Choosing the right outfits for your family photos can feel like a daunting task. You want everyone to look their best, and the patterns you select play a significant role in the overall aesthetic of your images. As a photographer with years of experience capturing families, I’ve seen firsthand what works and what doesn’t. While personal style is key, understanding how patterns translate in photographs is crucial. Let’s dive into the world of patterns, with a special focus on the timeless elegance of Floral Print Outfits, to ensure your family photos are picture-perfect.
Note: Some links in this article are affiliate links for products I genuinely recommend. If you make a purchase through them, I may earn a small commission, which helps me create more helpful content for you!
Patterns to Reconsider for Family Photos
Before we blossom into the beauty of floral prints, let’s address some patterns that might not be the best choices for family photos. It’s not about banning these patterns forever, but understanding why they can sometimes be visually distracting in images.
High Contrast Patterns: Patterns, especially smaller ones, featuring stark contrast between dark and light colors can be visually overwhelming. Think strong geometric patterns where dark lines clash against a bright background. These can draw attention away from faces and create a sense of busyness in the photo.
Tight, Dense Stripes: Closely spaced, thin stripes can create a dizzying effect in photographs. They sometimes produce a strange visual artifact called moiré, resulting in unwanted distortions. This is especially true when combined with high contrast colors. While stripes aren’t entirely off-limits, proceed with caution with very fine, tightly packed stripes.
Plaid: Use Sparingly: Plaid can be charming, but it’s become quite common, and overusing it in family photos can sometimes feel a bit dated or visually heavy. If you love plaid, consider limiting it to one family member and opt for softer, less intense color combinations. Avoid plaids that are very vibrant or jarring to the eye.
Patterns to avoid for family photos in portraits
However, let’s pause to appreciate this adorable plaid dress! See? Rules are meant to be guidelines, and sometimes a charming plaid piece can work beautifully.
Baby girl in adorable plaid dress for family portrait
Embrace the Charm: Floral Print Outfits for Family Photos
Now, let’s explore the patterns that truly shine in family photographs, and at the forefront is the delightful world of floral prints! Floral patterns offer incredible versatility and can bring a touch of nature’s beauty to your photos.
Florals: A Timeless Favorite: From delicate and understated to bold and vibrant, floral prints come in countless styles. Smaller, more spaced-out floral patterns photograph beautifully, adding subtle detail without being overwhelming. Larger floral designs can also make a statement and bring a modern, fashionable touch. I particularly adore floral patterns with a single-color background where the flowers stand out – like the warm orange floral print in the example below. Even busier floral patterns can work wonderfully if the colors are harmonious and not too chaotic. Floral print outfits are inherently feminine and flattering, making them an excellent choice for women and girls in family photos.
Stripes: When They Work: Stripes can be fantastic, as long as you avoid the super skinny and tightly packed varieties mentioned earlier. Thick stripes or thinner stripes with wider spacing are visually appealing in photos. They add a linear element that can be quite stylish.
Subtle Geometric Shapes: Patterns with repeating subtle shapes can add visual interest without being distracting. The key here is “subtle.” Choose patterns where the colors are not drastically different, avoiding high contrast combinations like black and white. Lighter colors with white or cream shapes work exceptionally well, like the subtle patterned shirt worn by the dad in the photo below.
Examples of great patterns for family photo outfits including stripes and florals
The Magic of Texture in Family Photo Outfits
Don’t underestimate the power of texture! Texture can add depth and visual interest to your family photos in a subtle and sophisticated way. I am a huge advocate for incorporating textures into outfits. Unlike patterns, you can rarely have too much texture! Consider textures like lace, corduroy, knits, chambray, gauzy or crepe fabrics, velvet, swiss dots, and waffle cloth. These materials photograph beautifully and add a tactile dimension to your images.
Curating Cohesive Family Photo Outfits with Patterns
The secret to successfully using patterns in family photos is balance. You want to avoid overwhelming the images with too many competing patterns. A general guideline is to stick to one or two patterns within the family group and complement them with solid colors and textured pieces for the rest. However, rules are flexible!
Sometimes, you can beautifully incorporate two or even three floral patterns, provided they are distinct enough from each other. For example, combine a smaller floral print with a larger, bolder floral design, as shown in the image below. This creates visual harmony and interest without being chaotic.
Family photo outfit ideas with mom and kids in floral prints on a blanket
Another stylish approach is to pair a floral print with stripes. In the example below, the youngest child wears a yellow and cream striped dress with a sweater, while the mother looks radiant in a floral dress. This combination creates a lovely visual balance.
Family portrait with floral dress and striped dress outfit combination
Alternatively, you can skip patterns altogether and focus solely on textures! Outfits rich in textures photograph exceptionally well. The family below beautifully demonstrates this, using a textured quilt as a prop to add a subtle pattern element to their texture-focused outfits.
Family photos with textured outfits and patterned blanket prop
Inspiration Gallery: Family Photo Outfit Examples
Let’s look at some visual examples to inspire your family photo outfit choices.
Families with One Pattern Focus:
Family photo outfit inspiration with subtle patterns in outdoor setting
Families Gracefully Balancing Two Patterns:
Family standing by mountain in photo session outfits with two pattern elements
A Trio of Patterns Done Right:
Families Showcasing Texture over Pattern:
Family on beach in muted colors and textured clothing for photos
Family portrait in Oregon City with textured outfits for family photos
Are you ready to plan your perfect family photo outfits? When you book your session with me, you’ll receive my exclusive outfit inspiration guide and personalized advice to help you select the most flattering and photographically stunning clothing for your family. I’m here to assist you in making your vision a reality!
Quick Shopping Links for Photo-Ready Clothing on Amazon
To make your outfit selection even easier, I’ve curated some Amazon lists featuring clothing that I believe would look fantastic in photographs. Some items I personally own and love, while others are highly-rated finds. Be sure to read reviews before making your purchases!
My Amazon Collection of Women’s Dresses Perfect for Photo Sessions
Adorable Girls Dresses and Rompers for Photo Shoots
Stylish Outfits for Men and Boys for Family Photos
More Fantastic Places to Shop for Photo Outfits
Rylee + Cru (Charming baby and kid clothing – click for a $30 discount on orders of $100 or more!)
Joyfolie (Exceptional dresses for women and girls)
Banana Republic (Excellent options for men’s clothing)
Explore More Family Photo Outfit Guides
Looking for more in-depth advice on what to wear for family photos beyond patterns? I’ve written extensively on this topic:
What to Wear for Maternity Photos
The Best Colors to Wear for Family Photos
What NOT to Wear to Your Photo Sessions
Outfit Ideas for In-Home Lifestyle Sessions
Preparing for Overcast Day Photo Sessions
Dressing for Winter Family Photos
You can also visit my dedicated What to Wear page on my website for comprehensive information, visual examples, and direct links to recommended stores.
