What To Wear For Summer Family Sessions
The goal is to look and feel comfortable and coordinated.
Light, Breathable Fabrics
Choose fabrics that breathe and move well. Cotton, linen, and soft blends photograph beautifully and help everyone stay cool. Avoid heavy materials or anything that traps heat.
Stick to Soft, Summery Colours
Neutrals and soft tones work best in summer light. Think cream, beige, soft blues, sage, dusty pink, warm earth tones and pastels. You do not need everyone in the same colour. White shirts and denim is boring! Aim for a cohesive palette instead.
Keep Patterns Simple
Small, subtle patterns are fine, but avoid bold prints, logos, and strong stripes. These can pull attention away from faces and dates your images quickly.
Coordinate, Don’t Match
Choose 3–4 colours and build outfits around them. Mix textures and tones rather than putting everyone in identical outfits. This creates a more natural, editorial look.
Dress for Movement
Summer sessions often involve walking, playing, or sitting on the ground. Clothes should allow for easy movement. For children especially, comfort is more important than being “perfect.”
Footwear Matters
Barefoot is perfect for beach sessions. Otherwise, keep shoes simple and neutral. Avoid running shoes or footwear with bright accents if possible.
Keep Accessories Minimal
Simple accessories add interest without overpowering the image.
When in Doubt, Keep It Classic
If you are unsure, choose timeless over trendy. Clean lines, neutral tones and comfortable outfits will always photograph well and still feel relevant years from now.
If you’d like help putting outfits together, I’m always happy to guide you before your session. A little planning goes a long way in creating images that feel natural and effortless.
