wife and husband holding their daughter in their summer family session

Summer Style Guide for Family & Couples Sessions

Planning your summer family photo session can be both exciting and challenging. As a professional photographer based in the Mid-Ohio Valley Area, I’ve seen firsthand how the right outfit choices can elevate your family photos. To help you plan, I’ve compiled a summer style guide on what each family member should wear, various aesthetics to consider, and how location influences your choices.

Disclaimer: There is a ‘Shop the Style’ section at the end of the blog post to help you easily find and purchase the recommended outfits. This post may contain affiliate links. This means that I may earn a small commission at no extra expense to you.

Outfits for Every Family Member

Mom’s Outfit Ideas:

Boho Vibes: A flowing maxi dress in soft, pastel colors with lace details and floral prints. Accessories like layered necklaces or a wide-brimmed hat can complete the look.
Classic & Chic: A tailored midi dress in a solid color like navy, emerald, or burgundy. Pair it with elegant flats or heels and minimal jewelry for a timeless appearance.
Casual Chic: Well-fitted jeans with a light, airy blouse and a statement necklace. This look is relaxed yet polished, perfect for candid moments.

Dad’s Outfit Ideas:

Smart Casual: Chinos paired with a button-up shirt and loafers for a clean, sophisticated look.
Rugged & Relaxed: Dark denim jeans with a comfortable yet stylish henley shirt. Boots or casual sneakers can add a rugged touch.
Weekend Casual: Khaki shorts with a polo shirt, perfect for a laid-back yet put-together look.

Teens’ Outfit Ideas

For Teen Boys:

Smart Casual: Slim-fit jeans with a well-fitted button-down shirt and loafers.
Rugged & Relaxed: Chinos paired with a graphic tee and a light jacket for added style.
Weekend Casual: Athletic shorts with a stylish polo shirt and sneakers for a laid-back yet polished look.

For Teen Girls:

Boho Vibes: A flowy skirt with a cute crop top and layered jewelry.
Classic & Chic: A trendy sundress paired with sandals, accented by a statement necklace or bracelet.
Casual Chic: High-waisted jeans with a fashionable top and ankle boots, perfect for a more urban setting.

Spring Family Photography Session in Parkersburg, WV by Lori Pickens Photography

Kids’ Outfit Ideas

For Boys:

Smart Casual: Light khaki shorts with a collared shirt in subtle patterns or solid colors, possibly with suspenders.
Rugged & Relaxed: Denim shorts paired with a casual tee and a lightweight hoodie.
Weekend Casual: Polo shirt with chino shorts and boat shoes, adding a fun hat for extra flair.

For Girls:

Boho Vibes: A cute sundress with a small floral pattern, complemented by a headband or hat.
Classic & Chic: A tulle skirt with a simple top, accessorized with a charming necklace.
Casual Chic: A romper in a delicate pattern, paired with ballet flats and a bow in her hair.

Toddlers & Babies

For Boys:

Smart Casual: Rompers or overalls in soft, breathable fabrics with minimal patterns.
Rugged & Relaxed: A matching set of shorts and a top in pastel shades, accessorized with a cute hat.
Weekend Casual: A simple dress or romper in solid colors, paired with tiny sandals or booties.

For Girls:

Boho Vibes: Rompers or overalls in soft, breathable fabrics with minimal patterns.
Classic & Chic: A matching set of shorts and a top in pastel shades, accessorized with a cute hat or headband.
Casual Chic: A simple dress or romper in solid colors, paired with tiny sandals or booties.

Style Pairings for Couples

To ensure the men’s styles complement the women’s outfits, here are some pairing suggestions:

Boho Vibes (Women) & Rugged & Relaxed (Men)
- Women: Flowing maxi dress in soft, pastel colors with lace details and floral prints.
- Men: Dark denim jeans with a comfortable yet stylish henley shirt. Boots or casual sneakers can add a rugged touch.
Classic & Chic (Women) & Smart Casual (Men)
- Women: Tailored midi dress in a solid color like navy, emerald, or burgundy. Pair it with elegant flats or heels and minimal jewelry.
- Men: Chinos paired with a button-up shirt and loafers for a clean, sophisticated look.
Casual Chic (Women) & Weekend Casual (Men)
- Women: Well-fitted jeans with a light, airy blouse and a statement necklace.
- Men: Khaki shorts with a polo shirt, perfect for a laid-back yet put-together look.

These combinations ensure that the men’s outfits harmonize well with the women’s styles, creating a cohesive and visually appealing look for your family photos.

A family of four stands happily in a forest stream, holding hands, surrounded by lush green trees and rocks.

Aesthetics and Location Matters

The location of your photo session plays a crucial role in determining the best outfits for your family. Here’s how to match your attire to the setting:

Rivers and Ponds: Opt for light, airy fabrics that flow with the breeze. Think linen, cotton, and chiffon. Colors like whites, creams, light blues, and pastels complement the natural surroundings.
Urban Environments: Incorporate trendy, modern outfits like sleek dresses, tailored pants, and structured blouses. Bold but cohesive color schemes such as black, white, and red can make your family pop against the cityscape.
Countryside or Park: Earth tones, greens, and soft yellows blend beautifully with the natural environment. Layering with cardigans or denim jackets can add texture and depth to your photos.
Exclusive Locations like Fresh Pickens Farm: Soft, romantic outfits in pastel shades or delicate floral prints enhance the whimsical feel. Consider long, flowing dresses for women and girls, and casual yet polished looks for men and boys.

Patterns and Logos

While patterns can add interest, it’s best to stick to small, subtle designs. Large or loud patterns can be distracting and take away from the cohesiveness of the photos. Logos, in particular, should be avoided as they can date your pictures and draw attention away from the family. Aim for timeless pieces that will look good now and decades down the line.

Cohesiveness without Matching

The key to a visually appealing family photo is coordination without being too matchy-matchy. Here are some tips to achieve this balance:

Choose a color palette with 3-4 complementary colors and distribute them among the family members.
Mix textures and materials to add depth and interest.
Ensure each outfit has unique elements while still harmonizing with the overall theme.

The Lori Pickens Photography Experience

At Lori Pickens Photography, I pride myself on providing a seamless and enjoyable experience from start to finish. From the initial consultation to the final delivery of your beautiful family portraits, I guide you every step of the way. During the consultation, we’ll discuss your vision for the session, including location, outfits, and any special requests you may have.

On the day of the shoot, I aim to create a relaxed and fun environment, allowing your family’s natural interactions to shine through. After the session, I meticulously edit the photos to enhance their beauty while maintaining a natural look. You’ll have the opportunity to review the final images and choose your favorites. I offer a range of products, from prints to albums, to showcase your family’s memories.

For more details and to book your session, visit Lori Pickens Photography. I can’t wait to work with you! Be sure to follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest for inspiration and to see more of my work. Additionally, join my Facebook group, Authentic Motherhood – MOV, to connect with other moms and share your experiences.