What Should My Kids Wear for a Family Photo Session? A Photographer's Do's and Don'ts

Parents stress about colors and coordinating outfits. But with kids, it's almost never the style choices that cause problems during a session, it's the practical stuff. The strap that gaps. The new shoes that rub. The itchy tag that your kid cannot stop thinking about. This guide is about all of that: the small details that are easy to miss ahead of time and really hard to fix once we're shooting.

After photographing families all over Fairfield County and Westchester for the past several years, here's what I recommend. And if you're also trying to figure out how to coordinate the whole family's look (not just the kids) I've got a separate guide for that: What to Wear for Your Family Photography Session

What to do

Make sure the clothes actually fit

This sounds obvious, but it's the number one thing that trips parents up. Clothes that are too big look sloppy in photos and tend to shift around constantly during a session. A too-wide collar, a waistband that keeps sliding down, a shirt that bunches — these things show up in every single frame.

When in doubt, go slightly on the smaller side. When it comes to kids, a snug fit almost always photographs better than a loose one.

Do a full try-on at home before the session

This is the tip I wish every family followed, because it prevents so many last-minute panics. Put your child in the complete outfit — shoes included — and have them sit down, stand up, and move around. This matters especially for dresses with thin or strappy necklines and for boys in overalls.

Straps that look great when your child is standing can gape or fall the moment they sit. A neckline that stays put on the hanger might have other ideas once your child is actually wearing it. A five-minute try-on at home will tell you everything you need to know.

Pay close attention to straps and necklines

If your daughter is wearing a dress with thin straps, or your son is in overalls, watch specifically what happens to those straps when they sit, stand up, and move around. This is one of those small details that can require constant adjusting during a session if it isn't caught ahead of time — and I'd much rather spend that time on your kids' faces than on their straps.

Test the shoes before the session day

My family sessions involve a lot of real movement. Running, spinning, chasing, playing. Your child needs to be comfortable enough to do all of that without thinking about their feet — and you need to not be worried about it either.

Here's my test: have your child run around the house in the shoes you're planning to use. If they can't run comfortably, or if the shoes are flopping around, they are not the right choice for the session. It's that simple. And please, don't bring shoes they've never worn before. New shoes in an unfamiliar environment is a recipe for a rough start. Break them in at home for an afternoon first.

SHORTS UNDER SKIRTS, PLEASE

If your daughter is wearing a dress or skirt, put a pair of neutral-toned biker shorts underneath. It doesn't matter how much she runs, twirls, or climbs — everything stays covered and you won't have to think about it again for the rest of the session. I recommend this one constantly and it never fails.

What to avoid

Don't dress your child in anything uncomfortable

There is a balance here, and I know not every kid loves every outfit their parent picks. But do your best to find something they don't hate. An itchy collar, a scratchy waistband, or a too-tight shoe will derail a session faster than almost anything else. Comfort translates directly to cooperation, and cooperation is what makes great photos possible.

Skip the Crocs and brightly colored sneakers

Footwear is one of those details that can throw off an entire gallery if it's not thought through. Crocs and brightly colored sneakers pull the eye away from your child's face and can clash with the overall feel of the photos. Opt for simple sneakers in neutral tones, sandals, or soft-soled shoes that complement the outfit without competing with it.

Don't put your child in shoes they've never worn before

New shoes plus an unfamiliar environment is a recipe for a rough start. If the shoes are stiff, rubbing, or just feel weird, your child will not stop thinking about it. Break them in at home first — even just for an afternoon — before wearing them to the session.

Avoid super short skirts or dresses on older girls

This one applies even to styles with built-in shorts. Ultra-short hemlines make natural, relaxed posing really difficult. Every sitting, kneeling, or candid moment becomes something to work around — and that gets in the way of getting great shots. Aim for mid-thigh or longer and you'll have a lot more flexibility during the session.

Skip busy patterns, neon colors, large logos, and WORDS IN GENERAL

These date quickly and tend to distract from what matters most: your child's face. Words will be hard to read when you kids are running, snuggling, and having fun. Neons and other bright colors will reflect odd color casts on the skin. Soft, muted tones and simple textures — linen, knit, denim, chambray — always photograph beautifully and hold up across the years.

A note on colors and coordination

Coordinating within a tonal palette, rather than exactly matching outfits, almost always produces the most timeless results. I've written a full guide on how to build that palette for your whole family — including tips on patterns, textures, neutrals, and what to do about the bottoms. You can find it here: What to Wear for Your Family Photography Session.

Before your session: kids' outfit checklist

☐ Clothes fit snugly — nothing pulling, bunching, or sliding around

☐ Full try-on done at home, shoes included

☐ Straps and necklines tested both sitting and standing

☐ Shoes are broken in and run-tested around the house

☐ Biker shorts under any dress or skirt (especially for the 10 & under crowd)

☐ No new shoes, no Crocs, no bright sneakers

☐ Nothing itchy, scratchy, or tight around the neck or waist

The bottom line

You don't need perfectly curated outfits to get beautiful photos. You need clothes that fit, shoes your child can actually move in, and a quick try-on at home to catch anything that might cause problems on the day. Do that, and you're already ahead of most families who walk through my door.

If you're preparing for an upcoming session and have questions about outfits or anything else, I'm always happy to help. Reach out here and we can walk through everything together before your session day.

How to book a photoshoot (It’s Easy!)

Ready to book a family session? I photograph families throughout Fairfield County, CT, including Ridgefield, Westport, Darien, Greenwich, New Canaan, Wilton, Norwalk, and Stamford, as well as families in Westchester County, NY, including Pound Ridge, Chappaqua, White Plains, and Bedford. Get in touch and let's find a date that works.