I should start by admitting I don’t get professional photos taken very often. Since our wedding 27 years ago, we’ve only done a few full sessions—just three in total. That scarcity is probably why I get so anxious about what to wear. I worry that the wrong outfit will ruin the photos, leave me disappointed, and waste our money.
When I was asked recently for an updated photo for a blogging opportunity, I found myself obsessively studying other bloggers’ profile pictures, scrolling through family photos on Pinterest, and analyzing clothes, hair, posture, and styling choices. There are so many opinions and so many options that it’s easy to get paralyzed.
After all that fretting, I decided to simplify my approach and develop a personal rule that steadied me through the process. It worked, so I’m sticking with it.
Wear whatever makes you feel marvelous!
Stop worrying about whether your outfit should be solid or patterned, a v-neck or a turtleneck, with a jacket or without. Instead, focus on what feels good and authentic to you. When you choose clothing that reflects your personal style and comfort, everything else falls into place: your expression becomes natural, your posture is more relaxed, and the final images look like you.
Almost three years ago we had family photos taken at a camp where we were working at the time. As a mom of only boys, I not only had to decide what I would wear, but also coordinate outfits for my sons. Since the setting was outdoors and casual, I started with my favorite casual outfit and built the rest of the family’s looks around it. That may sound self-centered, but someone has to establish the starting point.
We bought a few new pieces because we needed them, but I made sure each of the boys had items they felt comfortable wearing. Comfort and authenticity mattered more than matching every color perfectly. During the process one of my sons tried on an outfit and admitted, “This will be okay for the picture, but I’ll probably never wear it again.” If a person feels that way, the outfit won’t produce a genuine smile. Instead we chose clothes he already loved, and the results were honest and relaxed.
It’s important that each person feels comfortable and authentic in what they are wearing.
I’ve only ever been a boy-mom, so I can’t claim expertise on coordinating dresses and hair bows, but I learned a universal lesson: when someone feels at ease in their clothes, the camera captures a truer version of them. Trying to force a stylish but unfamiliar look often produces stiff smiles and a wish to hide the photo afterward.
When you select outfits, consider pieces your family actually wears. If you want a more polished look, pick elevated versions of those everyday items—different textures, small accessories, or a smart layer—rather than a costume that makes everyone uncomfortable. The goal is a cohesive feel, not perfect matching or forced trends.
When you wear what feels comfortable to you, you can enjoy the process and be much more relaxed in the photos.
Time has passed since those family sessions, and it’s become more difficult to gather everyone together for a shoot. For my recent photos it was just my husband and me. I worried a floral top might be too busy, but I loved the piece and chose it anyway. The flutter sleeves made me feel great, and my husband’s favorite black sweater paired well with it. The key was choosing something I genuinely enjoyed wearing.
The photographer captured the exact two images I needed in about 15 minutes. That was a wonderful reminder that good planning—picking outfits you love, choosing a setting that suits the clothes, and hiring a photographer who understands your vision—makes the session efficient and enjoyable.
So, if you stress about what to wear for professional or family photos, try this: choose clothing that makes you feel confident and comfortable. Build the rest of the group’s outfits around that starting point, aim for cohesion rather than exact matching, and prioritize everyone’s authenticity. The photos will reflect the real people in them, and you’ll be far more likely to love the final images.
Wear what you love, and you’ll look great.
Photo credits: Mandy O’Brennan Photography and Little Prints Photography.
