figure out a color palette

Once you have your outfit, you can pick your color palette. Once I knew that I was wearing a blush dress I decided that the boys all had soft blues that would coordinate well with the dress and this left me to find something for our daughter.

3-Have a “pop” of pattern or color

It isn’t 1998 and we aren’t at a mall photo studio. (Fun fact? Stephan and I got our “engagement” pictures at the mall because we were young and broke. Some could argue that we are still young and broke…joking, ish!) Gone are the days of all white shirts and jeans. It can be scary, but having one person rock plaid, a statement piece like a hat, faux fur for textrue, or a floral print that coordinates with the colors of the other outfits looks great! Just don’t get too busy or too “matchy-matchy”. I was having a rough time finding Hailey something, and ended up finding a jumpsuit at Walmart for less than $10 that was a butterfly floral print, so yes I got lucky.

4-Plan shoes, accessories, and makeup

HURRAY! You’ve laid all the clothing pieces on the bed and you’re happy with the result. The hardest part is over! Now, accessories! Try to not let this be an afterthought. I planned all of my jewelry (I love rings in photos, ladies! They look so good) and picked shoes that I wouldn’t be sinking into the dirt or twisting my ankle in while holding my kids. I wore more makeup than I typically wear in the summer especially, and I do suggest wearing makeup a *bit* heavier than your normal look in photos.

5- Pack extra clothes. Trust me

Put the clothes on just before the pictures, and grab a back-up for anyone who spills or isn’t reliably potty trained. You’ll feel much more relaxed and less tense knowing you have this option.

6- Know your angles and have fun!

I know which “laugh” pose looks naturally and which one makes me look like a hyena. I know my favorite “side”. I know what makes my kids smile. I saved a few inspiration ideas on a Pinterest board and wasn’t afraid to speak up when there were a few pictures I wanted.