Dressing for your Extended Family Session near Mckinney, Texas
How to Dress for an Extended Family Photo Session (Without the Stress)
Planning an extended family photo session is exciting—but figuring out what everyone should wear can feel overwhelming. As a McKinney family photographer who regularly photographs large groups, I can confidently say that wardrobe choices play a huge role in how polished, timeless, and connected your final images feel.
The good news? You don’t have to figure it out alone. Below are my best tips to help your family coordinate outfits beautifully while still letting everyone’s personality shine.
Start with Coordination, Not Matching
One of the biggest mistakes I see in extended family sessions is when everyone shows up in the same color or the same pattern. While matching outfits were popular years ago, they often feel dated and flat in photographs.
Instead, aim for coordination.
That means:
- Mixing solid colors with patterns
- Keeping everyone within a complementary color palette
- Allowing each immediate family to look cohesive on their own
For example:
- A wife might wear a patterned dress
- Her husband could wear a solid-colored shirt pulled from that pattern
- Kids can mix textures, subtle prints, or solids that tie it all together
This approach adds visual interest and keeps your photos from looking too uniform.
Choose a Color Palette That Photographs Beautifully
When selecting colors for DFW family photos, I often recommend starting with tones that are timeless and flattering on a variety of skin tones.
My go-to recommendations include:
- Neutrals (cream, tan, soft gray, camel)
- Greens (olive, sage, forest)
- Deep oranges (rust, terracotta)
- Deep reds (burgundy, wine)
These colors photograph beautifully and work especially well in natural outdoor light.
I don’t always recommend a lot of bright blues—but this truly depends on the location. Certain blues can work wonderfully near water or urban settings, which is why location and wardrobe should always be planned together.
Coordinate Immediate Families First
For extended family sessions, I always suggest breaking it down into layers:
- Coordinate within your immediate family first
Make sure spouses and children look cohesive together. - Lightly coordinate with the rest of the group
Once each family unit has a plan, we gently align colors across the entire group so nothing clashes.
This keeps the overall look intentional without making it feel forced or overly styled.
Comfort and Confidence Matter—Especially for Moms
This is a big one.
No matter how beautiful an outfit looks on a hanger, it won’t photograph well if you don’t feel confident wearing it. I always remind moms that comfort is just as important as style.
Choose pieces that:
- Allow you to move easily
- Don’t require constant adjusting
- Make you feel beautiful, not self-conscious
When you feel good, it shows—and that confidence translates directly into genuine, relaxed photos.
You’re Never Alone in the Planning Process
One of the biggest benefits of working with me as your McKinney extended family photographer is that we don’t guess when it comes to styling.
I offer a design consultation where we:
- Review outfit ideas together
- Coordinate colors and patterns
- Match wardrobe choices to your chosen location
- Make sure every family member feels confident in their selections
By the time your session arrives, you’ll feel prepared, confident, and excited—not stressed.
Final Thoughts
Extended family sessions are about connection, legacy, and capturing everyone together—sometimes for the first time in years. Thoughtful wardrobe planning ensures your images feel timeless and cohesive while still reflecting each family’s personality.
If you’re planning DFW family photos and want guidance every step of the way, I would love to help you create a session that feels effortless from start to finish.
✨ Because beautiful family photos start long before the camera comes out.
