What Should We Wear for Summer Family Portraits? Your Complete Guide for Beautiful Photos

One of the first questions families ask after booking a portrait session is:

"What should we wear?"

The good news is that choosing outfits doesn't have to be stressful. A little planning goes a long way toward creating portraits that you'll proudly display in your home for years to come.

Summer is one of our favorite times of year for family portraits in San Antonio. The evenings are beautiful, the kids are out of school, college students are home before heading back in the fall, and it's often one of the few times the entire family can be together.

Here are our favorite tips to help your family look their best.

Coordinate...Don't Match

Gone are the days when everyone wore identical white shirts and blue jeans.

Instead, choose a color palette and let everyone wear complementary colors. This creates a much more natural and timeless look.

Some of our favorite summer color combinations include:

Navy, light blue, and cream
Sage green, tan, and ivory
Dusty blue with soft grays
Soft blush with navy
Earth tones such as olive, beige, rust, and cream

The goal is for everyone to look like they belong together without looking like they're wearing uniforms.

Keep Patterns Simple

Patterns can add personality, but too many competing prints can become distracting.

We recommend:

Solid colors
Small, subtle patterns
Light textures
Avoiding large logos and graphics
Avoiding neon colors

Remember, we want people looking at your family, not your clothing.

Dress a Little Nicer Than Everyday

Family portraits are an investment that will last for generations.

Choose clothing that's one step above everyday casual.

Think:

Summer dresses
Button-up shirts
Nice blouses
Khakis
Linen pants
Clean dark jeans (when appropriate)

These choices photograph beautifully while still feeling comfortable.

Think About Your Home

Where will your portraits hang?

If your home has warm neutral colors, earth tones photograph beautifully.

If your home has cooler colors, blues, grays, and soft whites often work wonderfully.

Choosing clothing that complements your décor helps your portraits become part of your home rather than something that clashes with it.

Don't Forget the Shoes

Shoes are easy to overlook until picture day.

Choose clean shoes that match the overall style.

Avoid athletic shoes unless that's intentionally part of your family's style.

For outdoor sessions, sandals, boots, loafers, or simple dress shoes usually photograph much better.

Accessories Should Complement, Not Compete

Accessories can complete a look.

Consider:

Simple jewelry
Hats (if they fit your style)
Scarves
Suspenders for little boys
Hair bows for young girls

Less is often more.

Keep Everyone Comfortable

Children photograph best when they're comfortable.

Choose clothing that fits well and allows them to move naturally.

If your child constantly pulls at a shirt or dislikes stiff clothing, it will show in the expressions.

Comfort equals genuine smiles.

What About the Texas Summer Heat?

Don't let the weather scare you.

Our summer portrait sessions are scheduled during the cooler evening hours when the light is soft and flattering.

Lightweight fabrics like cotton and linen help everyone stay comfortable while looking fantastic.

We also know locations throughout San Antonio that offer beautiful shade, trees, and natural backgrounds that photograph beautifully.

The Most Important Thing Isn't Your Clothes

The most important part of your portrait session isn't the clothing.

It's the people.

Life changes quickly.

Children grow.

Seniors leave for college.

Families become busier every year.

A family portrait freezes this season of your life forever. Years from now, you'll be thankful you took the time to capture these moments together.

Summer Special – July & August

There's never been a better time to update your family portraits.

For July and August, we're offering 50% off our on-location family portrait session fee.

Regular Session Fee: $250
Summer Special: Only $125

Weekend appointments are available, but they fill quickly during the summer.

Whether it's been two years or twenty since your last family portrait, we'd love to help you create artwork your family will treasure for generations.

Contact Dos Kiwis Studio today to reserve your summer family portrait session before the kids head back to school or off to college.

Frequently Asked Questions About Summer Family Portrait Outfits

What are the best colors to wear for summer family portraits?

Soft, natural colors usually photograph best for summer family portraits. Great options include navy, cream, sage green, tan, ivory, dusty blue, soft gray, blush, olive, beige, rust, and other earth tones. The goal is to coordinate colors so everyone looks connected without wearing the exact same outfit.

Should everyone in the family wear matching outfits?

No. Matching outfits can look outdated and too uniform. Instead, choose a color palette with 3 to 5 complementary colors and let each family member wear something that fits their personality while still looking cohesive with the group.

What should we avoid wearing for family pictures?

Try to avoid large logos, bold graphics, neon colors, overly busy patterns, athletic shoes, and clothing that feels uncomfortable. These details can distract from the people in the portrait. Simple, timeless clothing usually creates the most beautiful results.

Are dresses a good choice for summer family portraits?

Yes. Summer dresses photograph beautifully, especially in outdoor settings. Soft fabrics, flowing styles, and flattering colors can add movement and elegance to your portraits while still keeping the session relaxed and comfortable.

What should men wear for summer family portraits?

Men usually look great in button-up shirts, polos, linen shirts, khakis, chinos, clean dark jeans, or linen pants. Neutral colors, soft blues, navy, olive, and earth tones all photograph well and coordinate easily with the rest of the family.

What should children wear for family photos?

Children should wear clothing that is comfortable, fits well, and allows them to move naturally. Avoid stiff outfits or anything they may constantly pull at during the session. Comfortable children are more relaxed, which helps create genuine smiles and natural expressions.

What shoes should we wear for outdoor family portraits?

Choose clean shoes that match the style of your outfits. Sandals, loafers, boots, dress shoes, and simple neutral shoes usually work well. Athletic shoes are best avoided unless they are intentionally part of your family’s style.

How do we dress for family portraits in the Texas summer heat?

Lightweight fabrics like cotton and linen are ideal for summer portraits in San Antonio. At Dos Kiwis Studio, summer sessions are scheduled during the cooler evening hours when the light is soft and flattering. We also choose locations with shade, trees, and natural backgrounds to help everyone stay more comfortable.

Should our outfits match our home décor?

Yes, especially if you plan to display your portraits as wall art. If your home has warm, neutral tones, earth tones and creams may work beautifully. If your home has cooler colors, blues, grays, and soft whites may be a better fit.

When should we start planning our outfits?

It is best to start planning outfits at least one to two weeks before your portrait session. This gives you time to coordinate colors, check sizing, clean shoes, choose accessories, and make sure everyone feels comfortable with what they will wear.

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