What Not To Wear for Family Photos in New Jersey

Choosing outfits for family photos can feel like a big task—especially when you want everyone to look great and still feel comfortable. As a New Jersey family photographer (and a mom!), I’ve learned that what you don’t wear is just as important as what you do. Certain clothing choices can leave you feeling frustrated or distracted during your session—and I want you to walk away with timeless, joyful images you’ll love for years.

Whether your family photos are at Natirar Park, the Jersey Shore, or a quiet backyard, I’ve put together my top tips on what not to wear for family photos in New Jersey. Think of this as a little checklist to keep your session stress-free and your family looking their best.

What Not to Wear for Family Photos in NJ: A Quick Checklist

When planning outfits, it helps to think about what to avoid first. Here are some of the most common outfit mistakes I’ve seen families make—and what to do instead—so you can feel comfortable, confident, and connected in your photos.

Don’t Wear Ill-Fitting Clothing—Choose Outfits That Let You Move Freely

Choose fitted—but not tight—clothing. Loose or baggy outfits can make you look heavier in photos.

My sessions are full of snuggles, play, and movement, so you’ll want outfits that stay in place without constant adjusting.

Things to Avoid:

• Clothes that are overly tight, ride up, or slip out of place
• Loose, baggy clothing that looks shapeless in photos
• Kids’ outfits that are slightly outgrown (it’s always noticeable)

Better Choices:

• Fitted but not tight outfits that let you sit, run, or lift your little ones
• Dresses that stay in place when you bend or sit
• Undergarments that won’t slip or show straps

Pro Tip: Try the “Sit Test.” Have everyone sit on the floor or bed and lift their arms—make sure clothes don’t pinch, ride up, or expose underlayers.

Mom Note: If you’re picking a dress, choose one that makes you feel confident when you scoop your child up for a hug. You deserve to feel comfortable, too.

Also, choose your undergarments carefully. Make sure bra straps don’t show or slip out of place, as you don’t want to worry about making adjustments during your session.

Don’t Pick Uncomfortable Fabrics—Happy Kids Make Happy Photos

If your child hates what they’re wearing, it’ll show. Scratchy sweaters or stiff fabrics can cause meltdowns, no matter how adorable the outfit looks on a hanger.

Avoid:

• Itchy materials or stiff collars
• Outfits that restrict movement

Choose Instead:

• Soft, breathable fabrics (cotton, linen, knits)
• Clothes your kids already like wearing

Pro Tip: Let kids “test drive” their outfits a few days before the session. If they’re comfy at home, they’ll be relaxed during your shoot.

Mom Note: A cozy child is a happy child—and happy kids mean natural smiles you’ll love forever.

Don’t Wear Stiff or Painful Shoes—Comfort is Key

Shoes matter more than most families realize! Uncomfortable shoes can lead to grumpy kids (and moms). Since many of my favorite NJ locations require walking, comfort is essential.

Avoid:

• Brand new shoes your kids haven’t broken in
• Stiff dress shoes for toddlers
• Heels that are hard to walk in

Better Options:

• Well-fitting sneakers, sandals, or boots in neutral tones
• Flats or low wedges for moms (bring heels to swap in if you love the look)
• Shoes that coordinate with outfits instead of clashing

Pro Tip: Check the bottoms! Dirty or brightly colored soles can show when kids sit on your lap or on a blanket.

Mom Note: If you love heels, bring flats to walk in and switch to heels once we start shooting.

Don’t Choose Neon or Distracting Patterns—Neutrals Photograph Best

When it comes to color, the goal is to keep the focus on your family’s love and connection—not the clothing. Bright, neon shades (think hot pink, lime green, or electric blue) can be fun in everyday life but tend to overpower photos and pull attention away from faces.

Colors to Avoid:

• Neon or very bright colors (hot pink, bright orange, lime green, royal blue)
• Too much navy, black, or stark white
• One family member in a drastically different shade from everyone else

Better Alternatives:

• Soft neutrals like cream, tan, or ivory
• Earthy tones like sage, rust, or olive green
• Pastels like blush, dusty blue, or soft lavender

Pro Tip: Very bright colors can cast onto skin, making faces look less natural. Creams and muted tones photograph beautifully, especially in golden hour light here in New Jersey.

Patterns to Avoid:

• Busy stripes or tiny checks
• Bold, distracting prints that dominate the frame

Choose textures or subtle prints for variety—think knits, lace, or a small floral.

Don’t Dress Kids in Logos or Characters—Keep the Focus on Their Smiles

Logos, graphic tees, or cartoon characters can date your photos and distract from your child’s face.

Avoid:

• Clothing with large text, slogans, or logos
• Character shirts or bold graphics

Choose Instead:

• Solid colors
• Simple textures or soft patterns

Mom Note: Their sweet expressions are timeless—let’s make sure the clothes don’t steal the spotlight.

Don’t Over-Match—Coordinate Colors Instead

Matching outfits may feel safe, but they can look dated and make everyone blend together. Coordinated outfits create separation and allow personalities to shine.

Avoid:

Everyone in identical colors (all white shirts, all blue jeans).

Better Approach:

• Mix shades within a color family (deep blue for dad, soft dusty blue for mom)
• Add layers like cardigans or vests in complementary tones

Pro Tip: If your daughters have matching dresses, give them cardigans in different shades to create visual separation.

Don’t Wear Out-of-Season Outfits—Dress for the Weather and Setting

Photos feel most natural when clothing matches the season.

Avoid:

• Dark, heavy outfits in spring flower sessions
• Sundresses or Hawaiian shirts in fall or winter

Better Approach:

• Light pastels and florals for spring
• Cozy knits and earthy tones for fall
• Layers (cardigans, scarves, vests) for cooler weather

Mom Note: Comfort is key. A child who’s too hot or too cold won’t last long in photos.

Don’t Force an Outfit That Doesn’t Fit Your Personality—Stay True to You

Everyone should feel like themselves during a photo session.

And as much as I love dresses on moms and girls alike, if your daughter hates them, choose a romper or pair a cute blouse with pants.

Avoid:

• Putting dad in a suit if he never wears one
• Forcing your daughter into a dress if she hates them

Better Choices:

• A henley or quality tee for dad
• Rompers, blouses, or pants for girls who don’t love dresses

Mom Note: The best photos happen when your family feels relaxed and authentic.

Don’t Forget the Details—Small Things Show in Photos

Often, we’re so focused on the big picture when it comes to getting everyone dressed for family photos, that we may overlook the details. But details really do make a difference.

Things to Double-Check:

• Sunglasses on top of your head
• Transition eye-wear (you want to be able to see eyes in your photos)
• Hair ties, string bracelets or fitness trackers on wrists
• Bulky watches (that will date your photos)
• Phones, wallets or keys in pockets
• Food in teeth and food on your baby or toddler’s face
• Chipped or bright colored nail polish that clashes with your clothing
• Any clothing that shows lint or pet hair
• Wrinkled clothing

Don’t Overdo Accessories or Makeup—Simple Always Wins

When it comes to hair accessories, I’m all for subtlety. That cute bow that came with your daughter’s dress? Make sure it’s small enough that it doesn’t detract from her beautiful face. When you look at your photos, you want the focal point on your daughter’s eyes and expression, not the boat-sized bow balancing on her cute curls. Similarly, scarves and jewelry should accent an outfit, not overpower it. 

Avoid:

• Up-dos or pulling hair back too tightly, which looks stiff and formal
• Oversized bows or statement jewelry that overwhelm faces
• Heavy makeup or bright lipstick that can smudge
• Drastic new haircuts right before your session

Better Choices:

• Subtle hair accessories
• Light, natural makeup (with an extra coat of mascara for moms)
• Long-lasting lipstick in soft, natural shades

Mom Note: Your kids love the real you. Choose styles that make you feel beautiful and let you be yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions About What Not to Wear for Family Photos in New Jersey

Should we all wear the same color for family photos?
It’s better to coordinate, not match. When everyone wears the exact same shade, you can blend together in photos. Instead, choose colors in the same family (like soft neutrals or muted pastels) that complement each other while allowing each person’s personality to shine.

Can I wear black for family pictures?
Black can sometimes get lost in shadows or appear harsh, especially during golden hour. If you love darker tones, consider softer options like navy, charcoal, or deep green. Creams and neutrals tend to photograph beautifully in New Jersey’s outdoor settings.

What colors look best for family photos in NJ?
Natural, muted tones work best—think earthy greens, warm rusts, soft blues, blush, creams, and tans. These colors complement the gorgeous backdrops we have here in New Jersey, from beach sunsets to fall foliage, without distracting from your family’s connection.

Is it okay for my kids to wear bright colors or character shirts?
I recommend avoiding neon, bold brights, and clothing with logos or characters. These tend to distract from faces and emotions—the heart of your family photos. Instead, let your kids pick outfits they feel comfortable in, but guide them toward softer, timeless colors.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to family photos, remember this: comfort and connection matter so much more than perfection. The best images happen when you feel free to laugh, play, and cuddle without worrying about tugging at your clothes or your child melting down in itchy fabric.

If you’d like more outfit inspiration, you may also enjoy:

What to Wear for Your Spring Family Photo Session

What to Wear for Summer Family Photos

What to Wear for Summer Newborn Photos.

Want personalized outfit ideas? I’ve created a free Wardrobe Inspiration Guide just for my clients. Fill out my Contact Form, mention the guide, and I’ll send it straight to your inbox.

At the end of the day, your kids won’t remember what they wore—but they’ll always remember the love, laughter, and snuggles you shared. With the right clothing choices, you’ll have timeless, joyful images that reflect your family exactly as you are.