When you’re a parent, the days can feel never-ending, but the years are alarmingly short. In the blink of an eye, your newborn grows into a toddler, and the next thing you know—they’re off to college. You can’t press pause on those sweet moments when they’re still little enough to be carried to bed, but looking at family photos is the closest thing you’ll get to a time machine when you’re missing those early years of parenthood.
Summer is just around the corner, and it’s one of the best times to take family portraits. Long days, beautiful weather, and scenic backdrops are perfect for capturing special moments. If you’re planning to schedule a photoshoot for your family this season, stick to soft, breathable clothing for you and your little ones to stay cool and comfortable on even the hottest days. Here are some summer family photo outfits to make this photoshoot as successful and as fuss-free as possible.
Choosing Colors for Summer Family Photos
When picking your family’s outfits, stay away from looks that are too matchy-matchy. Instead, go for light, summery colors that complement each other—like pinks, greens, and blues. Neutrals are always dependable in photos, but balance them out with pops of color for interest and to avoid looking washed out.
Stick to solid colors or simple, clean patterns, rather than ones that are too loud or busy. Large patterns can overwhelm an image and take away from the subjects of the photo—you and your family! Most importantly, remember to dress everyone comfortably for summer family photos and have plenty of fun!
Matching and Coordinating Outfits Around a Print
Although solids are usually recommended for traditional family photoshoots, you may want to incorporate a print that adds to the joyful, summery feeling you’re looking to capture. Pick a print, then build the rest of the outfits around it, using coordinating colors rather than dressing the entire family in the same thing. Creating matching and coordinating outfits can actually be easier when you have a print to work around.
For photos with a beachy theme, a print like Dew Surf is a perfect pick. It’s carefree, a little nostalgic, and easy to coordinate with other colors found on the print. Dress your baby and/or toddler in a printed outfit, like this zippered romper or toddler tank top, then stick to coordinating solids for the rest of the family, like Dew and Cloud.
Mom’s Outfit for Summer Family Photos
When it comes to planning outfits, it’s usually Mom’s outfit that takes the most time to choose. Pick this one first, then plan the rest of the family’s outfits around the dress color. When it comes to timeless and comfortable, you can’t go wrong with a dress. The flowy structure of dresses adds life and movement to your photos.
Choose a lightweight, breathable dress that feels as good as it looks for all-day comfort. If you’re still breastfeeding, this nursing-friendly jumpsuit is a stylish and practical option that you’ll never regret. If you’re opting for an even more casual look, a v-neck tee and shorts or airy pants are also great picks.
Favorite Versatile Outfits:
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Smocked dress
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Denim shorts
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Linen pants
Summer Family Photo Clothes for Dad
For Dad’s outfit, opt for a light colored button down with jeans or chinos for a classic look. A white crew neck tee, especially one made from soft and cool-to-the-touch bamboo rayon, is a dependable and comfortable pick that’s sure to look good in any photo. This season is all about light or bright colors, and soft neutrals are great for a summer family photo outfit. Whites, beiges, tans, and light blues are all colors that you just can’t go wrong with.
Favorite Outfits for Dad:
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Short sleeve button down shirt
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Long sleeve button down shirt (rolled sleeves)
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Jeans
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Chino shorts
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Chino pants
Outfits for Toddlers for Summer Family Photos
Toddlers are always on the move, and even a family photoshoot isn’t going to slow them down. Pick their outfit wisely—the comfier, the better. Bamboo rayon, which is even cooler and more breathable than cotton, is a perfect fabric choice for a summer family photo outfit that is more likely to keep them comfortable throughout the day. For girls, a flowy dress always feels good and looks great in photos. For boys, a short sleeve polo or crew neck tee in the right color makes a complementary and dependable pick.
Favorite Toddler Outfit Picks:
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Short sleeve button down shirt
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Chino shorts
Baby Clothes for Summer Family Photos
Your baby’s outfit is one that should be comfortable and practical. Choose one made from soft, stretchy, thermoregulating bamboo to keep them safe and comfortable in the summer heat. The right outfit is easy to wear and easy to take off (ditch the fancy buttons and itchy lace) for stress-free diaper changes. Bamboo overalls are super soft and charmingly rustic for outdoor photoshoots, while rompers are oh-so-sweet, practical, and comfortable for all-day wear. Another option is a simple onesie with bamboo pants that coordinate with the rest of the family.
Favorite Baby Family Photo Outfits:
With the right outfits, meaning ones that aren’t just cohesive, but also comfortable, you’ll set up your family for a successful summer photoshoot. Soft, breathable bamboo fabric makes movement easy and wicks away moisture to keep everyone cool during a day in the sun. Sure, there’s bound to be a hitch or two—maybe a diaper change or a few tears due to a disrupted nap schedule—but that’s all part of the beauty of parenthood. These messy and sometimes chaotic moments are the ones you’ll miss the most when your little ones have flown the nest—and you’ll be so glad to have the photos to remember them by.
