What to Wear for Family Photos in Kansas City: Timeless Outfit Ideas That Work

Let’s be honest — choosing outfits for family photos can feel like a whole thing.
You want everyone to look pulled together, but not too “matchy.” You want colors that work with your home, the season, and each other — all without adding stress to your already full plate.

The good news? It doesn’t have to be hard. With a few simple guidelines, your family can look effortlessly coordinated and confident.

Here are some of my favorite tried-and-true tips for what to wear for family photos in Kansas City:

Start with One Outfit You Love

Start with mama. Find an outfit you feel beautiful and comfortable in. That becomes your anchor, and everything else builds around it. When you feel confident, it sets the tone for the whole session. And trust me — confidence photographs better than any color palette ever could. For my mamas, comfort is also a must. 

Choose Coordinating, Not Matching

Gone are the days of everyone in jeans and white shirts. Instead, think in color families — soft neutrals, muted earth tones, or rich jewel hues that complement each other. Pick two or three colors to work with + your neutrals (think browns OR blacks). Mixing textures — like linen, knits, or denim — adds depth without feeling busy. The goal is for your family to look like you belong together, not like you’re wearing uniforms.

Keep Location and Season in Mind

Kansas City gives us everything — bright spring blooms, golden fall fields, and modern downtown textures — so your location can help guide your colors.

For nature sessions (like Shawnee Mission Park or James A. Reed) avoid greens that will blend into the background too much (the exception would be a deeper emerald). Neutrals work well against florals, or warm hues against Fall backdrops. 

For city sessions (like Union Station or the Crossroads) classic cuts work well with the textures and architecture. Like anything – what “looks good” is subjective to your family personality. 

If you’re not sure, I’ll help narrow down options during your Design Consultation — we’ll look at the season, your home decor if these photos will be hung on walls, and your family’s personality so everything feels cohesive.

Think Timeless Over Trendy

Your photos should look just as beautiful ten years from now as they do today. Avoid overly bright colors, big logos, or loud patterns that might distract from your faces. Instead, choose pieces that feel simple, classic, and true to your family’s style.

Layer and Add Texture

Layers make a huge difference — think cardigans, scarves, or light jackets that add movement and visual interest. They also help little ones stay cozy if our Kansas City weather decides to surprise us (which… it usually does).

Shoes Matter (More Than You Think)

It’s easy to overlook footwear, but shoes can make or break the look. I mean, you spend enough time investment on that wardrobe, let’s finish strong. Stick to simple, neutral tones that blend with your palette — and skip athletic sneakers if possible. Barefoot for little ones? Always adorable if the weather allows. 

Relax — I’ll Help You Finalize Everything

One of my favorite parts of the Design Consultation is helping families pull together their outfits. We’ll look at what you already have, talk through color choices, and even match outfits to your session location and home decor. So you can stop second-guessing and start getting excited — because this part really can be easy. I never leave you hanging. 

If choosing outfits stresses you out OR if you get inspired to design the perfect wardrobe every year for the family, I’m here to guide and cheer you on. Together, we’ll make it simple, beautiful, and completely you.