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The stock image family photo usually includes matching ugly sweaters, uncomfortable poses, and unnatural smiling. Next year’s Christmas card didn’t showcase your best assets, but it made for a charming addition to your Grandma’s mantle.
Thankfully, we evolved past the ‘Walmart’ phase of family photography, as we finally recognized the need for fashion and framing.
If you can’t look past the dated sweater and jean combo, we’ve rounded up a few family photo outfit ideas for your next shoot. This article will cover various style topics, including:
- Fall family photo outfits
- Spring family photo outfits
- Summer family photo outfits
- Beach family photo outfits
- Christmas family photo outfits
What Makes Up A Family Photo Outfit?
Family photos typically require a conservative dress code. They should be tasteful in silhouette and simple in design. And, in some cases, professionals will advise models to wear certain colors.
For instance, neutral-toned backgrounds require pastel hues, while darker scenes may need brighter tones such as red and sage green. In regards to family photo outfits, it’s best to color-coordinate with your family members to give the photo a cohesive look.
History Of Family Photos
Family portraits date all the way back to the mid-1800s. Daguerreotype photography was relatively popular during that time, which made picture-taking somewhat accessible to the mass public.
Over the years, cameras and printing evolved in order to enhance the image and cheapen the photography process. As a result, family photos slowly became an affordable luxury for blue and white collared civilians to indulge in.
What Are Some Popular Family Photo Outfit Ideas?
Long gone are the days when family photos featured itchy grandma sweaters. Given the advancements in picture-taking technology, it’s time to modernize the cheesy family photo.
For those in need of family photo outfit ideas, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. We’ll share some trendy ensembles to consider for your photo shoot.
5 Family Photo Outfit Ideas
There’s something charming about the vintage family photo. Obviously, the modernization of photography takes away the nostalgic flair…or does it?
Instead of opting for a casual dress code, we recommend wearing a retro outfit—whether that be a blue dress or an olive green blazer. Classic in silhouette and design, this ‘family photo outfit ideas’ contender exudes a warm, inviting vibe that speaks of fond memories.
Perfect for summer and spring, this ‘family photo outfit ideas’ option features a soft color palette composed of whites and creamy neutrals.
The ensembles themselves are relatively simple—as the picture focuses on the people rather than the clothing. Featuring button-downs, trousers, and flowy dresses, it’s the kind of pic that screams ‘rustic family running an organic farm.’
We tend to forget that family photos don’t exclusively include four members. They often include groups of two or three as well.
Case in point, this vintage-inspired contender features romantic ensembles comprised of white blouses, black bottoms, and pearl jewelry.
Considered the perfect pic for mothers and daughters, this ‘family photo outfit ideas’ example can act as a holiday card or a thanksgiving present for uncles and aunties.
Considered a glamorous take on the traditional group pic, this collection of family photo outfit ideas features bright colors, vibrant patterns, and a pair of suede boots.
It’s a great alternative for moms and dads who are not fond of basic hues and simple silhouettes.
Airy and light, this ‘family photo outfit ideas’ contender pairs well with the scenic beach view in the background.
It features a collection of neutral-toned dresses, blue accents, and seashell whites, which gives the entire pic a nautical charm.
Fashion Tips To Avoid With Family Photo Outfit Ideas
From holiday family photo outfits ideas to Thanksgiving-themed photoshoots, we’ve committed dozens of fashion sins in the past. Our collective scrapbooks feature dated dresses, horrid grandma sweats, and questionable takes on formalwear.
For those gearing up for a picture retake, here are some styling tips to avoid when it comes to family photo outfit ideas.
- The itchy cable-knit sweater: Winter family photo outfits often include a cheesy collection of grandma knits. Unless it’s intentionally cheesy, we recommend leaving your bulky pullover at home.
- Matching sets: A good majority of modern family photography involves a variety of different outfits.
- Quotes and images: As a general rule of thumb, when putting together family photo outfits, you shouldn’t wear clothing that features words and graphic prints.
Best Places To Buy Family Photo Outfits
In need of some store recommendations? If so, this ‘family photo outfit ideas’ guide will feature some suggestions down below. When you’re ready to start shopping, here are a few retailers you can check out:
- Nordstrom
- Everlane
- Reformation
- Urban Outfitters
Final Thoughts
Despite its cringy past, you shouldn’t treat the family photo with dread. It provides a unique opportunity to look your best, and a way to create a memorable keepsake—especially if it’s cemented in a yearly scrapbook.
If anything, you should perceive it as a neat way to view your style evolution. It’s kind of like a time capsule, but for fashion.
From frilly dresses to retro fits, there’s definitely no shortage of family photo outfit ideas online. Hopefully, you’ve gathered enough inspiration to come up with your own ensemble.
Looking for more outfit ideas? We’ve got you covered: