What to Wear for Minneapolis Family Photos | Outfit tips for Minnesota Moms

Choosing outfits is the part of family photos that causes the most stress for parents.

Not because it’s complicated — but because you want everyone to look coordinated without looking overly “matched.” Add unpredictable Minnesota weather and growing kids, and it can feel overwhelming quickly.

The good news: you don’t need perfect outfits.
You just need clothing that lets your family relax and move naturally.

Here’s what tends to photograph best during Minneapolis family photo sessions.

Start With Mom’s Outfit First

The easiest way to coordinate a family is to build around one outfit. Choose something you feel comfortable and confident wearing — not something new you’re unsure about. When parents feel good, kids sense it immediately.

Flowy fabrics, soft textures, and movement tend to photograph beautifully outdoors because they add life to images instead of stiffness.

Once one outfit is chosen, everyone else can coordinate around its tones.

Coordinate Colors Instead of Matching

Instead of identical outfits, aim for a shared palette.

Good combinations:

• creams, soft blues, and warm neutrals
• earth tones and muted greens
• soft pastels in spring
• warm layers in fall

Avoid everyone wearing the exact same color — photos feel more natural when variation exists.

Dress for Movement and Comfort

Kids sit, run, climb, and snuggle during sessions. Clothing that restricts movement shows immediately in photos. If children tug at sleeves or scratch tags, it becomes the focus of the session.

Prioritize:

• soft fabrics
• flexible shoes
• layers instead of bulky coats

Comfort always photographs better than formality.

Top Outfit Tips and What to Avoid

Here are some tried-and-true tips for a classic, cohesive look:

YES TIPS FROM A PHOTOGRAPHER:

• #1 Start with Mom!  Mom is the most important here, sorry everyone else.  
• Coordinate (but please don’t match!) colors with the rest of the family.
• Stick to soft neutrals or earthy tones for nature, go bolder if you chose a white or neutral backdrop like urban settings (think Rice Park, Como Park Conservatory, Mill City Ruins, Downtown Excelsior/Wayzata).
• Long, flowy dresses look amazing and dreamy, and they even act as a natural prop for your hands!
• A cute textured bow or headband on the little girls looks so precious!
• Short or long sleeves tend to photograph better than sleeveless or spaghetti straps.
• Wear layers (cardigans, scarves, hats – depends on the weather) to add depth and texture.
• Choose solid-colored, comfortable clothing or something with small patterns (for some, but not all of you!).
• Dress to flatter your skin tone!  (are you warm, cool, neutral?)
• Pick fabrics that reflect the season (light and airy for summer, cozy knits for fall/winter).
• Think about where the photos will live in your home—choose tones that complement your space.  

THINGS TO SHY AWAY FROM:

• Black or really dark navy are beautiful, BUT they tend to get lost in photos.
• Overly tight or baggy clothing can be unflattering.
• Bold logos, cartoon characters, or loud patterns can be distracting
• Neon or overly bright colors can cast unflattering colors onto your skin
• Showing too much skin as a family can be distracting in photos (it’s all one color!).  Avoid short shorts, crop tops, tube tops — you get it.
• Fitness watches or hair ties on wrists are a no-no, as well as phones in your pockets – remember to remove those prior to your session!

Dress for the Season in Minneapolis

As I’m sure you very well know, Minneapolis offers VERY distinct seasonal backdrops, from snowy, snowy parks to beautiful blooming lakeshores. Dress accordingly!

Spring: Think light layers, soft, pretty florals, pastels, and neutrals (Have I ever mentioned Spring is my FAVORITE time for photos?)

Summer: It’s hot! Breathable fabrics, flowy dresses, rolled sleeves, linens work best at this time! Remember: morning shoots in the summer is an option!

Fall: Rich tones like mustard, rust, and olive are gorgeous. Add layers with a cozy knit cardigan, boots, a light jacket over your shoulders.

Winter: Neutral sweaters, textures like wool and flannel, and layered, neutral outerwear are great for cold months!

 

Utilize the Photographer’s Wardrobe

Some Minneapolis family photographers (including Angela) offer a Client Wardrobe for Moms. This can relieve the stress of choosing what to wear altogether! If this option is available – it’s a no brainer to utilize it!

Trust (and rely on!) Your Minneapolis Family Photographer!

Your photographer should guide and help you decide what to wear for your family photos. Use their knowledge and expertise as they’ve likely photographed many families and know what works best.

Explore more about Angela’s Minneapolis Family Photography experience!

xo,

Angela