How to Coordinate Outfits for Extended Family Photos: Tips for All Generations
A Personal Guide to Coordinated, Comfortable, and Meaningful Outfits
You’ve finally done it—you found a date when Grandma, the cousins, your brother-in-law, and everyone in between can be in the same place at the same time. 🎉 Now comes the next big question:
“What do we all wear?”
If you’re already sweating a little, take a deep breath. This isn’t about looking like a perfectly curated Pinterest board. It’s about feeling good, looking cohesive, and letting your love for each other take center stage (not that one itchy shirt no one can stop fidgeting with).
Here’s your ultimate, no-stress guide to dressing your beautifully big crew for an extended family photo session that feels like you.
Start With What Matters Most: Mom, Grandma, or That Meaningful Piece
If Grandma has a dress that makes her feel beautiful, or Mom knows exactly what she wants to wear, let that be the starting point. Photos where they feel confident and comfortable are the ones that will get printed and framed (and let’s be honest, they’re often the ones coordinating the session anyway!).
Or maybe someone has a meaningful outfit that sets the tone—a traditional garment that reflects your heritage or your daughter’s favorite floral dress that twirls just right. Start with something that matters and build the family’s color palette around it.
Coordinate, Don’t Match
I say this a lot because it’s true: you don’t want everyone wearing the same thing. Instead of a sea of white shirts and jeans, aim for balance and variety.
Here are a few ideas that work beautifully:
Choose a color palette of 2–3 main colors and mix in neutrals like cream, tan, gray, or navy.
Use one outfit as inspiration. Grandma’s floral blouse or a child’s print dress can inspire everyone else’s solids.
Vary textures. Fabrics like linen, denim, chunky knits, and cotton blends add life and movement to your photos without being too busy.
The goal is to look coordinated and thoughtful, but never stiff or overly styled.
Comfort is Key: We Want Natural Smiles, Not Wardrobe Woes
When you feel good, you look good. And when kids and adults are comfortable, it shows in the photos. We’ll be walking around a bit, sitting on the ground, picking up little ones, and maybe dodging the occasional bunny at Juanita Bay.
A few outfit comfort tips:
Avoid anything that needs adjusting. Skip that shirt that pulls open at the buttons or a dress that rides up when you move. That way you can focus on family instead of fussing.
Layers are your friend. Bring a cardigan, jean jacket, or scarf to add or remove as the weather changes. These not only help with temperature but can also add visual variety in your photos.
Dress for movement. Lightweight, flowy dresses photograph beautifully, especially if the wearer feels confident and free to move in them.
Don’t force anyone into something they don’t feel like themselves in. If someone hates what they’re wearing, their expression will show it, and that’s the opposite of what we want.
Let’s Talk About Footwear
Shoes might not seem like a big deal until someone shows up in stilettos sinking into the grass or a toddler’s new shoes leave blisters halfway through the session.
Choose comfortable, neutral footwear that allows you to walk, move, and play naturally.
Boots, leather sandals with straps, or clean sneakers in tones like tan, gray, navy, or brown work well.
Just skip neon running shoes, worn-out flip flops, or anything that distracts from your overall look.
Footwear ties your outfit together and also helps avoid stubbed toes and sore feet halfway through.
The Small Details Matter
You don’t have to be overly styled, but a few thoughtful choices will make your photos feel polished and timeless.
Wear your wedding rings and any meaningful family jewelry that adds sentimental value.
Empty pockets of phones, keys, and wallets (they create weird shapes and bulk in photos).
Check fingernails. A quick trim or polish refresh helps, especially in close-ups.
Remove smartwatches or fitness bands unless they're meaningful accessories.
If you'd like, bring one large shoulder bag to carry a few essentials (cell phones, water bottles, a sweater someone takes off, or a clean snack for the kids).
Avoid This Common Mistake With Jackets
It’s totally fine to bring a jacket to stay warm before or after the session. But jackets that aren’t intended to be worn in photos often become a source of tension during the session, especially for kids.
If a child is wearing their jacket when the best candid moment happens, we either miss the moment or end up with photos where they’re bundled in something you didn’t plan to include. And asking them to remove it can start a whole debate right in the middle of our shoot.
If a jacket is part of the outfit (like a jean jacket or cozy sweater), that’s great, just make sure everyone knows what stays on and what gets stashed away before we begin.
A Blanket is Always a Good Idea
Bringing a neutral, solid-colored blanket to sit on or wrap up in is a great way to add comfort and visual appeal to your session. If it’s a meaningful quilt or family heirloom, even better! We can use it for cuddly cousin groupings, grandparents with little ones, or relaxed seated shots on the grass.
Coordinating With a Big Group: My Favorite Tips
Extended families = lots of moving parts. Here’s what I’ve seen work best:
Message all adult family members with the outfit plan. Share your color palette or lead outfit and, if possible, send a picture of it.
If you’re into it and really organized, create a Pinterest board with your vision. It’s an easy way to offer a quick visual and get everyone on the same page.
If you're unsure about how it’s coming together, text me a photo of outfits laid out on a bed or floor. I love helping with this, and a quick second opinion can save time and stress later.
You don't have to figure it all out alone; I'm here to help.
One Last Thought
Your extended family session isn’t just a photo op, it’s a celebration of your people. When everyone feels good and dresses in a way that’s both meaningful and comfortable, your images will reflect all the joy, connection, and love you share.
And that’s what we’re really after.
Need more help planning your session? Be sure to read:
👉 The Ultimate Guide to Extended Family Photo Sessions
Want me to help review your outfit plan or make location suggestions? I’m just an email away and happy to chat.
Let’s make your next family photo the one everyone treasures.
