How to dress your kids for photos

(children’s photo outfit ideas that age well)

When it comes to children’s photo outfit ideas, parents often feel a little stuck. Do you go with that adorable outfit Grandma bought? Do you let your kid pick their neon-green superhero shirt? (Spoiler: please don’t. 🥴)

Here’s the truth: what your kids wear will shape the final images — not just how they look now, but how they feel decades from now. Think timeless, not trendy. Connection, not clutter.

Of course, what works best will also depend on the type of session you’re planning.
Is this a documentary-style session that simply captures your child’s current stage? A family session where everyone needs to coordinate? Or an heirloom-style session like my Legacy Portraits that calls for a more classic, elevated look?

The ideas below can easily be adapted for any type of session — the key is knowing the goal and feel you’re going for.

Should you let your kids choose their outfits? Here’s the psychology of letting little ones have a say…

Children dressing themselves is often about autonomy and identity. When they get to make choices (even small ones), it strengthens their sense of independence and helps them express who they are. And sometimes… it leads to outfits that are so wonderfully outrageous, you can’t help but want them photographed.

One of my sons is currently in a suspenders and bowtie phase. He’ll get up early on a school morning to dress himself before I can get a say…. He’ll be wearing his plaid button-down, tucked into denim shorts, suspenders, a bow tie, tall socks, and bright red rain boots. Probably not what I would have picked out — but so incredibly adorable. He felt “dapper”… filled with confidence, and completely himself. And honestly? I would LOVE to have photos of him in this outfit!

This is a great example of “self-expression within boundaries.” Kids thrive when they have options but not overwhelm. If you’re worried about clashing outfits, you can offer a curated set of choices that all photograph well (e.g., “this sweater or this cardigan,” “these suspenders with jeans or shorts”). That way they still feel empowered, and you’ll end up with images you’ll love for years.

Why some “outrageous” outfits work — and others don’t.

There’s a difference between quirky and distracting.

• Quirky + cohesive: suspenders and rain boots, or a tulle skirt with striped leggings. These read as a character moment — whimsical, endearing, expressive.
• Distracting: neon or graphic-heavy tees. The eye goes straight to the shirt, not the child. It’s less self-expression and more billboard.

Bottom line: If the outfit tells a sweet story about who they are, it likely works. If it tells a story about a brand, a logo, or a blazing color… it won’t age well.

One hard rule: NO LOGOS. NO NEON.

Logos, big character graphics, and high-neon shades steal focus from your child’s face and date the image fast. These are always a no.

Prints & patterns that do work

Prints aren’t the enemy — loud prints are. Choose patterns that feel soft and timeless:

• Scale: think thin stripes, tiny gingham, small florals.
• Contrast: low to medium; avoid stark black/white or color-clashing combos.
• Palette: cream with taupe stripe, dusty blue gingham, soft sage floral.

Have fun with texture!

Knits, linen, corduroy, gauze, ribbed tights, quilted jackets — texture adds depth without visual noise. A chunky cardigan over a simple dress or cord overalls with a plain tee photographs beautifully.

Stick to a soft palette

Neutrals don’t mean boring. Cream, oatmeal, soft taupe, dusty blue, sage, muted mauve… Calm colors allow the focus to stay on connection and make coordinating siblings effortless.

Barefoot and free!

If we’re outside on safe ground or in the studio, barefoot is often best for kids. It feels natural and keeps the look simple. Tiny toes are timeless.

With siblings… coordinate, don’t match!

Pick a 3–4 color palette and let each outfit live inside it. Example: cream + soft blue + sage + warm brown. Mix textures, vary solids/patterns, and skip the identical outfits. (Unless you’re like me and have twins and it’s a compulsion to dress them identically 🤭)

The Goal: Photos That Still Look Beautiful in 20 Years

Their laughter, the way they lean in, the curl that won’t tame — those are the moments we’re saving. Clothing should highlight, not distract from, the love and connection in front of the lens.

Legacy Portraits of my kiddos