What to Wear for Family Photos in San Francisco
A simple outfit guide with color palettes, outfit examples, and fog-proof tips (without stress or awkward matching).
Choosing outfits for a photo session can feel weirdly high-stakes. You want to look like yourselves, you want the photos to feel timeless, and you do not want to spend the week leading up to the session second-guessing every top in your closet.
This guide makes it easy. Below is my simple approach for family photos and couples sessions in San Francisco, plus practical tips for fog, wind, beaches, parks, and city streets.
What should we wear for family photos?
Start with two goals:
Look cohesive without matching.
Choose outfits you can move and cuddle in.
The easiest formula:
2 neutrals + 1 accent color + 1 texture
Keep everyone in a similar “dress level” (all casual, or all elevated)
Quick example:
Cream + denim + olive accents + knit texture (sweaters, ribbed tops, linen).
If you do that, your photos will feel connected, natural, and timeless.
The easiest way to coordinate outfits: the “anchor outfit” method
Pick one anchor outfit first (usually the person most particular about what they wear). Then build everyone else around it.
How to do it:
Choose the anchor outfit (a dress, jumpsuit, sweater + jeans, etc.)
Pull 1–2 colors from that outfit
Put everyone else in variations of those tones (not identical items)
Anchor (on the left) and building outfits (on the right)
This reduces decision fatigue and prevents the classic “we all wore different shades of bright blue and now it looks accidental” problem.
What colors look best for family photos?
Most people look best in soft, natural tones that work with skin tones and don’t distract from faces.
Here are colors that photograph beautifully—especially outdoors in San Francisco:
Go-to neutrals
Cream, ivory, oatmeal
Beige, tan, camel
Light gray, heather gray
Denim and chambray
Charcoal (softer than pure black)
Beautiful accent colors
Sage, olive, eucalyptus
Dusty blue, slate, steel blue
Rust, terracotta, clay
Soft mustard
Burgundy / wine (great in fall/winter)
These tones hold up well across different locations: beaches, parks, city streets, and foggy overlooks.
What not to wear for family pictures
These aren’t “rules,” but they do make sessions harder and photos feel less timeless:
Neon colors (they cast color onto skin)
Big logos / graphics / text
Tiny busy patterns (can create a weird shimmer on camera)
Super bright pure white in harsh sun (can blow out highlights)
Matching exact outfits for everyone (unless intentionally styled)
Anything you’ll keep adjusting (slipping straps, tight waistbands, itchy collars)
If you’re unsure about an item, a good test is:
“Is this outfit wearing me, or am I wearing it?”
How to coordinate family outfits without matching
If you want a quick, repeatable approach, use this:
The 60/30/10 outfit balance
60% neutrals (cream, tan, denim, gray)
30% mid-tones (sage, slate, rust)
10% accents (a scarf, hair bow, subtle pattern, jacket)
Add texture, not extra colors
Texture makes photos feel rich and cozy without looking busy:
Knits, linen, denim, corduroy, suede, wool
Layering pieces (cardigans, jackets, coats)
Keep patterns minimal and intentional
Patterns can work great if they’re:
Larger scale (not tiny)
Soft contrast (not harsh)
Limited to one person in the group
What should kids wear for family photos?
Kids should look great and be comfortable enough to play, cuddle, and move.
Best picks for kids:
Soft layers (sweaters, cardigans, jackets)
Solid colors or simple patterns
Comfortable shoes (or easy-to-remove shoes if we’re on sand)
Avoid:
Character shirts
Distracting graphics
Super stiff or scratchy outfits that will melt down 10 minutes in
Pro tip: Bring a simple “backup layer” for kids (neutral sweater or jacket). It’s helpful for warmth and for quick outfit variety.
What should dads (or partners) wear for family photos?
Simple, classic, and comfortable wins every time.
Great options:
Henley + dark denim
Button-up (linen or chambray) + neutral pants
Crewneck sweater + jeans or chinos
Jacket layered over a simple tee (adds structure)
Avoid if possible:
Athletic sneakers that scream “gym”
Super bright polos
Shorts (unless it’s a very casual summer beach vibe)
If you’re still unsure what to wear, don’t overthink it — pick one “anchor” outfit you love, pull 1–2 colors from it, and dress everyone else in softer variations of those tones. Layers, comfortable shoes, and simple textures go a long way (especially in San Francisco weather). If you’d like a second set of eyes, I’m happy to help you choose outfits and a location that fits your vibe so you can show up relaxed and enjoy the experience.
