It’s the first question everyone asks after booking their family portrait session: “What should we wear?”
Don’t worry, you’re not alone—figuring out what to wear for family photos can feel like solving a fashion puzzle. But with a little guidance (and maybe a splash of fun), you’ll have everyone looking picture-perfect and coordinated without looking like a matching set of salt and pepper shakers. Here’s how to pull it off, Arizona-style.
Fall & Winter in Arizona: Color Palettes that Wow
Embrace Those Earthy Hues
Fall and winter in Arizona are magical. Think golden sunsets, crisp air, and vibrant desert landscapes that are just begging to be the backdrop of your family photos. To complement this gorgeous scenery, embrace rich, earthy tones and layered textures. Here’s how to do it:
Rich Browns and Warm Neutrals: These shades echo the desert’s natural beauty and pair beautifully with almost any color.
Deep Oranges and Reds: Think cabernet, merlot, and cranberry—warm, bold, and perfect for the season.
Shades of Blue: From navy to denim, blue adds depth and contrast, especially against the golden hues of fall.
Mustard Yellows: Not too bright, not too dull—just the right pop of color to complement earthy tones.
Greens and Grays: Deep forest greens or soft sage blend perfectly with Arizona’s desert plants, while grays (all shades) act as a perfect neutral that ties everything together.
Why Grays Are Your Best Friend
Gray is the unsung hero of color palettes—it plays nice with everyone. From charcoal to heather gray, this versatile shade can be paired with any color grouping, making it an easy go-to for pants, sweaters, or shoes.
Coordinating, Not Matching: The Art of Color Harmony
Gone are the Days of Matchy-Matchy
We’ve all seen those family photos where everyone’s wearing the exact same outfit (hello, white shirts and blue jeans). But these days, it’s all about coordination, not duplication. Here’s how to get it right:
Choose a Color Palette: Start with 3-4 complementary colors. Think about the setting and how the colors will pop against the backdrop. For example:
Mountain Backdrop: Deep forest greens, mustard yellow, soft grays, and denim blues.
Desert Landscape: Rich browns, muted oranges, cranberry reds, and cream.
Primary Color + Shades and Tones: Select one primary color and weave in various shades and tones throughout everyone’s outfits. This approach keeps the look cohesive without being too matchy-matchy.
Soft Patterns: Incorporate subtle patterns like plaids, checks, or florals in small doses. This adds a touch of playfulness and style without overwhelming the photo.
Family Coordination Tips:
Dress Mom first - Choose her outfit, and then coordinate everyone else’s around it.
Mix solids and patterns strategically to avoid visual overload.
Accessories like scarves, belts, and hats are great ways to add pops of color.
Layering and Textures: Add Depth and Dimension
Arizona may not have snow in the valley, but that doesn’t mean you can’t rock some cozy layers. Layering not only adds style but also creates dimension and movement in your photos. Think:
Chunky Knit Sweaters and Cardigans: Perfect for a cozy, casual vibe.
Vests and Lightweight Jackets: Great for those who want to add layers without overheating.
Scarves, Hats, and Beanies: Accessories that bring personality and charm.
Boots and Shoes: Neutral-toned boots or classic sneakers can complete the look without drawing attention away from the faces.
Texture Tips:
Mix and match textures like knit, denim, corduroy, and velvet for visual interest.
Don’t go overboard—stick to two or three textures to keep things balanced and cohesive.
Location Matters: Coordinate with the Scenery
Arizona offers stunning photo locations, from the vibrant desert landscapes to the pine-covered mountains up north. Make sure your color choices complement the setting:
Desert Vibes: Opt for warm neutrals, soft greens, mustard yellows, and rich browns that blend beautifully with the desert backdrop.
Mountain Scenes: Go for deeper, richer hues like forest greens, cranberry reds, and navy blues to stand out against the evergreens and golden aspens.
Golden Hour Magic
Schedule your shoot during the golden hour—shortly before sunset—when the light is soft, warm, and incredibly flattering. These warm tones enhance earth tones and make jewel colors like deep blues and reds pop.
Red Done Right: The Arizona Way
Cranberry and Merlot for the Desert
There’s just something about red that feels festive, classic, and timeless. But not all reds are created equal, especially in the Arizona desert. Here’s the trick:
Darker Reds like Cranberry and Merlot: These rich, deeper shades of red harmonize beautifully with the soft desert hues and muted backgrounds of saguaros, golden grasses, and rocky landscapes. They provide a pop of color without overpowering the scene.
Why It Works: These darker variations add warmth and elegance, complementing the earthy, neutral tones of the desert.
Cherry Red: Best Saved for Dark Green Backdrops
Cherry Red (Christmas Red): This bright, vibrant shade is undeniably festive, but it doesn’t play as nicely with the soft, muted desert palette. Instead, it tends to clash or stand out too starkly.
Where It Shines: Cherry red looks stunning against a backdrop of rich green pine trees, in mountain settings, or in lush, grassy parks. It’s the perfect choice for a more traditional holiday look or for photos in rustic, woodsy locations, or city-scapes or rustic architecture
Classic Holiday Vibes: If you’re after that festive, holiday-card-perfect look, cherry red and plaid patterns are fantastic choices—chat with your photographer about locations where it will shine best
Cherry red accessories are a nice touch as well, without over-powering the photo. Her scarf adds the perfect winter touch while the gray, chambray and cream clothing colors ground the image against the deep green trees, so that the family faces are still what you notice first.
Final Touches: Confidence and Comfort First
The key to looking great in photos? Feeling great in what you’re wearing. When you’re comfortable and confident, it shows in your smiles and interactions. Here are some last-minute tips:
Plan Ahead: Lay out all outfits a few days before the shoot to ensure everything coordinates.
Try It On: Have each family member try on their outfit to check for comfort and fit.
Keep it Real: Choose clothing that allows freedom of movement—think twirling, hugging, and playing around.
Have Fun With It: Laugh, play, and enjoy the moment! The best photos are the ones where you’re genuinely having a good time.
Neutral black and tan outfit idea that blends well with jeans, black, patterns and shades of blue.
For Spring & Summer clothing tips and color suggestions on what to wear for your family photos, please click here.
Affordable Fashion & Trendy Styles for Women:
Zara - Trendy, fast-fashion pieces with a chic, European flair.
H&M - Affordable basics and on-trend styles for all ages.
Target- Stylish, affordable options with popular collaborations.
Quince - Minimalist, high-quality basics at reasonable prices.
Vici Collection - Offers trendy, boho-chic clothing with a sophisticated touch
Mango - Affordable, sophisticated styles with a European touch.
Lulu's - Known for its wide selection of affordable dresses and feminine clothing with a modern twist
Mid-Range & Casual Chic:
Anthropologie - Boho-chic, eclectic styles with unique patterns and prints.
Madewell - Casual, timeless basics with a laid-back vibe.
Nordstrom - A variety of high-quality brands from casual to upscale.
Revolve - Trendy, curated collections from popular designers.
Evereve - Modern, casual-chic, on-trend looks for women
Boden - British clothing brand known for its high-quality, comfortable, versatile pieces
High-End & Designer:
Net-a-Porter - Luxury designer clothing and accessories.
Saks Fifth Avenue - High-end brands and contemporary designer collections.
Neiman Marcus - Upscale, luxury clothing and accessories.
Farfetch - Global luxury fashion from top designers and boutiques.
Men's Clothing Stores
Bonobos - Known for their well-fitted chinos, casual wear, and smart-casual attire, Bonobos offers stylish clothing with a focus on comfort and fit.
J.Crew - Classic American style with a modern twist, featuring preppy essentials, business-casual wear, and versatile basics.
Banana Republic - Sophisticated, polished clothing suitable for work and casual occasions, blending modern style with classic designs.
Johnnie-O - East Coast prep meets West Coast casual, creating a unique mix of classic and modern styles
Teen & Older Kid Clothing
Abercrombie & Fitch (A&F) - Modern, sophisticated casual wear with high-quality fabrics and stylish designs, including great options for kids and teens.
American Eagle - Laid-back, all-American style with comfortable denim, casual basics, and trendy, youthful clothing.
Aeropostale - Affordable, casual clothing designed for teens and young adults with fun and playful styles.
Urban Outfitters - Eclectic, trendy styles catering to a hip, youthful audience with vintage-inspired clothing and edgy streetwear.
PacSun - California lifestyle meets trendy streetwear, featuring laid-back, beachy vibes and popular brands like Nike, Vans, and Brandy Melville.
Children & Baby Clothing
H&M Kids - Affordable and trendy clothing for children of all ages
Zara Kids - Stylish and modern looks for kids, with high-quality materials
Crewcuts by J.Crew - Preppy and classic styles for children, with quality fabrics & timeless designs
Gap & Baby Gap - Casual and comfortable clothing for babies and children
Old Navy - Affordable and fun clothing options for kids, featuring vibrant colors and playful designs
Nordstrom Kids - High-quality children's clothing from various brands
Mini Boden - British-inspired clothing with colorful prints and patterns, focusing on comfort
Janie and Jack - Upscale, classic clothing for children, with attention to detail and fine fabrics
Target - The Red Circle Boutique always has on-trend, affordable pieces and easy for busy Mom's
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