What to Wear for Summer Family Photos: Styling & Outfit Tips
This Post May Contain Affiliate LinksSummer is officially here! I’m so excited!!!
Summer means beautiful beach sessions, golden mountain sessions, and summer floral sessions. However, if you’re anything like most of my clients, you’re probably standing in front of your closet thinking, What in the world are we going to wear?
If you're feeling stuck on what to wear for summer family photos, don’t worry - I’ve got you covered with my favorite tips, outfit combos, and real-life advice to make the whole process a breeze!
Trust me, I get it. I’ve been there. Not just as a photographer helping clients figure out the perfect look, but also as a mom trying to wrangle my own family into outfits that feel coordinated, flattering and don’t cause a meltdown (…from me).
Table of Contents
Choosing your Color Palette for Summer Photos
Best summer color combinations
Colors to avoid
Consider your photo location
Why Her Style Matters Most
Fabric Choices: Comfortable & Beautiful
Accessory Recommendations
Best Places to Shop for Mom
How to elevate your style
Patterns to avoid
How to stay comfortable
Best Places to Shop for Dad
Older Kids (Tweens/Teens)
Little Kids (Ages 3-8)
Toddlers (1-3)
Babies (Under 1 Year)
Best Places to Shop for Kids
1. Choosing your Color Palette for Summer Photos
Best summer color combinations
When it comes to what to wear for summer family photos, think light, airy, and natural. Soft neutrals like cream, beige, and warm white always photograph beautifully and pair well with almost any setting - whether you're at the beach, in a garden, or out in an open field.
For a seasonal pop, try incorporating muted tones like dusty blue, sage green or blush. These colors add personality without overwhelming the image, and they create a cohesive, timeless look across the whole family. The key is to mix and match within a coordinated palette rather than going for exact matches - this keeps things looking effortless and elevated.
Colors to avoid When Planning What to Wear for Summer Family Photos
When planning outfits for your summer family photos, there are a few colors you'll want to steer clear of to keep your images looking clean and timeless. Bright, neon or jewel tones, WILL cast unnatural colors onto the skin, especially in sunlight, and tend to distract from the faces and emotions in the photo.
Similarly, dark colors can feel too harsh for the light, airy aesthetic of summer sessions, and bold patterns or logos can pull focus away from the connection between family members. Instead, opt for softer, muted tones that complement the natural surroundings and let your family's expressions take center stage.
Consider your photo location
Your location for your photoshoot plays a huge role in not only the colors you should choose, but also the layers and style you should wear.
Beach Locations: Think soft neutrals, light blues, and sandy tones that reflect the colors of the ocean and sky. You’ll also want to bring layers. The beaches get insanely windy in the summer right around sunset.
Mountain sessions: Here in Malibu, the Santa Monica mountains turn a beautiful, golden color. Warm earthy tones like cream, soft brown, sage, and muted rust look beautiful against the sunlit landscape. These locations get super hot, so wear clothes that are breathable and light weight.
Floral Locations: Summer flowers include Lavender, Sunflowers, and Roses. You should go with light, complementary tones such as white, cream, pale blues, or other pastel tones that suite the flowers, that way you enhance the setting without competing with it.
Want more ideas for Photo Locations? Check out this blog post!
Discover the Top Malibu Photo Spots for Your Next Photoshoot
Come explore the most breathtaking photoshoot locations in Malibu! From golden beaches to scenic cliffs, find the perfect spot to capture stunning, unforgettable moments.
Letting the location influence what to wear for summer family photos helps create a cohesive, natural look that brings the whole session together.
2. Styling Mom
Why Her Style Matters Most
When it comes to summer family photos, styling Mom is the most important piece of the puzzle. Her outfit often sets the tone for the entire session—both in terms of color palette and overall vibe. Whether she’s in a flowy dress or a soft, textured top and skirt, her look will naturally draw the eye, so it’s important to choose something that feels both flattering and comfortable.
Once Mom’s outfit is chosen, it becomes much easier to coordinate the rest of the family around her which creates a cohesive look without the stress of over-matching. And that’s a big part of what to wear for summer family photos: letting one anchor piece guide the entire wardrobe.
Fabric Choices: Comfortable & Beautiful
The goal is to find pieces that not only look beautiful but also feel comfortable in warm weather. Flowy materials like cotton, linen, and lightweight chiffon or tulle are perfect for keeping cool while adding soft movement to photos—especially if there’s a breeze.
Avoid stiff or heavy fabrics that can feel restrictive. Instead, opt for breathable textures that drape naturally and photograph with a soft, romantic feel. A well-chosen fabric can elevate even a simple outfit, helping Mom feel confident, relaxed, and effortlessly elegant in front of the camera.
Accessory Recommendations
Accessories can elevate Mom’s look and add just the right amount of personality to your summer family photos, without being distracting. Think simple, timeless pieces like delicate gold or pearl jewelry, a sunhat with soft structure, or dainty hair accessories like a barrette or floral clip. If your session is outdoors, especially at the beach or in an open field, barefoot or strappy neutral sandals can work beautifully and keep the vibe relaxed.
Avoid chunky statement pieces or anything that might shift or need adjusting during the session. The goal is to add soft details that enhance the outfit and help Mom feel polished, comfortable, and photo-ready.
Best Places to Shop for Mom
Here are my favorite places that I always recommend to moms if they don’t want to wear pieces from my Client Closet:
For light, flowy dresses that photograph beautifully, Baltic Born, Morning Lavender, Petal and Pup are always at the top of my list. They offer feminine, flattering pieces that work well in natural light and movement.
For expectant moms, Nothing Fits But and Worth Collective carry gorgeous, bump-friendly styles that look effortless and elegant on camera.
If you're going for a more elevated or show-stopping look, Anthropologie and JessaKae have stunning options with unique textures, silhouettes, and colors that can really anchor your family's entire style.
3. Dad’s Summer Photo Style
How to elevate Dads style
Dad’s outfit plays a big role in tying the whole family look together, and with just a few simple choices, his summer photo style can feel effortlessly elevated. Instead of defaulting to a basic tee and shorts, opt for a lightweight linen or cotton button-up paired with tailored chinos or relaxed linen pants in neutral or earthy tones like sand, oatmeal, or soft gray.
These textures add depth without feeling fussy and photograph beautifully in natural light. Rolled sleeves, a casual collar, and even going barefoot at the beach can keep things relaxed while still polished. Keeping Dad’s style clean, comfortable, and coordinated helps create a cohesive, timeless look that blends seamlessly with the rest of the family.
Patterns to avoid
When it comes to Dad’s summer photo style, avoiding the wrong patterns can make a big difference in how your photos turn out. Bold plaids, loud graphics, and busy prints can be distracting and often clash with the soft, cohesive look you’re going for, especially in natural outdoor settings. Instead, stick to solids or subtle, minimal patterns like thin stripes or soft textures that add interest without stealing the spotlight.
Logos should also be avoided, as they can date your photos and pull focus from the connection and emotion in the images. Keeping Dad’s look simple and classic helps ensure the final gallery feels timeless and beautifully balanced.
How to stay comfortable
Staying comfortable is key to helping Dad look and feel his best during summer family photos—especially in warm weather. Choose breathable, lightweight fabrics like linen, cotton, or gauze that allow for airflow and won’t trap heat. When Dad feels good in what he’s wearing, it shows—and it makes for much more relaxed, authentic photos.
Best Places to Shop for Dad
Here are my favorite places that I always recommend for dads:
H&M and Old Navy offer affordable, lightweight basics like linen button-downs and neutral chinos that photograph well.
For more elevated options, Banana Republic and J.Crew Factory offer timeless pieces in soft, summer-friendly fabrics that help Dad look sharp while staying cool.
4. Styling the Kids
Each age group has its own styling needs—and personality quirks. Here's how to keep everyone photo-ready without tears or major meltdowns!
Older Kids (Tweens/Teens)
Styling older kids (especially tweens and teens) for summer family photos is all about finding the balance between coordinated and age-appropriate.
Let them pick 1–2 outfit options so they feel included
Guide them toward solids or subtle patterns that blend with your family palette
Skip large logos or text (they age the photos and distract from the faces)
Flowy dresses, linen jumpsuits, or soft cotton tops with skirts or relaxed pants work beautifully for young ladies
Boys can opt for breathable button-ups or polos paired with lightweight chinos or shorts in soft, neutral tones.
At this stage, comfort and confidence matter just as much as the overall look, so involve them in the outfit selection process to help them feel their best.
Little Kids (Ages 3-8)
Styling little kids ages 3–8 for summer family photos should focus on comfort, movement, and keeping things simple and sweet.
Choose soft, breathable fabrics like cotton or muslin that allow them to run, twirl, and snuggle without fuss. Flowy dresses, simple rompers, or pull-on linen shorts with a soft top are great choices that look polished without being restrictive. Stick to light, neutral, or muted tones that coordinate with the family palette.
Avoid bold patterns, characters, or logos that can distract in photos. Barefoot is often best for beach or outdoor sessions, and if shoes are needed, go for neutral sandals or slip-ons. When little ones feel comfy and free to be themselves, their natural joy and energy make the photos shine.
Toddlers (1-3)
Soft one-piece outfits like rompers, bubble suits, or simple linen sets are ideal—they look adorable, allow for easy movement, and stay in place while your toddler explores. Choose breathable fabrics in soft, neutral tones or gentle pastels that coordinate with the rest of the family and complement the outdoor setting.
Accessories like bonnets or simple bows can add a sweet finishing touch. When toddlers are happy in what they’re wearing, it’s easier to capture those sweet, fleeting moments of connection and curiosity.
Babies (Under 1 Year)
One-piece outfits such as rompers, bloomers with a simple top, or a neutral-toned onesie photograph beautifully and stay in place during cuddles and movement. Soft, natural colors like ivory, beige, blush, or muted pastels blend seamlessly with family outfits and outdoor settings.
A cozy swaddle or light knit blanket can be a lovely (and practical) addition for snuggly moments. The goal is to keep baby comfy, supported, and adorably timeless in every frame.
Best Places to Shop for Your Kids
Here are my favorite places to shop for kids of all ages!
Tweens & Teens: I know this age range is super hard to shop for, and they more than likely already have their favorite places. However, H&M is a great option for teens and tweens!
Children, Toddlers, & Babies: Many places for children offer sizing from babies to older children. My favorite places are Carter’s, The Children’s Place, and Janie & Jack.
For More elevated Children’s options, check out Rylee + Cru and Dillards.
Nothing Fits But also has some great Mommy & Me options.
5. Pro Styling Tips that Make all the Difference
Bring Layers that Photograph Well
I can’t emphasize this enough! Bring layers! You never know if a breeze is going to kick up. Even neutral, knit blankets will photograph well and still keep everyone warm.
Timing matters
Have everyone dressed and ready 15 minutes before leaving to avoid last-minute stress.
The backup plan
I always recommend packing a backup outfit for all the little ones! This applies to both beach or mountain sessions. The outdoors can get messy!
Shoe strategy
Bring comfortable shoes that little ones (and adults) can walk in, then switch to your photo shoes when we get to our spot!
Wrinkle prevention
Steam your outfits the night before! I even recommend waiting to put on any button downs, or easily wrinkled clothes, until you get to the location.
Here are some more Tips:
5 Tips for an Easy and Fun Family Photoshoot with Kids
Make your family photoshoot with kids stress-free and fun! Get expert tips on outfits, posing, and keeping little ones happy for natural, joyful family memories.
Creating Picture-Perfect Summer Family Photos Starts With the Right Outfits
Choosing what to wear for summer family photos doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In fact, it can be one of the most fun parts of planning your session! With a little guidance, thoughtful coordination, and a focus on comfort and simplicity, you can create a look that feels true to your family and photographs beautifully.
Whether you're dressing toddlers or teens, planning for beach breezes or golden hills, the key is to keep it relaxed, cohesive, and authentic. And remember, I'm always here to help you with styling support and access to my client closet if you need a little extra inspiration.
Let’s make your summer session effortless, joyful, and full of connection—just like the memories you’re about to create.
Interested in a Summer Family Session?
About Megan W Photography
Megan is a Fine Art Maternity, Couples, and Family photographer who was born, raised, and is still living in Malibu, CA. She is here to capture you and your loved ones in images that you will want to cherish, and pass down to future generations.
Not only is she a photographer, but she is a mother, wife, daughter, and sister.
Maternity, family, and couples hold a special place in her heart because she knows how quickly time flies by. Megan W Photography wants to help you preserve those sweet little smiles, those tender, affectionate moments, and the love you share with each other.
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Hi! I’m Megan
I’m a boutique, Malibu, CA based photographer who specializes in Maternity, Couples, and families. I serve Los Angeles and Ventura County, as well as all of California. I value tangible, heirloom art pieces versus digital and I focus on quality over quantity.
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