What to Wear for Santa Cruz Family Photos (Without Looking Too Matchy-Matchy!)
“What do we even wear?!”
If you’ve ever planned family photos, you’ve probably asked yourself this at least a dozen times. And honestly? You’re not alone. This is the number one thing people stress about before their session.
You want everyone to look coordinated but not like you tried too hard. You want timeless, not trendy (because no one wants to cringe at their photos in five years). You want to feel like you, but in the best possible way.
Good news: I got you. There’s a simple way to put together outfits that feel natural, effortless, and uniquely yours without losing sleep over it. Let’s break it down so you can stop overthinking and start getting excited for your session.
Mom Picks First!
Here’s the deal—if Mom doesn’t feel confident, the whole session is going to feel off. You set the tone! So instead of worrying about what everyone else is wearing first, start with YOU.
Pick something that makes you feel amazing. Maybe it’s that flowy midi dress that moves beautifully and makes you feel effortlessly put together, or that cozy oversized sweater that feels chic but still comfy. Whatever it is, choose your outfit first, then build everyone else around it.
Once you have your outfit, pull colors and textures from it. If you’re rocking a soft floral dress, your partner could wear a muted blue button-up, and your kiddos could wear solid neutrals with a tiny pop of color in their accessories. The goal? Coordinated, not matchy-matchy.
Start with a Color Palette, Not Matching Outfits
Matching outfits are great for cheesy 90s holiday cards… but let’s leave them there. Instead of putting everyone in the same color, choose 3-4 complementary tones and spread them throughout the family.
Pro tip: Look at your home decor. The colors you naturally gravitate toward in your space are likely the ones you’ll love in your photos!
Balance is key. If Dad’s wearing a patterned shirt, keep Mom in a solid dress, and let the kids mix in soft textures and subtle patterns to add depth. Layers are your friend!
Dress for Your Location & Season
Your background plays a huge role in how your outfits look. If you’re doing a beach session, flowy neutrals, soft blues, and earthy tones look amazing. Shooting in a park? Avoid too much green or you’ll blend in like a chameleon.
And let’s talk weather—because dressing for the “look” instead of the actual temperature is a rookie mistake. If it’s blazing hot, skip the heavy layers. If it’s chilly, opt for stylish layers like wool coats, scarves, and boots instead of giant puffer jackets.
Avoid Distracting Logos & Graphics
Your toddler’s superhero shirt? Adorable. But maybe not for the family photo. Anything with big logos, text, or neon colors is going to steal the show—and not in a good way.
If your kid insists on their favorite character tee, try a “bribe shirt” strategy: let them wear it in the car, then do a quick swap before the session. Works like a charm.
Consider Movement & Comfort
Family photos aren’t about stiff poses and awkward smiles. They’re about movement, playfulness, and real moments. Your outfits should let you move with ease!
For moms, dresses with a little flow look amazing in motion.
For kids, avoid anything too tight, stiff, or itchy (because an uncomfortable kid = meltdown city).
For dads/partners, layers always look polished. A lightweight jacket or open button-up over a solid tee adds dimension without bulk.
The Bottom Line
Your family photos aren’t really about the outfits—they’re about you and your people. But when you feel confident, comfortable, and put together, the whole experience is smoother (and more fun!).
So if you’ve been stressing about what to wear, take a deep breath. Start with Mom’s outfit, pick a simple color palette, dress for the setting, and focus on comfort. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s capturing your family’s connection in a way that feels natural and true to you.
Now go forth and slay those family photos!