What to Wear for Summer Family Photos in Wisconsin: 5 Stress-Free Tips for Busy Moms
One of the most common questions I receive before family sessions is:
"What should we wear?"
And honestly? I get it.
Choosing outfits for your entire family can feel overwhelming. Between coordinating colors, shopping for growing kids, and trying to find something everyone feels comfortable in, it's easy to overthink.
The good news is that you don't need perfectly matching outfits or an entirely new wardrobe to create beautiful photos.
Before we dive in, I want you to know something:
Your family doesn't need perfectly coordinated outfits to have beautiful photos.
The goal isn't perfection. The goal is choosing outfits that help you feel comfortable, confident, and like yourselves.
The connection between your family will always matter more than what you're wearing. 💛
Here are a few of my favorite tips for choosing outfits for your summer family photo session.
1. Coordinate Instead of Matching
Gone are the days of everyone wearing the exact same white shirt and jeans.
Instead, choose colors that complement one another. Think soft blues, creams, sage greens, dusty pinks, warm neutrals, and earthy tones.
These colors photograph beautifully and create a timeless look without feeling overly planned.
A good rule of thumb is to choose a color palette of three to four colors and build everyone's outfits around those tones.
When planning family photos in Sheboygan County, I always recommend choosing colors that complement the natural beauty of our parks, beaches, and outdoor locations.
2. Choose Comfort First
If you're uncomfortable, it will show in your photos.
Family sessions involve walking, snuggling, playing, chasing little ones, and simply being together. The more comfortable everyone feels, the more natural your photos will look.
For children especially, comfort is key. Choosing outfits they can move freely in often leads to happier kids and a much more relaxed experience.
Remember, the goal isn't perfection—it's connection.
3. Consider Your Location
Think about where your session will take place.
For beach sessions, soft neutrals, light blues, and flowing fabrics photograph beautifully. For fields, parks, and wooded areas, earthy tones and softer colors often complement the natural surroundings.
One thing I love about summer family photos in Sheboygan County is the variety of beautiful locations available. From sandy beaches to wooded trails to open fields, every location offers a slightly different feel.
If you're unsure what colors will work best for your chosen location, I'm always happy to help guide you.
4. Avoid Large Logos and Busy Patterns
Simple is almost always best.
Large logos, bright graphics, and busy patterns can pull attention away from what matters most: your family.
Instead, choose timeless pieces that won't distract from the emotion and connection in your images.
Solid colors, subtle textures, and classic styles tend to photograph beautifully and age well over time.
5. Mom, Choose Your Outfit First
This might be my favorite tip.
As moms, we tend to make sure everyone else is taken care of first.
But when you feel confident in what you're wearing, it changes the entire experience.
Choose something you love, something that feels comfortable, and something that makes you feel like yourself. Then build everyone else's outfits around it.
Trust me—this makes the process so much easier.
And remember, your children won't look back at these photos and notice whether your outfit was perfect. They'll notice that you were there with them.
Your Family Doesn't Need to Be Perfect
The most meaningful photos aren't created because everyone has the perfect outfit.
They're created because your family showed up together.
The laughter.
The cuddles.
The way your child reaches for your hand.
The little in-between moments.
Those are the things you'll treasure years from now.
If you've been putting off family photos because you aren't sure what everyone should wear, you're not alone.
Outfit planning is one of the most common concerns I hear from families, which is why I'm always happy to help guide you through the process.
From choosing a location to coordinating outfits, my goal is to make your session feel easy and stress-free from start to finish.
I currently have just two June weekend openings remaining and limited weekday evening availability. I'd love to help your family capture this season with beautiful family photos in Sheboygan County before summer slips away. 💛
Ready to plan your family's summer session?
I currently have just two June weekend openings remaining and limited weekday evening availability.
I'd love to help your family capture this season with beautiful family photos before summer slips away.
