Planning family photos is exciting… until you get to the part where you have to decide what everyone should wear.
If you're anything like most Texas moms, this is the moment where excitement turns into mild panic. Between our unpredictable weather, bright sun, and outdoor locations, choosing outfits for family pictures in the Texas Hill Country can feel overwhelming.
Don’t worry — I’ve got you covered! Here’s a simple guide to help your family look coordinated, comfortable, and timeless in your upcoming session.
Dress for the Texas Season
Texas weather likes to keep us guessing — especially in the Hill Country — so choosing season-appropriate outfits is key.
Spring & Summer:
Light, breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, and chiffon photograph beautifully and help keep everyone cool during those warmer evenings. Flowy dresses for mom and lightweight button-downs for dad are always a great choice.
Fall & Winter:
Layers are your best friend! Think light sweaters, denim jackets, cardigans, or vests. These not only add visual interest but allow for easy outfit changes if temperatures shift during your session.
Choose a Color Palette (Not Matching Outfits)
Gone are the days of everyone wearing white shirts and jeans. Instead of matching, aim for coordinating colors.
Stick with:
Neutrals (cream, tan, ivory, gray)
Earth tones (rust, sage green, mustard, dusty blue)
Soft pastels (blush, lavender, light blue)
Avoid:
Neon colors
Busy patterns
Large logos or graphics
Bright reds or oranges (these can reflect onto skin tones in harsh Texas sunlight)
A good rule of thumb is to pick 3–4 colors and mix them throughout the family’s outfits.
Start with Mom’s Outfit First
This is my number one tip!
Choose something you feel confident and comfortable in — like a maxi dress, midi dress, or flowy skirt — then build everyone else’s outfits around your color palette. Dresses tend to photograph beautifully because they add movement and softness to your images.
Think About Your Location
Your outfit choices should complement your session location.
Field or Nature Sessions: Soft neutrals, earthy tones, and flowy fabrics
Urban or Downtown Areas: Slightly dressier outfits or darker tones
Lakeside Sessions: Light blues, creams, and soft greens
You want your family to stand out — not blend into the background.
Add Texture & Layers
Textures like:
Knit sweaters
Lace details
Denim
Linen
Corduroy
add dimension to your images and keep outfits from looking flat on camera.
Layers like cardigans, vests, or jackets can also give your gallery more variety without needing a full outfit change.
Dress for Comfort
If kids are uncomfortable, it will show in your photos.
Make sure:
Clothes fit well
Shoes are easy to walk in
Nothing is itchy or too tight
And for the love of all things Texas… please avoid brand-new shoes right before your session!
Final Tip: When in Doubt, Keep It Simple
Timeless outfits will always outshine trendy ones when you look back on your photos years from now. Soft colors, comfortable fabrics, and simple coordination go a long way in creating beautiful family portraits you'll love for a lifetime.
Still not sure what to wear? I’m always happy to help my clients style their sessions — just send me a message!
