What to Wear for Family Photos in Philadelphia (Effortless + Playful Outfit Ideas)
If you’re planning family photos in Philadelphia this spring and summer, one of the biggest questions is what to wear- and it’s often the aspect of photo session planning that feels the most overwhelming.
I am here to reassure you that it doesn’t need to be complicated! In fact, the more personalized your clothing, the more the photos will reflect who your family truly is in the images.
As a Philadelphia family photographer, I approach styling the same way I approach sessions- focused on connection over perfection. The goal isn’t perfectly styled outfits. It’s choosing clothing that feels natural, moves easily, and allows your family to interact without thinking about what you’re wearing. I also love incorporating pops of color and fun textures to make your photos more interesting visually.
Below is exactly how I guide families to create a look that feels effortless, cohesive, and true to your everyday life, just slightly elevated.
Start Here: Less “Perfect,” More Real
The biggest shift to make when choosing outfits is this:
You don’t need to dress up more- you need to relax the idea of getting it “right.”
Slightly more casual almost always photographs better than something overly styled or stiff. When your clothing feels comfortable, your body language changes, and that’s what actually shows up in the images we create together. My goal is to keep your family comfortable, and the outfits you choose play a role in the whole process!
Soft Neutrals + Texture (Your Foundation)
Build your outfits around 2–3 soft tones and mix textures like denim, chunky knit cotton, and linen.
Think:
- creams, soft whites
- light denim
- warm tan or muted blue
These tones reflect light beautifully and keep the focus on your family, not the clothing. Blues, creams and beige give a classic east coast feel that never goes out of style.
How to Coordinate Your Family for Philadelphia Family Photos (Without Matching)
Instead of matching, build around one outfit (I usually suggest starting with mom’s) and layer in complementary tones. Don’t forget to add in a variety of fabrics and textures.
A simple formula:
First pick a color palette to guide you: could be muted earth tones, soft neutrals, vibrant primary colors.
Then build your outfits around these focal points:
- Mom: soft, flowy piece or jeans + a fun top
- Kids: bring in some color and pattern + subtle texture
- Dad: neutral, grounded piece (denim, khaki, knit), stripes or searsucker
It should feel cohesive—but not identical. Don’t be afraid of patterns! Mix it up- wider stripes with some more subtle finer lines and florals.
Keep It Casual (This Is Where Most People Get It Wrong)
- more natural
- more connected
- more like your real life
Think:
- cotton fabrics
- slightly undone hair
- pieces you’d actually wear everyday- not items you would just buy to wear once for family photos.
This is how we start to capture photos that feel like you.
Choose Pieces That Move
Look for:
- dresses with flow for moms and daughters
- soft, flexible fabrics
- layers that shift with movement
These details create dimension and life in your images.
Important note about fabrics: do NOT choose athletic fabric like moisture-wicking! Athletic fabrics have a sheen and are also very thin- they tend to show a lot of wrinkles and shine. They also just don’t look natural. I also very much suggest avoiding thin knit fabric. Knit polos tend to show man-boobs (sorry Dads!) Stick with thicker natural fibers like poplin, cotton and linen, corduory or searsucker.
For Dads (The Most Overlooked Piece)
Dads don’t need to be overthought, but they do help anchor the look.
I recommend planning the mens’ outfits after you have settled on a women’s and children’s outfits that you love. This is not because the men aren’t important, but because they are often the easiest to style using existing clothing! For the guys, keep them in coordinating neutrals:
- Denim or chino pants
- Chambray button-down, linen, henley, or cotton sweater
- Avoid anything too stiff or overly fitted
- Avoid athleisure fabrics at all costs! They just show every wrinkle and imperfection. Choose natural fibers!
- Make sure their shirts are un-tucked length! Nothing worse than a dress shirt left untucked and looking an awkward length.
Comfort matters here more than anything. When dad feels comfortable, the entire session feels more relaxed.
What to avoid when planning what to wear for family photos in Philadelphia
A few things tend to distract in photos:
- neon colors like green and orange
- large logos or graphics
- stiff, structured outfits
- anything uncomfortable
- Short or tight dresses on moms- this makes it hard to move and play comfortably
If it feels like “too much,” it usually is. I promise, keep it simple with clothes you may already own, or perhaps purchasing something new for mom or kids to add a little visual interest!
Don’t be afraid to add pops of color to your family pictures! Below is inspiration of how I would incorporate a mix of colors and patterns for a family to get a whimsical, not overly matching look for family photos. I’ve used stripes, florals, denim, crochet, embroidery and neutrals to create this look.
Favorite Stores for Outfit Planning for your Philadelphia Family Photos
We are lucky enough to have so many options in the Philly area for local shopping! King of Prussia has it all, as well as the shops at Ardmore!
Zara
H +M
Abercrombie
Faherty
Marine Layer
Gap
Carters
Rylee and Cru
J Crew
American Eagle
Fostered Collection
Altar’d State
You can always hop over to my ShopMy to get clickable links with tons of fresh outfit ideas!
Casual Is Exactly Enough
You don’t need to dress your family up beyond who you are. Remember, our goal is not perfection, it’s presence.
When your clothing feels easy, everything else follows.
Planning Your Philadelphia Family Session
Choosing outfits is just one part of creating a session that feels natural and connected.
If you’re looking for a Philadelphia family photographer who will guide you through everything—from styling to location to how your session actually unfolds—you can learn more here: Philadelphia Family Photographer
If you’d like to read more content about Philadelphia area photo sessions:
Top Locations for Family Photos in Philadelphia
22 Things to Do In Philadelphia, PA
Choosing the Newborn Photography in Philadelphia That’s Right For You
9 Reasons Why You Should Book an In-Home Family Session with your Chestnut Hill Photographer
