What to Wear for Your Kent Family Photos (Without Looking Too Matchy-Matchy!)

“What do we wear?!”

If you’ve ever planned family photos, you’ve probably wondering this very question. You don’t want to agonise over it too much, but also want to style your family naturally to make the most of your upcoming photoshoot.

And you’re not alone! This is the number 1 thing people think about before their session. 

You want everyone to look coordinated but not overly styled. 

You want timeless, not trendy.

There’s a simple way to put together outfits that feel natural, effortless, and uniquely YOU—without the stress. 

I’m here to help so you can stop overthinking and start feeling excited about your Kent family photography session. 

Mum Picks First!

Instead of trying to coordinating the entire family, start with what makes YOU feel amazing!

Maybe it’s that midi dress that makes you feel effortlessly put together, or a cozy oversized sweater that keeps you comfy but still polished. Whatever it is, pick your outfit first. Then, use it as the anchor for everyone else.

Once you’ve got your outfit, look at its colors, textures, and overall vibe.

If your dress is a soft floral, your family can pull from those colours—maybe your partner wears a muted blue shirt, and your kids wear solid neutrals with a tiny pop of a matching colour.

This way, everyone looks coordinated without looking like they came in a matching set from a catalog.

Start with a Colour Palette, Not Matching Outfits

Super matchy outfits can date over time quickly so I recommend that instead of dressing everyone in the same color, pick 3-4 colors that work well together and spread them out among family members.

Here’s a trick: Look at your home décor. The colors you naturally gravitate toward in your home are likely the ones you’ll love in your photos!

A good balance of solids and subtle patterns is key. 

If Dad wears a stripe shirt, let Mum go for a solid dress, and have the kids in a mix of soft textures and layers to add depth. 

Dress for Your Location & Season

Your background plays a huge role in how your outfits look.

If you’re family photoshoot is in a green park, avoid wearing too much green or you’ll blend right into the scenery. Instead, earth tones, soft blues, or warm rust colors will help your family stand out beautifully.

One mistake people make? Dressing for the “look” instead of the weather. The weather in the summer in the UK can vary hugely from day to day as we all know, so prepare some layers. And for winter sessions, layer in a way that still looks put together—think chic wool coats, scarves, and cute boots rather than giant puffy jackets.

Avoid Distracting Logos & Graphics

Your toddler’s favorite superhero shirt? Adorable. Just maybe not for the family photo. 😂

Anything with big logos, text, or neon colors is going to pull attention away from what really matters—your faces and connection.

However if you are a family who love colour and it is part of your personality then I 100% think you need to lean into what makes you you - just avoid clashing too much!

Consider Movement & Comfort

Family photos aren’t about standing stiffly and my sessions are all about having fun together as a family and going for a walk so we can capture movement, playfulness, and real moments. That means your outfits need to move with you!

For mums, dresses with a little flow photograph beautifully. 

For kids, avoid anything too tight, stiff, or itchy—they’ll be uncomfortable, which means less patience and more meltdowns.

For dads/partners, layers always look good. A lightweight jacket or open button-up shirt over a solid tee adds depth without bulk.

Here’s the thing—your family photos aren’t about the outfits. 

They’re about your people, your love, and the little moments in between. 

But when you feel comfortable, confident, and put together, it makes the entire experience smoother and more fun.

So if you’ve been stressing about what to wear, this is my key takeaway:

Start with your outfit, pick a simple colour palette you love, dress for the setting, and focus on comfort. Easy!

The goal isn’t perfection—it’s capturing your family’s connection in a way that feels natural and true to you!

Ready to book your Kent family session?

Let’s make it happen— get in touch today to enquire about availability, I would love to work with you- whatever you end up wearing!!