What to Wear for Family Photos in the Lehigh Valley
Picking outfits can feel overwhelming when planning what to wear for family photos in the Lehigh Valley, but it doesn’t have to be stressful Whether you’re booking a family portrait session at one of the beautiful parks in Bethlehem, Easton, Allentown, or anywhere else in the Lehigh Valley, the goal isn’t perfectly matching outfits. It’s about creating a natural look that feels cohesive and looks great for your family.
The best photos happen when people feel confident in what they’re wearing. Below are a few tips that will help you choose the best outfits for your family, without a lot of stress!
How to Coordinate What to Wear for Family Photos in the Lehigh Valley
Matching white shirts and khakis were once a thing, but having your outfits coordinate is going to create a little more depth and style for your photos.
I recommend sticking with 2-3 main colors, and building your outfits from there.
Here are a few great color combinations for family photos:
Cream, tan, and soft blue
Sage green, ivory, and denim
Rust, beige, and brown
Blush, gray, and white
Navy, cream, and khaki
Avoid:
Neon or overly bright colors
Busy, competing patterns
Large logos or graphics
Too many colors across the group
What Should Mom Wear for Family Photos?
Start with picking out mom’s outfit. She’s a great anchor for setting the overall look for the family photos.
Here are some flattering options for mom:
Flowy or maxi dresses
Soft, textured fabrics
Neutral tones with subtle patterns
Dresses are a great option for outdoor sessions because they can show movement and have a natural sense of softness. Flowy dresses are especially great if you’re in an open area like a field or an orchard. Try to avoid long dresses is you’re going to be in a location that’s near water.
Mix Up Textures
Using a variety of textures can make photos feel warm and have a sense of depth.
Textures that work well:
Knits and chunky sweaters
Cotton and linen
Denim
Lace
Wool
Flat fabrics can make the photos feel a little flat too. Adding a variety of textures can create visual interest.
Avoid Loud Patterns and Logos
The last thing you want is for your family photos to feel like a brand shoot for Red Bull. Try to avoid wearing clothes that have large logos, or really bright and bold patterns on them.
Small subtle patterns work well, as long as you don’t have too many people wearing theme.
Patterns that work:
- Small florals
- Subtle plaid
- Light stripes
Avoid:
Competing bold prints across multiple people
Large character or brand graphics
Neon colors
Best Colors to Wear for Family Photos Outdoors
With the typical Pennsylvania climate, the Lehigh Valley has four distinct seasons. The outfits you choose for your family should reflect the time and year of when and where you’re going to have your family portrait session.
Season:
Spring: soft pastels, light neutrals.
Summer: light airy colors
Fall: Earth tones, rust, warm browns
Winter: cream, gray, dark greens
By location:
Outdoors (parks, fields): Earth tones and flowy fabrics
Beach or waterfront: Light neutrals, soft fabrics, barefoot looks
Urban settings: Structured outfits, modern neutrals
In-home sessions: Cozy layers, soft textures
Popular Lehigh Valley locations like Jacobsburg Park, Malcolm Ross Rose Garden, or the historic downtown areas of Easton and Bethlehem have their own feel, and can complement the outfits you choose beautifully.
Keep Accessories Simple
Easy accessories to add on:
- Hats great for the spring and summer (especially for moms and daughters)
- Simple jewelry
- Lightweight cardigans or jackets
- Scarves or vests for the cooler months
Try to avoid any accessories that are too bold or distracting. Remember, your faces are the most important parts of the photos, and you don’t want to take any attention away from them.
Keep Kids Comfortable
I can relate to this all too well. If your kids aren’t comfortable, you’re going to spend a large amount of your session trying to bribe them to smile, and it might not be the best experience. One of my daughters will only wear dresses, while the other one will never wear dresses.
Avoid:
- Anything that might be itchy or stiff
- Collars that are too tight, or pants that are a little tight around the waistband.
- Brand new shoes. . . I know it tough to break them in AND keep them clean ahead of time.
- Any kind of outfits that could feel like they restrict movement.
It’s always a good idea to bring a few different outfits for the littles to your family portrait sessions.
Think About Your Home Decor
Another important thing to think about is how your artwork is going to look hanging in your home. Think about what room you are going to hang your photos in before the session.
- Neutral tones: Choose creams, soft blues, and warm browns
- Modern or minimalist décor: Black, white, gray, and denim tones work well
Warm, interiors: Earthy tones, rust, and terracotta pair naturally
Frequently Asked Questions
Flowy dresses are a top choice because they create natural movement and photograph beautifully outdoors. Maxi dresses and soft-textured fabrics also work very well.
Yes — but keep patterns subtle and limit them to one or two people. Small florals, delicate stripes, and soft plaids all work well.
Stick to 2–3 coordinating colors. This creates a cohesive, polished look without feeling too busy or mismatched.
Fall is the most popular season for family portraits in the Lehigh Valley — the foliage, light, and cooler temperatures make for stunning images. Spring and golden hour sessions in summer are also beautiful options.
Ready to book your family portrait session in the Lehigh Valley? Message me below for availability.
Let’s make memories that last a lifetime.
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