Raleigh Family Photo Style Guide: How to Choose Outfits That Actually Work

Raleigh Family Photo Style Guide

“What do we even wear?!”

If you’ve ever planned family photos, you’ve probably asked yourself this at least a dozen times. And you’re not alone—this is the number one thing families stress about before their session. You want everyone to look put together but not like you walked out of a department store ad wearing the same thing.
I’ve been there too—once I planned the perfect dress for myself, only to realize it
completely clashed with the kids’ outfits the morning of our session. Lesson learned: there’s a better way to make outfit planning feel effortless instead of overwhelming.
As a Raleigh family photographer, I’ve helped so many local families create a cohesive, timeless look for their sessions—and now I’m breaking it all down so you can do it too.

1. Mom Picks First

Here’s the secret: start with what makes YOU feel amazing. If Mom feels confident,
the rest of the session flows so much smoother. Whether it’s a flowy dress from Voda Boutique in North Hills or a favorite sweater and jeans that you love, your outfit sets the tone for everyone else.
Once you’ve got your look, build the family’s outfits around it—pulling from the colors and textures you’ve already chosen. For example, if your dress has soft blush tones and cream florals, consider light tan chinos for your partner and sweet neutral rompers for the kids.
I had one Raleigh mom wear a soft sage green dress that caught the light beautifully at the NC Museum of Art’s outdoor park. Her kids wore muted beige and ivory, and the whole family looked effortlessly coordinated without feeling too “done up.”

2. Choose a Color Palette, Not Matching Outfits for your Raleigh Family Session

Remember those 90s family portraits with everyone in denim and white tees? We’re not doing that. Instead, choose 3–4 colors that blend well together—think earthy tones, soft pastels, or muted jewel tones. Need a starting point? Look around your home. The colors you love in your décor often reflect your personal style, and you’re more likely to love those tones in your photos.

One Raleigh family absolutely nailed this at a session in Dorothea Dix Park. They
chose navy, mustard, and soft grey as their base, and it worked perfectly with the fall
foliage.

3. Dress for Your session with help of this Raleigh Family Style Photo Guide

Outfits should complement your setting. For example:
– At Pullen Park, soft blues, blush pinks, or creams pop beautifully against the
greenery and water.
– For urban sessions in Downtown Raleigh or the Warehouse District, richer
tones like rust, olive, or charcoal add warmth and texture.
– If it’s July in North Carolina, skip the heavy knits—opt for breathable fabrics like
linen and cotton.
– In December, layer with stylish coats, scarves, and boots instead of bulky
jackets.
One common mistake I see is clients dressing for the Pinterest dream instead of the actual weather. Trust me—your comfort shows in photos!

4. Ditch Logos & Graphics

Your toddler might love their Spider-Man shirt (and hey, I get it—mine did too), but
character tees, loud graphics, or neon colors are super distracting in photos.
If you’re worried about a last-minute protest, try the “bribe shirt” trick: let them wear their favorite tee in the car, then do a quick change before the session starts. I’ve seen it work magic!

5. Choose Comfort & Movement

Your family photos aren’t about stiff poses—they’re about movement, laughter, and
connection. That means your clothing should allow for twirling, snuggling, and chasing toddlers.
– Moms: Dresses with a little flow create beautiful motion and photograph
wonderfully.
– Kids: Steer clear of scratchy fabrics or anything too tight. Layered outfits work
great and help if the weather shifts.
– Dads: A button-down layered over a soft tee works wonders. Avoid stiff dress
shirts unless that’s his comfort zone.
Photos are about connection—not perfection. When everyone feels good in their outfits, the smiles are real, and the session feels like fun (not a chore).

My Favorite Local & Online Outfit Resources

Need a place to shop? Here are a few local and online favorites my clients love:
– Voda Boutique (Raleigh) – Beautiful dresses for moms that photograph like a dream
– H&M – Great for affordable, neutral basics for the whole family
– Zara – Stylish, soft, and modern pieces for kids and toddlers in timeless tones
– Abercrombie – Layer-friendly casual wear for dads and teens

Looking for more personalized help? I offer outfit guidance with every Raleigh Family session booked, just ask, and I’ll help you pull it all together.

Let’s Plan Your Raleigh Family Session

I hope reading “Raleigh Family Photo Style Guide: How to Choose Outfits That
Actually Work” gave you ideas and confidence! If you’re still looking for a Raleigh family photographer who will guide you every step of the way, I’d love to chat.

✨ Read more about a Raleigh Family Session with me here

Let’s make memories you’ll love looking back on for years.