What to Wear for Summer Family Photos: 5 Beautiful Color Palettes That Photograph Perfectly
Ahhh…outfit selection. "What should we wear for our family photos?" is probably the most common question I receive as a Buffalo family photographer. And it’s a great question because the right outfits can really add to your final images. But it’s also one more thing to add to the mental load and with everything else you have going on, it can feel overwhelming.
The good news is that there isn't one "right" answer. The goal isn't to match perfectly. I recommend choosing colors that coordinate well together, feel comfortable, and reflect your family's personality. For example, if you love dresses, feel free to wear one for your session. But if you don’t normally wear dresses, don’t feel like it’s necessary.
Summer is one of my favorite seasons for family photography. The long evenings, golden sunlight, beaches and long grassy fields create an amazing backdrop for beautiful family photos. Choosing the right colors can help your images feel timeless, cohesive, and natural. And help you feel confident, which is important!
If you're wondering what to wear for your summer family photos, here are five color palettes that photograph beautifully and work well for a variety of outdoor locations.
Summer Palette #1
Colors:
Terracotta
Mustard
Cream
Dusty Blue
Olive
If you're drawn to warm tones and color, this palette looks great with summer sunsets.
The terracotta and mustard tones give a beautiful glow during golden hour while the more neutral cream and dusty blue help balance the warm tones. This is a color palette that feels vibrant, but not overwhelming.
Great outfit ideas:
Terracotta dress
Mustard button-down shirt
Cream dress with a delicate pattern
Denim jacket
Olive shirt
You could also remove the mustard shirt and use that color for accents such as bows, headbands or other accessories
This palette works particularly well for outdoor family photography sessions held in open fields.
Summer Palette #2
Colors:
Sage Green
Dusty Rose
Ivory
Camel
Denim Blue
This is a great choice for families who love a soft, natural look. The combination feels warm and natural while still adding enough color to create visual interest.
Great outfit ideas:
Dusty rose dress
Sage green knit shirt
Denim blue shirt
Cream shirt and shorts (ruffled sleeves add texture and interest)
Camel-colored bow or other accessories
Textures such as linen, knit sweaters, gauze fabrics, and flowy dresses work great with this palette.
Summer Palette #3
Colors:
Light Blue
Sand
Cream
Soft Gray
White
If you love neutrals, this one is for you. This palette photographs beautifully and would look great especially for beach sessions (Woodlawn Beach, anyone?)
The soft blues complement summer greenery without competing with it, while the neutral tones keep the overall look clean and classic.
Great outfit ideas:
Flowy cream dress
Light blue dress
Khaki shorts or pants
Soft gray shirt
White knit button down
Summer Palette #4
Colors:
Deep Plum
Terracotta
Mustard
Cream
Sage Green
Purple is not a super common choice, but I had to give it a nod because it’s my favorite color and it can photograph beautifully outdoors. When paired with softer neutrals and natural greens, it creates a sophisticated and unique look.
This palette adds color while still feeling light and summery.
Great outfit ideas:
Cream flowy pants
Sage green knit shirt
Eggplant-colored shirt, dress or skirt for one family member
Use the terracotta color for a pattern or accessories instead of a full outfit
Mustard color romper or the mustard color can be used for pattern/accessories as well
This palette is perfect for families who want something a little different while still maintaining a timeless look.
Summer Palette #5
Colors:
Ivory
Cream
Light Brown
Warm Brown
Taupe
This one is another neutral example. These colors work well for summer family photos because they feel light and airy while still providing enough contrast to keep everyone from blending together. Linen, gauze, cotton, knits, delicate patterns and subtle textures look especially nice with this palette.
Great outfit ideas:
Ivory dress
Cream romper with brown/taupe floral pattern
Knit shirt with light brown shorts
Warm brown shirt with cream colored pants
Taupe dress
This palette is perfect for families who love neutrals, but still want a warm, timeless look.
Tips for Coordinating Outfits for Family Photos
When planning what to wear for family photos, keep these guidelines in mind:
Coordinate, Don't Match
Choose a color palette and spread those colors throughout the family rather than dressing everyone in the same outfit.
Start with Mom's Outfit
Select Mom's outfit first and build everyone else's outfits around it. This often makes the planning process much easier.
Add Texture and Layers
Cardigans, knit sweaters, linen fabrics, dresses, bows, and vests add visual interest and photograph beautifully.
Prioritize Comfort
This is very important! Choose clothing that feels comfortable and feels like you. The more comfortable everyone is, the more natural and genuine your photos will feel. I always tell people, you don’t want to spend the photo session try to adjust your clothing and feeling worried about it.
Avoid Large Logos, Neon Colors and any Very Tiny Checkered or Striped Patterns
Bright logos and neon colors can draw attention away from the connections and moments we're trying to capture. They can also create an odd color cast on skin. Tiny checkered or striped patterns can create a wavy effect in photos and I recommend avoiding those.
Final Thoughts
I hope this guide helps you feel less overwhelmed when picking out what to wear for your session. And remember, the best outfits for summer family photos are the ones that help you feel comfortable and confident.
Whether love neutrals, warm tones, or rich colors, choosing a cohesive color palette can help create beautiful, timeless images you'll love for years to come.
If you're planning a summer family photo session and need help selecting outfits, I'm always happy to offer wardrobe guidance and help you coordinate looks that work well together!
Now that you've picked your outfits, let's find the perfect location. Check out some of my favorite family photo locations in Buffalo.
Reading to starting planning your session? Contact me HERE!
