Coordinating Outfits for Family Photos in Minneapolis & St. Paul

Family photos are meant to be beautiful, timeless, and just a little bit fun. But let’s be honest, when it comes to getting everyone dressed, it can feel like wrangling cats who all have different fashion opinions. Dad loves his faded college sweatshirt, your teen swears neon green is a personality, and the baby just wants to live in pajamas. Meanwhile, you’re scrolling Pinterest at midnight wondering how on earth families in Minneapolis or St. Paul manage to look so put together. I promise, it is possible. Let’s talk about how to pair outfits for group shots that actually match without losing your sanity.

Why Matching Does Not Mean Wearing the Same Thing

The phrase “matching outfits” often sends people into a panic. They imagine everyone showing up in identical jeans and white t-shirts, which belongs firmly in the early 2000s archives. Today, we’re going for harmony instead of clones. Think of it like a great dinner party: you want every dish to complement the others, not compete for attention.

When you are coordinating outfits for family photos, your goal is to create a palette that flows. That does not mean everyone needs to be in the same shade of beige. Instead, it means pulling together colors and textures that work as a whole. In Minneapolis, where the light shifts dramatically with the seasons, that might mean leaning into soft neutrals in the winter or warmer tones for autumn. In St. Paul, you might choose cool blues and greens to echo the feel of the city. It’s all about creating a visual story without having to overthink every single piece.

The mQn Experience

Color Palettes That Photograph Best

This is the number one question I hear from families: what colors look best in photos? The short answer is neutrals are always your friend. Whites, creams, tans, soft grays, and muted pastels will never go out of style. They photograph beautifully and keep the focus where it belongs, on your family’s faces and connections.

That said, a pop of color can be magical. Deep jewel tones can add richness in the winter months, while soft sage, blush, or dusty blue feel right at home in a spring session around Edina or Minnetonka. Just remember that color works best when it is balanced. If one child is in a brighter shade, ground the rest of the family in softer tones so it doesn’t overwhelm the photo.

And here’s the secret sauce: I have a studio wardrobe packed with options so you don’t have to start from scratch. I also send clients a monthly Looks Book that shows ready-made outfit ideas with clickable links. This makes coordinating outfits for family photos a lot less stressful. You can pull ideas straight from the guide or borrow pieces from my wardrobe. Either way, you’ll never have to stand in a fitting room under fluorescent lights questioning your life choices.

Layering and Texture: The Unsung Heroes

If everyone shows up in smooth cotton, the photo can feel flat. The magic happens when you start layering textures. Think of chunky knits, gauzy dresses, linen shirts, or even a velvet bow. These elements add depth to your photos and make them feel rich and alive.

In Woodbury, where many families love outdoor sessions in the fall, a layered look keeps you cozy and photogenic at the same time. For example, mom in a flowy cream dress with a cardigan, dad in a textured button-down, and the kids in knit sweaters or corduroy. That combination looks cohesive without being forced.

Layers also give you options. A jacket can be removed for a quick variation, or a scarf can be added to tie in another color. Texture is your secret weapon when you want outfits that feel natural but still look like you all belong together.

Planning for Different Personalities

Let’s face it, not every family member is thrilled about dressing up. You might have a little one who refuses to wear anything but their favorite tutu, or a teen who claims comfort is their only vibe. Here’s where compromise meets coordination.

The trick is to let each person express a little individuality while still sticking to the overall palette. If your daughter insists on a tutu, make sure it’s in a color that flows with everyone else. If your partner loves jeans, pair them with a neutral top and layers that tie into the group. By giving everyone a little ownership, you keep the peace while still making sure the final image looks intentional.

This is where my studio wardrobe and Looks Book can really save the day. Instead of fighting about what works, you can simply point to the curated options I provide. Suddenly, you’re not negotiating with a teenager in Target at 9 p.m. You’re just clicking a link and checking off a box.

The Studio Wardrobe

Coordinating Across Seasons

In Minnesota, the season dictates more than just your outerwear. Spring sessions in Minneapolis call for lighter fabrics and pastel tones. Summer in Minnetonka might mean airy dresses, linen shirts, and sandals. Fall in North Oaks is all about earthy hues, cozy sweaters, and boots. And winter in White Bear Lake shines with elegant neutrals layered under stylish coats.

The key is to let the season inspire your choices without letting it run the show. Yes, fall means rich colors, but you don’t need everyone in pumpkin orange. Instead, think cream dresses, tan sweaters, and one family member in a deep burgundy. That way the colors nod to the season without overwhelming the photo.

Coordinating outfits for family photos doesn’t have to feel like a second job. With a thoughtful color palette, a mix of textures, and a little help from my studio wardrobe and Looks Book, you’ll be amazed at how effortlessly everything comes together. Families in the Twin Cities deserve portraits that feel timeless and authentic, and with just a bit of planning, your group shots will look like you hired a professional stylist (spoiler: you kind of did).

I would love to hear from you. Drop a comment below and let me know your biggest challenge when it comes to picking family outfits. Who knows, your question might even inspire my next blog post.

FAQs

What colors photograph best for family photos?

Soft neutrals like cream, tan, gray, and muted pastels always look beautiful. They keep the focus on your faces and work in every setting. If you want to add color, think about balance. One person in a jewel tone paired with softer shades on everyone else looks gorgeous without being overwhelming. For extra inspiration, the Pantone fashion color trend report is a great place to see how current shades might work for your session.

Should we avoid patterns?

Not necessarily. Small, subtle patterns like a tiny floral or thin stripe can add interest. Just avoid anything too bold or distracting, like large logos or clashing plaids.

How do we make sure everyone looks coordinated without looking identical?

Choose a palette of three to four colors and stick within that range. Mix textures and layers to add variety, and let each person have one element that feels true to them. That way, everyone looks connected but not carbon-copied.

Can you help us choose outfits?

Absolutely. My studio wardrobe is full of pieces designed to photograph beautifully, and I send out a monthly Looks Book with ready-to-go outfit inspiration. You don’t have to figure it out alone. If given enough notice I may even purchase the item for my client closet in your size for your session! It doesn't get much better than that!

Michele is a Twin Cities family photographer known for creating timeless, stylish portraits that feel effortless and natural. With more than 15 years of experience, she understands that choosing what to wear for family photos can feel overwhelming. That is why she offers a curated studio wardrobe and a monthly Looks Book filled with ready-to-go outfit inspiration. Her warm and witty approach helps families in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Edina, Minnetonka, and beyond feel comfortable in front of the camera while looking beautifully coordinated. Michele’s goal is simple — to make family photos stress-free, stylish, and a little bit fun.

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How to Pair Outfits for Group Shots That Actually Match