If you’ve ever typed “family photo outfit ideas” into Pinterest… I just want you to know I’m sending you a virtual hug right now.

Because suddenly everyone is wearing perfectly coordinated beige linen in a field somewhere, and you’re staring at your closet thinking, “We own exactly zero linen outfits… and my toddler only wants to wear a Spider-Man shirt.”

Take a deep breath, this is a normal family closet.

Whether you’re planning family photos in Kansas City, MO, welcoming a brand new baby in St. Joseph, or scheduling a session near Cameron or surrounding areas, here’s the truth:

The best outfits are the ones that feel like YOU.
Not Pinterest. Not Instagram. Not the algorithm.

If you haven’t booked your session yet, you can start that process here → Book Your Session

Now let’s talk outfits.

1. Start With Your Home (Yes, Really)

For newborn sessions especially, think about where your photos will live.

Are you hanging a big canvas over your couch?
Do you love cozy neutrals?
Is your house full of warm wood tones?
Or are you a bold-color-loving, patterned-pillow kind of family?

Your outfits should complement your real life — not some imaginary farmhouse aesthetic.

Because when your photos match your style, they feel timeless. When they match a trend? They can feel dated fast.

Want help deciding what products work best in your home? Check out more tips on albums and wall art over on the blog:
6 Ideas You’ll Actually Use to share family photos

2. Coordinate, Don’t Match

Repeat after me:

We are not wearing matching white shirts and jeans! Buuuuut I bet I could still make it look good wink wink see above. Its really fine if you do, its just easier and it will look good but here is some advice:

Instead:

Pick 2–3 main colors.
Mix textures.
Vary tones (light, medium, dark).

For example:

Mom in a soft cream dress
Dad in a muted blue or charcoal
Kids pulling in pieces of both

It should feel blended, not copy-pasted. See below, same vibe as above but a mix of tones and patterns

This works beautifully for outdoor sunset sessions in the Kansas City metro, and it photographs just as well for in-home newborn sessions in St. Joseph or Cameron.

For more session prep tips (especially if you’re worried about how the session actually flows), you get my prep guides after booking!

3. Dress Mom First (Because If Mom Feels Good, Everyone Wins)

Especially for maternity and newborn sessions.

When you feel confident:

You relax.
You smile naturally.
You stop worrying about your arms.
You stop adjusting your shirt every five seconds.

Flowy dresses photograph beautifully (movement is magic), but if that’s not your vibe? Wear something that is.

Classic. Edgy. Feminine. Simple. Bold.

Your session should reflect your personality.

And yes — this is where your photographer (hi 🙋🏻‍♀️) helps with styling guidance and even access to a client closet if you want it.

You are not doing this alone.

4. Comfort = Happy Kids = Better Photos

If it’s itchy, stiff, or “don’t you dare get that dirty” energy… your kids will sense it.

And they will rebel. Spectacularly.

Instead:

Soft fabrics
Clothes they can move in
Layers in cooler months
Barefoot for cozy in-home newborn sessions

Stay away from

logos
character shirts
words
neon colors

The best family photos aren’t stiff and posed. They’re snuggly, playful, real-life moments. Comfort makes that possible.

If you’re nervous about how your kids will behave (spoiler: you’re not alone), I’ve written more about that over on the blog:
Tips for a stress free family photo session

5. Newborn Sessions: Keep It Simple

For baby:

Neutral swaddles
Soft textures
Minimal patterns
Nothing that overwhelms their tiny features

Your baby is the star. We don’t need neon dinosaurs competing for attention. This is where my studio shines, I have simple wraps, and onsies for baby, so one less thing you need to worry about. I am always adding simple clothing options for big kids too so theres not stress.

For parents and siblings:

Soft neutrals
Muted tones
Avoid large logos and busy patterns

The focus should be connection — not distractions.

Whether we’re photographing your newborn baby in St. Joseph or capturing your growing family in Kansas City, simplicity keeps those images timeless.

How do you even choose where to take photos? You can see more examples and tips here:
Choosing the perfect location What a newborn session looks like

6. Ignore Pinterest (Mostly 😉)

Pinterest is great for inspiration.

It is not great for telling you who you should be.

If you hate hats? Don’t wear one.
If beige makes you feel washed out? Skip it.
If you love bold jewel tones? Let’s use them.

Your photos should feel like your family — not like you borrowed someone else’s aesthetic for an hour.

7. Think “Timeless,” Not “Trendy”

Ask yourself:

Will I still love this in 10 years?

Because your photos aren’t just for Instagram next week. They’re for:

Albums
Wall art
Your kids someday
The legacy you’re building

In 15+ years of photographing families around Kansas City, St. Joseph, Cameron, and all the surrounding areas, the sessions that age best are the ones that felt authentic.

Ready to Plan Your Session?

If you’re planning a family or newborn session in St. Joseph, or Cameron, I’d love to help you create images that feel like home.

✨ Start here to book
✨ Browse my client closet of fancy dresses

Because Pinterest doesn’t know your family.
But I’d love to. 💛

— Alli

What to Wear for Family & Newborn Photos (Without Letting Pinterest Boss You Around)