As a Minnesota family photographer with over two decades behind the lens, I’ve seen firsthand how the right outfit choices can elevate a photo session — and how the wrong ones can leave clients feeling uncomfortable, self-conscious, or downright chilly (hello, November minis!). That’s why I’m passionate about helping families look and feel their best no matter the season.
Choosing outfits isn’t just about looking stylish — it’s about creating visual harmony with the location, the time of year, and your family’s personality. Whether you’re planning a springtime bloom session, chasing golden hour in the fall, or snuggling in for cozy winter portraits, this guide will walk you through what to wear for family photos in every season.
Spring: Light Layers and Soft Pastels
Spring in Minnesota is all about new beginnings — budding flowers, greening trees, and softer sunlight. For your session, aim for:
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Color Palette: Soft pastels (think blush, sage, pale blue, lavender) work beautifully with blossoming backgrounds.
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Fabric Choices: Light layers are key. Think cotton button-ups, soft cardigans, linen dresses, and knit sweaters for texture.
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Footwear Tip: Spring can be muddy — closed-toe shoes or neutral rain boots for kids can be both cute and practical.
Spring sessions often take place in parks or blooming gardens. Dress with those natural textures in mind and don’t be afraid to incorporate florals or subtle patterns to play off the environment.
Bonus tip: Bring a backup outfit for littles in case the ground is damp. The joy of spring sometimes means squishy shoes and muddy knees!
Summer: Cool Comfort Meets Bright Personality
Minnesota summers bring long days, golden sunsets, and warm weather — perfect for family portraits outdoors. But the heat (and mosquitoes) can sneak up on you!
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Color Palette: Earthy tones like mustard, olive, ivory, and terracotta work well in sun-drenched fields or lakeside sessions.
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Fabrics: Lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton, rayon, or linen are your best friends here.
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Style Ideas: Flowy maxi dresses, button-downs with rolled sleeves, and simple cotton rompers for toddlers all photograph beautifully without causing overheating.
Be mindful of UV exposure — consider wide-brim hats or hair accessories for both fashion and function. And always bring water for little ones!
Fall: Texture, Layers, and All the Cozy Vibes
Ah, fall — arguably Minnesota’s favorite photo season! The trees are bursting with color, the light is warm, and it’s the perfect time to get cozy with your family. Fall outfits are where texture shines.
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Color Palette: Rust, burgundy, deep green, mustard, navy, and cream pair perfectly with fall foliage.
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Textures & Layers: Think knits, denim jackets, scarves, flannels, corduroy, and boots. These not only photograph beautifully but also help you stay warm during those crisp sessions.
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Pattern Play: Plaid can be lovely — but avoid everyone wearing it. One or two patterned pieces mixed with solids and textures will keep things balanced.
Styling note: Layers add visual interest, especially for children. A cable-knit sweater, a corduroy jumper, or a faux-fur vest can bring depth and warmth to the image.
→ Looking for outfit examples? Check out my Fall Mini Session Style Guide for real outfit inspo and dos/don’ts.
Winter: Cozy Elegance and Indoor Options
Minnesota winters are magical — snowy, serene, and filled with light. But they can also be brutal. For outdoor sessions, it’s important to dress warmly without hiding under bulky coats.
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Color Palette: Neutrals like ivory, charcoal, emerald, navy, and berry red pop beautifully against snow. Avoid bright neons that can reflect oddly on skin.
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Outfit Ideas: Wool coats, knit beanies, fur-lined hoods, sweater dresses with tights, and boots are perfect. Focus on layering strategically so you can shed a coat for a few photos.
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Indoor Sessions: If you opt for a cozy indoor session at my studio, winter whites, soft knits, and neutral loungewear can create timeless, elegant images.
Pro tip: Bring warm-up gear (coats, gloves, hand warmers) for breaks between shots if you’re braving the snow!
Tips That Work in Every Season
No matter the month, there are a few outfit guidelines I always recommend to ensure a cohesive, flattering look:
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Coordinate, don’t match. Avoid everyone wearing the same color. Instead, pick a palette of 3–4 complementary tones.
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Think about movement. Flowy skirts and dresses add beautiful motion to your photos — just make sure they’re not too short or too stiff.
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Consider your backdrop. Outfits should enhance your surroundings, not compete with them. A neutral outfit in a colorful setting keeps the focus on you.
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Plan ahead. Don’t wait until the night before! Lay out everyone’s clothes in advance and do a try-on day if you can.
What to Avoid in Family Photo Outfits
While the above tips will set you up for success, here are a few quick outfit don’ts:
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Neon colors (especially green and yellow)
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Large logos or graphic tees
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Tight clothes that restrict movement
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Short dresses in breezy weather
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All-white outfits in snowy or beachy environments (risk of overexposure)
Still Unsure? I Can Help!
Outfit planning doesn’t have to be stressful — in fact, it’s one of my favorite parts of prepping a session. I’m always happy to review outfit choices, offer color palettes, or share lookbooks from past sessions. Just reach out!
→ Contact Me Here to start planning your family photo session.
Final Thoughts: Make It Yours
At the end of the day, the best outfits are the ones that feel true to you and your family. You don’t need to look like you stepped out of a catalog — you just need to feel confident, connected, and comfortable.
Family photos are about telling your story. Clothes are just one way to bring that story to life.
