Spring has a way of breathing new life into everything—from the flowers in bloom to the sunshine peeking through after long winter months. It’s also one of the most popular seasons for family photos. My family and I make it a tradition to take pictures every spring (along with our holiday photos), and year after year I’m grateful for the memories we capture. These snapshots are more than just pretty pictures—they’re keepsakes that tell the story of our family through the seasons.
If you’re planning your own spring photo session, you might be wondering: What should we wear? Coordinating outfits can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re dressing multiple family members, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. With a little planning, you can create a cohesive look that feels polished, natural, and true to your family’s personality.
Here are my favorite tips and outfit ideas to help you feel confident, comfortable, and ready for the camera.
Key Things to Consider Before Choosing Outfits
Before you start shopping or pulling pieces from your closet, it’s worth thinking through a few important details:
1. Season
Since we’re talking spring, the weather is often unpredictable—sometimes warm and sunny, other times still a little cool. Layering is your best friend here. Think light sweaters, flowy dresses, cardigans, or button-downs that can easily be added or removed depending on the temperature.
2. Location
Your photo setting is just as important as your outfit. Are you taking pictures outdoors in a park filled with flowers? In an open field? Maybe in a studio? The backdrop helps determine whether your outfit should blend softly with the scene (think pastels among cherry blossoms) or stand out with a bolder pop of color.
3. Occasion
What are these photos for? If you’re framing them for your living room, you may want timeless neutrals or muted tones. If they’re going on Easter cards or a seasonal announcement, playful pastels or brighter hues can be a fun choice. Let the occasion guide your styling decisions.
4. Color Palette
This is where things come together. A well-thought-out color scheme makes your photos look polished and cohesive without feeling overly “matchy.” Try picking two or three complementary shades and weaving them throughout everyone’s outfits. For spring, soft pastels, earthy neutrals, or even pops of brighter colors like coral or sage green work beautifully.
Pro tip: Avoid everyone wearing the exact same shade. Instead, play with variations of the palette so it feels coordinated but natural.
Outfit Ideas for Spring Family Photos
Now let’s get into the fun part—outfit inspiration! Whether you’re taking solo shots, couple photos, or family portraits, these ideas can help spark your vision.
For Moms
- A flowy midi dress in a pastel or floral print paired with neutral sandals or block heels.
- A linen jumpsuit with delicate jewelry for a chic yet comfortable option.
- If you prefer separates, a skirt and blouse combo in soft spring tones works beautifully.
For Dads
- A lightweight button-down (solid or subtly patterned) with chinos or tailored jeans.
- Neutral sweaters layered over collared shirts add texture and dimension.
- Stick to lighter shades like gray, beige, or soft blues to complement spring tones.
For Kids
- Girls: Dresses with subtle prints, hair bows, or even coordinating cardigans.
- Boys: Button-down shirts, suspenders, or polos paired with khakis or shorts.
- Tip: Comfort is key with little ones—if they feel good in their outfits, they’re much more likely to stay happy during photos.
For Babies
A simple romper or bubble suit in a soft pastel looks sweet and timeless. Bonus points if it has little details like ruffles, embroidery, or wooden buttons.
Coordinating Without Over-Matching
One of the biggest challenges with family photos is striking the balance between looking cohesive without dressing like clones. My advice? Choose a palette and let each person’s personality shine through within those colors.
For example, if your palette is blush, cream, and sage:
- Mom might wear a blush dress.
- Dad could wear a sage button-down with khakis.
- A child could wear cream overalls with a sage bow tie or headband.
You’re tying everyone together through color, but the outfits still feel natural and true to each person’s style.
Extra Styling Tips
- Textures matter: Incorporating knits, lace, linen, or denim adds depth to your photos.
- Avoid big logos or loud graphics: They can distract from the people in the picture.
- Comfort comes first: If someone feels stiff in their outfit, it will show in the photos.
- Think about footwear: Shoes don’t need to match perfectly, but they should complement the outfit and be season-appropriate.
- Hair and accessories: Simple touches like soft curls, a headband for kids, or layered necklaces for moms can pull the whole look together.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, the most important thing is that you and your family feel comfortable and confident in whatever you wear. When you’re relaxed and having fun, that joy will shine through in your photos far more than any perfectly curated outfit.
Spring family pictures are all about capturing the season of life you’re in—messy hair, giggles, and all. With a little planning, your wardrobe will complement the beautiful memories you’re creating.
So gather your crew, pick a color palette, and get ready to smile. These are the photos you’ll treasure for years to come.
