5 Tips for Dressing Your Family for Spring Family Photos

Spring is the perfect time for fresh, beautiful family photos! However, choosing spring family photo outfits for everyone can feel overwhelming. That’s why I am sharing five tips to make dressing for your spring session feel somewhat effortless all while looking stylish.

And as a family photographer in St. Louis, spring is busy for me with families and mini sessions! This year I’ll be offering spring mini sessions at Forest Park, Tower Grove Park, and Francis Park.

Tip One: Start with your outfit first

The key? Start with your outfit first— yes, you! The one who is doing all of the research, booked the family photos, and is strategizing clothing for your family. I am giving you full permission to put yourself first!

As moms (or the primary parent), we often focus on dressing our families first, but choosing your own outfit first will set the tone for the entire look. Pick something you feel beautiful and comfortable in—whether that’s a flowy midi dress, a chic jumpsuit, or an elegant blouse with tailored pants. Once you’ve chosen your outfit, you can coordinate the rest of the family around it.

A mom tip from your photographer: When picking your outfit, be practical with how active you’ll have to be in the session. If you have a super active toddler, it may not be the year to wear heels or a mini dress.

Where to Shop for Mom:

• Budget-Friendly: Target, Old Navy, H&M, Amazon, Clothes Mentor
• Mid-Range: Quince, J.Crew, LOFT, Abercrombie, Gap, Madewell
• Higher-End: Boden, Anthropologie, Reformation, Nordstrom

Tip Two: Choose a Soft, Complementary Color Palette

Spring is all about light, airy tones! Soft, neutral, or pastel shades work beautifully in natural settings. Avoid bright neons or busy patterns that can distract in photos. And while I love jewel tones, it’s my personal take to avoid “fall colors” during your spring session.

Bonus Tip: If you are feeling totally lost on palettes, head to Pinterest and search “spring photo palettes”

Beautiful Spring Color Palettes:

• Soft & Romantic: Blush, cream, dusty blue, sage green
• Earthy & Natural: Taupe, olive, warm beige, soft rust
• Classic & Fresh: Navy, chambray, white, soft pink
• Bright & Playful: Mustard, lavender, sky blue, peach

Tip Three: Mix Textures and Layers for Depth

Adding different textures (like linen, knits, lace, or chambray) gives your outfits dimension and makes photos visually interesting. Layering with cardigans, light jackets, or tights can also add warmth and versatility in case the weather shifts….which we know is likely in the Midwest!

Where to Shop for Kids:

• Budget-Friendly: Once Upon a Child (my personal favorite), Old Navy, Target, Walmart, H&M Kids
• Mid-Range: Zara Kids, Gap Kids, J.Crew
• Higher-End: Hanna Andersson, Mini Boden, Maisonette, Rylee + Cru

Tip Four: Coordinate, Don’t Match

Gone are the days of everyone wearing the same exact color…or all denim (if you lived through the 90s IYKYK). Instead, aim for coordinating colors that complement each other. For example, if you’re wearing a floral dress with blush and sage tones, your partner could wear a soft blue or denim button-down, and the kids could wear neutral creams or complementary pastels.

Where to Shop for Dad:

• Budget-Friendly: Target, Old Navy, H&M, Kohl’s
• Mid-Range: Quince, Banana Republic, J.Crew, Gap
• Higher-End: Nordstrom, Faherty

Tip Five: Keep Things Simple & Practical

Shoes should be neutral and polished—think loafers, ballet flats, or simple sandals. Avoid sneakers (unless they’re clean, stylish white ones) and flip-flops. Accessories like hats, dainty jewelry, and simple headbands can elevate the look without overpowering it.

If you also have small kids, try to be realistic with clothing. One example I see a lot that causes issues, is baby or toddler girls wearing dresses, jumpers, or bloomers and we are constantly pulling the dress down. It just distracts from the session in our short time together.

Quick Styling Checklist:

✅ Start with the primary parent’s outfit and build around it.
✅ Choose soft, neutral, or pastel tones for a spring feel.
✅ If you feel lost, head to Pinterest for some ideas!
✅ Mix textures and layers for dimension.
✅ Coordinate colors instead of matching exactly.
✅ Keep shoes and accessories minimal and stylish.

By following these tips, you’ll create effortlessly beautiful and cohesive outfits for your spring family photos.

Ready to book your spring family session? You can learn more and book your mini session here!