What to Wear for Family Photos at Virginia Beach

The most common question I hear from moms after booking their portrait session is, “So what do we wear?” Let me tell you, coordinating outfits can actually be fun and leave you looking (and feeling) your best! We’re going to deep dive in to what to wear for family photos at Virginia Beach, best places to shop for your family, and how to style your outfits like a pro!

What to wear for family photos at Virginia Beach

Color Palettes

When shopping for clothes for your family photos, there are a few key things to keep in mind. First, color matters! If you’ve never done a seasonal color analysis, this is the time to start! House of Colour offers a comprehensive guid to finding your best colors, contrast and most flattering clothing styles. Some people are cool-toned and look great in whites and pastels, while others (like me) are warm complected and look best in cozy neutrals and earth-tones.

Flattering Your Body

Second, choose clothing pieces that flatter the body you have and showcase your best features. You’ll look your best on camera if you are comfortable and feeling confident! Nothing kills a family session vibe like constantly covering cleavage or fixing a shirt that won’t stay tucked in. Since I want you to feel like the best version of yourself, focus on finding pieces that don’t need constant readjusting and look great during movement, which we’ll incorporate through fluid posing and connection! Maxi dresses, longer sleeves, higher necklines and flowy pieces typically flatter the best and look great during breezy beach sunsets!

Coordinating Outfits for Families

Lastly, when it comes to coordinating outfits for family photos at Virginia Beach, there’s a process I like to follow. Kind of like a blueprint, so to speak. First, I start with the outfit I am most married to. Maybe it’s mom’s gorgeous dress, or baby’s special outfit you bought ages ago and want her to wear. Start with that feature piece and then build around it. Be sure to incorporate different colors, textures and tones (I go into detail on that in this blog post)! This will add variety and textural contrast to your portraits, since each piece will catch the light a little differently and create some separation for each member of your family. Gauze, linen, cotton voile and poplin are my families’ top choices for fabrics! Plus, you’ll stay cool even on the hottest days.

**Pro tip: avoid color-blocking. This is where everyone wears the same outfit and bodies blend together. Think back on the time when everyone would wear blue jeans and a white button down shirt. Not only does it not photograph well, but each person will blend right into the next and end up blob-like. No blobs! (Just kidding, but seriously, you deserve to look amazing!)

Dressing Well Through the Seasons

Virginia Beach experiences a range of seasonal weather conditions that can significantly impact what your family should wear for photos. Summers are typically hot and humid, with temperatures often reaching the mid-80s to low 90s Fahrenheit. To stay cool during these months, opt for lightweight and breathable fabrics like cotton or linen. Light-colored clothing not only reflects the sun but also keeps everyone looking fresh and vibrant on camera. Flowy dresses for women and shorts paired with light shirts for men and children can create a relaxed yet polished look.

As the seasons transition into fall, temperatures begin to drop, making it essential to add layers. Light sweaters or cardigans can be perfect for early autumn photos, allowing for easy removal if it warms up during the day. Earthy tones like burgundy, mustard, and forest green not only complement the autumn foliage but also photograph beautifully.

During the winter months, Virginia Beach can get chilly, with temperatures sometimes dipping into the 40s. Here, layering becomes critical. Stylish coats, scarves, and hats can add warmth while keeping your family’s outfit coordinated and photogenic. Opt for cozy sweaters and dark jeans, which can create a classic and timeless look. Additionally, accessories like gloves or patterned scarves can provide pops of color and interest without sacrificing warmth.

Regardless of the season, choosing flattering, well-fitted clothing that reflects your family’s style will ensure your Virginia Beach family photos are as beautiful as the backdrop. Remember, comfort is key—when everyone feels good in their outfits, it shows in the smiles captured in those precious moments.

My favorite places to shop for family photo outfits

• Jamie Kay– soft palettes for littles from newborn to 10 years
• Rylee & Cru– neutrals with a boho chic vibe for littles of all ages
• Noralee– luxe fabrics and finishes in beautiful colors for littles and Mom
• Morning Lavender– fabulously feminine dresses for Mom
• Nothing Fits But– breezy gauze dresses for expecting Moms and littles
• Tommy Bahama– luxe vacation-ready styles for discerning Dads
• Zara & Zara Kids– fashionable choices for the whole family

In the end, what you choose to wear for your Virginia Beach family photos ultimately comes down to selecting styles, colors and shapes that make you feel like a million bucks! I really hope you found these tips helpful, mommas. Don’t forget the most important thing: HAVE FUN making memories with your babies! Ready to schedule your very own family photos? Head on over to my Family Session page and send me a note!

Hugs, and happy shopping!