What to wear for a family photoshoot in South London ?

More than any other question, clients ask what they should wear to their family session and I completely understand why! Coordinating outfits can feel overwhelming, but it really doesn’t have to be. With a little planning, you can create a beautifully cohesive look that feels natural and effortless.

Here are my best tips to help you style your session with confidence.

If You’re Stuck, Ask for Help

Many stores offer free styling assistance (J.Crew and John Lewis are great options with pieces for the whole family).

And of course, I’m always happy to help! Feel free to text or email me photos of different outfit options, and we can put the puzzle together as a team.

GENERAL STYLING STEPS

STEP 1: Start With One Person

It’s much easier to build around one outfit than to coordinate everyone at once. I usually suggest starting with mum or a daughter, as women’s clothing often includes more colour and texture to inspire the rest of the palette.

STEP 2: Complement, Don’t Match

The days of identical white shirts and khaki trousers are long gone. Instead, choose colours that complement each other.

For example:
• Soft tones — light blue, grey, blush
• Warm tones — brown, rust, burgundy

If you love vibrant images, choose a richer colour palette. If you prefer timeless and airy, stick with softer tones.

STEP 3: Stick to One Outfit

Keep it simple. One outfit per person is more than enough for a beautiful session. Outfit changes take time and can interrupt the natural flow, especially for little ones.

STEP 4: Consider Your Home Decor

Your home decor should guide your wardrobe choices for your family photoshoot in London. Soft, neutral interiors work beautifully with light tones, while vibrant rooms allow for richer colours.

If you’re planning to display your images at home, think about where they’ll hang.

Neutral interiors pair beautifully with light and soft tones. Colourful nurseries can handle more vivid palettes.

Your photos should feel like they belong in your space.

STEP 5: Plan for the Weather

Comfort is everything. If you’re cold, hot, or uncomfortable, it will show.

For autumn or winter outdoor sessions, think stylish coats, scarves, hats, and layers.
In summer, breathable fabrics and light layers work best.

STEP 6: Don’t Forget Shoes

Choosing the right shoes for your family photoshoot in London makes a big difference. Neutral footwear keeps the focus on your connection, while bright trainers can distract in photographs.

Shoes are often an afterthought, but they can make or break an outfit.

If you can’t find shoes you love, barefoot is always a lovely option. Avoid athletic trainers and bright white sneakers whenever possible.

STEP 7: Try Everything On in Advance

Don’t wait until the day of your session. Try your outfits on from every angle: sitting, squatting, bending, moving.

Children’s clothes should allow freedom of movement because we’ll be playing, cuddling, lifting, and laughing.

STEP 8: Let the Kids Have Input

If your daughter hates dresses, don’t force her. If your son finds a bowtie uncomfortable, skip it.

Happy children create authentic, joyful photos.

OVERALL STYLE GUIDELINES

SAY YES TO:

✔ Comfort

If you feel good, you’ll look good. Choose clothing that allows movement and doesn’t require constant adjusting.

✔ Texture

Texture adds depth and visual interest.
Think lace, cable knits, chambray, tweed, herringbone, faux fur, or wool.

✔ Subtle Patterns

Patterns can work beautifully when used thoughtfully.
Try one statement piece (like a floral dress for mum) and one subtle print (tiny polka dots for baby), while keeping the rest simple.

✔ Layers & Accessories

Scarves, cardigans, blazers, belts, jewellery, fun socks, and hats elevate an outfit instantly.

✔ Well-Fitted Clothing

Avoid anything too baggy or too tight. Balanced silhouettes photograph best.
For example:
• Blousy top + slim trousers
• Fitted top + flowing skirt

✔ Classic Pieces

Timeless always wins. Trends can date your photos quickly, but classic choices stay beautiful for years.

SAY NO TO:

✘ Very Formal Clothing

Your outfit should match the setting. A tuxedo in the woods rarely feels natural.

✘ Bright White

If you love white, opt for off-white or ivory for a softer look.

✘ Neon Colours

Neon tones can create unwanted colour casts on skin.

✘ Large Logos & Text

They distract from what matters most , your faces and connection.

✘ Transition Lenses

If you wear glasses daily, please keep them! But shaded or reflective lenses hide your eyes. Anti-reflective coating works best, or you can wear just the frames.

✘ Athletic Trainers

Unless it fits the setting, they’re usually best avoided.

✘ Holiday-Themed Colours

Even if the photos are for Christmas cards, avoid red-and-green outfits. Let your card design carry the seasonal theme so you can enjoy your images all year.

✘ Basic Short-Sleeved T-Shirts

Structured shirts or button-downs photograph more beautifully. If you prefer a t-shirt, layer it with a blazer or cardigan.

✘ Tiny Plaid or Busy Patterns

Very small or complicated prints don’t always translate well on camera.

Sample Colour Palettes

If all of this feels overwhelming, start with two or three main colours and build around them using neutrals like denim, cream, grey, or soft brown.

Keeping things cohesive (rather than identical) is the secret.