Summer Family Photo Outfits

Summer Family Photo Outfits by Lauren Bounds Photography

If you’ve ever felt stuck trying to coordinate outfits for your family photos, you’re not alone. The goal with summer family photo outfits isn’t perfection. It’s choosing pieces that feel like you, photograph beautifully, and let your family move naturally.

Here’s how to do that without the stress.

Start With a Simple Color Palette

IInstead of matching outfits, choose a cohesive color palette.

Think:

Warm neutrals (cream, tan, soft white)
Earth tones (olive, rust, chocolate, deep beige)
Subtle textures over bold patterns

Summer is also the perfect time to lean into richer, more bold color—if that’s your style. Think deeper tones like terracotta, muted teal, or warm ochre. These photograph beautifully in summer light while still feeling refined and intentional.

If you saw my spring outfit guide, the same idea applies here—just slightly deeper for summer. You’re still building a cohesive look, but with a bit more richness and contrast.

This works especially well for outdoor sessions around Colorado Springs, where the landscape already brings in natural color. Your outfits should complement that—not compete with it.

Choose Pieces That Move

Summer sessions are active. You’re walking, holding kids, sitting, playing.

Outfits should move with you:

Flowy dresses
Lightweight fabrics like linen or cotton
Relaxed fits instead of anything tight or structured

This creates that natural, connected look instead of stiff posing.

Dress Mom First

Start with mom’s outfit, then build around it.

Look for something that:

Feels comfortable and flattering
Moves easily
Fits the overall tone you want (elevated but effortless)

From there, pull coordinating colors and patterns for everyone else.

Keep Kids Comfortable (This Matters More Than You Think)

If kids are uncomfortable, it shows immediately in photos.

Avoid:

Stiff or itchy fabrics
Overly formal outfits
Anything they’ll constantly adjust or pull at

Instead, choose simple, breathable pieces they can move in. When they feel good, everything else falls into place.

Skip the Trends—Go Timeless

Trendy outfits date your photos quickly.

If you’re investing in family photos you want to print and display in your home, choose pieces that feel classic and elevated.

Think:

Clean lines
No logos or character graphics
Soft textures

This keeps your photos looking just as good years from now.

Coordinate, Don’t Match

Everyone wearing the exact same color or outfit style tends to look flat.

Instead:

Mix tones within the same palette
Layer textures (linen, knits, cotton)
Add subtle variation between each person

This creates depth while still feeling cohesive.

Think About Your Home

Clients that book with us aren’t just taking digital photos—they’re planning to print them.

Before choosing outfits, think about where your photos will live:

Light, neutral homes → soft, airy tones
Warmer interiors → richer neutrals and textures

Your outfits should feel like they belong in your space.

Final Thoughts

The best summer family photo outfits don’t feel overly styled—they feel natural, effortless, and true to your family.

You don’t need more options. You just need the right ones.

And if you’re unsure, we guide all of our clients through outfit planning so everything feels cohesive and easy before your session even starts.