What to Wear for Family Photos in Grapevine, TX, Season by Season.
Y’all every year I have said I was going to make a “what to wear guide.” And every year, I get intimidated to do so because I live my life in athleisurewear. But I know this is such a pressure point for people in getting family photos done and it does not have to be! It doesn’t need to require trips to multiple stores and you can probably shop your closet to make it happen. North Texas gives us all the seasons and sometimes in one day, so we’re going to go through season by season and chat about what to wear.
Spring: Light and Airy
North Texas springs are mild and full of blooming flowers, making pastel and soft tones a perfect choice.
Colors: Blush pink, lavender, baby blue, and cream. I will add that for Bluebonnet sessions, maroon is a great color (and this is not my Aggie bias coming through!)
Textures and Patterns: Light fabrics like cotton and linen work well. Consider subtle florals, gingham, or polka dots for a touch of pattern without overwhelming the scene.
Outfit Ideas:
- Mom: A flowy maxi dress in pastel tones or a floral print. Try not to go too big on the floral print if the session is specifically a bluebonnet or wildflower one.
- Dad: Khaki pants paired with a light blue or white button-down shirt. If you can find a slight texture to the shirt, even better. Last year, I got my husband one from Target that adds some depth to the photos.
- Kids: Cute sundresses for girls and light-colored shorts with polos for boys.
Accessories like delicate jewelry for mom and girls can add the finishing touch. Grab pastel and muted colors to go with the softer tones of the flowers. Avoid overly bold colors, as they might clash with the soft spring backdrop.
Summer: Bright and Breezy
If we are going to shoot outdoors in the summer, it’s going to be hot, so choosing breathable fabrics and light colors is key. We can create beautiful images indoors too.
Colors: White, coral, soft yellows, and light gray. If the grass hasn’t died yet, you can go bold with colors now. If it’s dead by late summer, you might opt for a more muted version of your favorite color.
Textures and Patterns: Stick to light cottons and linens. Minimal patterns like stripes or small checks can work well. Try to avoid any performance material, especially for Dad. The moisture wicking is amazing, but it does cling everywhere and can show sweat easily.
Outfit Ideas:
- Mom: A sleeveless sundress in a bright color.
- Dad: Light-colored chino shorts and a linen shirt.
- Kids: Rompers or dresses (with shorts) for girls and short-sleeved button-ups with shorts for boys.
Consider accessories like a wide-brimmed hat for mom or neutral sandals for everyone. Keep makeup minimal to prevent it from melting in the heat.
Fall: Warm and Layered
Fall in North Texas is a favorite for family photos. We finally made it to cooler weather and changing trees. This is the season for warm, earthy tones and cozy layers. (My favorite!)
Colors: Mustard yellow, navy, deep red, forest green, and beige.
Textures and Patterns: Incorporate cozy textures like knit sweaters, corduroy, or denim. Layers are perfect because we can have cool mornings and evenings, but the start of your session could still be warm.
Outfit Ideas:
- Mom: A midi dress in a warm tone, paired with a cardigan, denim jacket or scarf.
- Dad: Dark jeans with a plaid button-up shirt and a sweater or vest.
- Kids: Twirly dresses with leggings for girls and flannel shirts with jeans or khakis for boys.
Add boots, scarves, and hats for more depth.
Winter: Classic and Cozy
Winters in North Texas can be mild, but there are often chilly days perfect for bundling up in style.
Colors: Navy, burgundy, emerald green, charcoal gray, and cream.
Textures and Patterns: Think big chunky knit sweaters, velvet, or corduroy. Plaid and stripes work well.
Outfit Ideas:
- Mom: A fitted sweater dress with leggings and boots, or a cozy sweater with jeans and ankle boots.
- Dad: Dark jeans with a chunky knit sweater or a blazer.
- Kids: Cable-knit sweaters or flannel button downs with jeans for boys and cozy dresses with leggings for girls.
Consider adding neutral coats or textured shawls for layering. If it is going to be cold during our session in the winter, please dress for the weather!! Layers are great and dress warmly.
General Tips for Every Season
- Coordinate, Don’t Match: Choose a color palette and select outfits that complement each other. The matching thing is a trend from the 90s that has not made its return!
- Avoid Neons: They do not photograph well and will create an odd color cast on your skin.
- Avoid Logos, Words and Graphics: These can be distracting and may date your photos.
- Comfort Is Key: The week before your session, try the clothes and shoes on everyone to make sure they fit (and before you take tags off if you did buy something new!) Kids’ clothes need to fit just like Goldilocks – not too big and not too small. Make sure girls have shorts on under dresses because we will be sitting, spinning, jumping, and moving during the session.
- Shoes Matter: Opt for clean, neutral footwear that matches your outfits. As awesome as the Paw Patrol Light Up shoes are, let’s try for a neutral Velcro shoe for this day. We often will be in places that have stickers on the ground. In my location guide, I do my best to note which spots are best for closed toe shoes!
- Plan Ahead: Lay out the outfits together to see how they look as a group. Feel free to send me a message with the photo for my opinion.
I hope these tips and ideas take some of the stress of your plate. I want this to be a fun experience for you so you can concentrate on enjoying this time spent with your people. I'm always available to consult on wardrobe for the families that I photograph, so reach out today to book your session or to ask your wardrobe questions!