The Great Debate: Should We Match or Coordinate?
It’s one of the first questions families ask when booking a photo session: “Should we all wear the same thing?” The short answer? Coordinate, don’t match!
Gone are the days of everyone wearing identical white shirts and khakis (though if that’s your style, own it!). Modern family photos look best when everyone’s outfits complement each other without being identical. Let me show you how to pull this off.
Matching vs. Coordinating: What’s the Difference?
Matching = Everyone wearing the same thing
- All in white button-downs and jeans
- Everyone in navy blue dresses/shirts
- Identical outfits
Coordinating = Outfits that work together using complementary colors and styles
- Different colors from the same color family
- Varied patterns and textures that don’t clash
- Individual style that feels cohesive
Why Coordinating Looks Better
Coordinated outfits:
- ✅ Show individual personalities while staying cohesive
- ✅ Create visual interest and depth in photos
- ✅ Look more natural and less “staged”
- ✅ Give you flexibility with different styles and comfort levels
- ✅ Photograph beautifully in any setting
Perfectly matched outfits can:
- ❌ Look too uniform and staged
- ❌ Make everyone blend together
- ❌ Be difficult to pull off (ever tried finding 4 identical shirts?)
- ❌ Not flatter everyone’s individual coloring
How to Coordinate Family Outfits
Step 1: Choose Your Color Palette (2-4 colors)
Pick 2-4 colors that work well together. Here are tried-and-true combinations:
Classic & Timeless:
- Navy, cream, and tan
- Gray, white, and denim blue
- Black, white, and gray
Warm & Cozy:
- Rust, cream, olive green
- Mustard, brown, ivory
- Burgundy, tan, forest green
Light & Airy:
- Soft pink, cream, light gray
- Sage green, white, tan
- Sky blue, cream, soft yellow
Bold & Vibrant:
- Teal, coral, cream
- Royal blue, yellow, white
- Emerald green, blush pink, navy
Step 2: Start with One Person’s Outfit
Pick the person who’s hardest to shop for (usually dad or a toddler) and build around their outfit.
Example:
- Dad wears a navy button-down
- Mom chooses a dress with navy, cream, and rust colors
- Kids wear cream and rust tones
Now everyone coordinates around navy and cream!
Step 3: Add Variety with Patterns and Textures
Mix it up with:
- One floral pattern (florals with your color palette)
- One plaid or stripe (small-scale works best)
- Solid colors for everyone else
- Different textures (denim, linen, knit, lace)
Pattern Rules:
- Maximum 1-2 patterns in the group
- Keep patterns similar in scale (all small or all large)
- Make sure patterns include your chosen colors
Step 4: Vary the Shades
Don’t be afraid to use different shades of the same color:
- Light blue dress + navy shirt + denim jeans = cohesive blues
- Cream sweater + tan pants + ivory dress = neutral harmony
What to Avoid Wearing
Colors that Don’t Photograph Well:
- ❌ Neon or super bright colors – They reflect onto skin and distract
- ❌ Pure white (unless everyone’s in it) – It glows and loses detail
- ❌ All black – Can look harsh, especially outdoors
- ❌ Busy logos or graphics – They date photos and distract from faces
Patterns to Skip:
- ❌ Tiny stripes or checks – Can create a moiré effect in photos
- ❌ Large bold graphics – Too distracting
- ❌ Everyone in patterns – Too busy and chaotic
Style Choices:
- ❌ Super trendy items – Photos should feel timeless
- ❌ Ill-fitting clothes – Uncomfortable = unhappy faces
- ❌ Brand new shoes – Blisters during photos = no fun
Pro Tips for Each Family Member
For Mom:
- Start here! Your outfit often sets the tone
- Choose something you feel confident and comfortable in
- Dresses photograph beautifully and are easy to coordinate around
- Flowy fabrics add movement and elegance
For Dad:
- Button-downs in solid colors are classic
- Henleys and sweaters work great for casual looks
- Make sure sleeves are the right length (not too short or bunchy)
- Well-fitted pants matter – no sagging or too-tight
For Kids:
- Comfort is KEY – Scratchy = grumpy kids
- Let them have some say so they feel good
- Layers add visual interest (cardigans, vests)
- Avoid clothing with buttons/snaps for babies (shows in photos)
For Everyone:
- Wear clothes that fit NOW (not too big or too small)
- Break in new shoes before the session
- Consider the weather and location
- Bring layers for temperature changes
Seasonal Outfit Ideas
Spring:
- Pastels and soft colors
- Floral patterns
- Light layers (cardigans, jean jackets)
Summer:
- Lighter fabrics (linen, cotton)
- Brighter colors work well
- Sundresses and short sleeves
Fall:
- Earth tones (rust, olive, mustard, burgundy)
- Cozy layers and textures
- Boots and scarves as accessories
Winter:
- Rich, deep colors (navy, burgundy, forest green)
- Cozy sweaters and warm layers
- Avoid puffy coats (bring for warmth between shots)
Location Matters
Urban/City Settings:
- More contrast works well (navy, black, bold colors)
- Modern, clean lines
- Can handle bolder patterns
Park/Nature Settings:
- Softer, natural tones blend beautifully
- Earth tones and pastels
- Avoid competing with green grass (skip bright green shirts)
Beach/Water:
- Light, airy colors
- Blues, whites, tans, soft corals
- Barefoot-friendly!
The 24-Hour Rule
Lay out everyone’s outfits together 24 hours before your session. Take a photo with your phone. Does it look cohesive? Do the colors work together? Make any last-minute swaps now, not the morning of!
Still Stuck? Ask for Help!
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, send me photos of outfit options! I’m happy to help you choose what will photograph best. I’ve seen thousands of outfit combinations, and I promise – we’ll find something that works for your family.
Remember: You Want to Look Like YOU
The goal isn’t perfection – it’s capturing your family’s authentic personality. Choose outfits that make everyone feel comfortable and confident. When you feel good, it shows in the photos!
Ready to Look Amazing?
Now that you know the secrets to coordinating family outfits, you’re ready to create a look that’s uniquely yours. Contact me to book your session!
A Few Things to Leave at Home
Busy patterns, large logos and bright white all pull the eye away from faces, and faces are exactly where you want the attention. Layers and texture do the opposite — a light jacket, a scarf, a denim shirt add depth without competing.
Most importantly, wear something you feel like yourself in. Confidence shows up in a photograph more than any outfit choice ever will.