#1 Keep it Classic with Neutrals

If you’ve got a gaggle of little ones, getting a sweet family shot can seem next to impossible. It feels like there’s always someone fussing or looking in the wrong direction or spilling the contents of their sippy cup all over their shirt. 

 

But with holiday card season approaching, we know that our fellow mamas are starting to think about how to get that picture-perfect moment (even if you have to bribe your kiddos to take the holiday photo!).

 

One way to make snapping the perfect family portrait literally a snap is with matching or coordinating outfits. Matching sibling outfits are a fabulous way to add a fun touch to your family photos and make your whole crew look put-together and photo-ready. We’ve gathered five of our favorite family photo outfit ideas to make your next family portrait one you’ll treasure forever.

 

#1 Keep it Classic with Neutrals

One of the easiest ways to get matchy-matchy with your next family photo session is by dressing the whole family up in classic, neutral-toned clothing. Neutrals are a no-brainer for a reason—they photograph well, are easy to mix and match, and will leave you with a photo that will look timeless for years to come. Some of our favorite neutral color schemes for photos include:

 

  • Black
  • White or cream
  • Navy
  • Gray
  • Earth tones like brown, khaki, or olive

 

Black is one of the easiest neutrals to use for a matching family photo outfit. Try pairing black sweaters or tops with white jeans for a polished yet relaxed look. For your little ladies, try styling them in classic black girl dresses, and your little man can go for that timless toddler button down shirt. Our Knit ¾ Sleeve Twirl Dress is available in black for both your littlest ones and your not-so-little ones. She’ll love how this simple swing dress has pockets, and you’ll love having this easy wardrobe staple in her closet rotation!

 

Another way we love wearing neutrals is by pairing a neutral-colored top, like a creamy ivory cable knit sweater, or a simple, crisp white button-down, with blue jeans for a timeless yet easygoing look. 

 

If you’re going for this classic Americana-inspired look, try our Pinafore Bow Dress in light wash denim for your little girl, featuring adorable ruffles and flutter sleeves. For your little guy, dress him in our Boys Denim Jacket in medium-wash denim. It’s the perfect layering item that he’ll be sporting all year long.

 

#2 Pop on a Pattern

Looking for a fun way to match outfits and show off your family’s creative side? We love incorporating patterns as a cool twist on matching outfits. Here are a few tips when it comes to using patterns:

 

  • Steer clear of small, busy patterns. These often don’t photograph well and can look distracting on camera.

 

  • Try patterns that are different, but still complementary. Think of similar colors, but varied patterns. Our Short Sleeve Knit Twirl Dress would fit right in for a portrait showing off your family’s different patterns.

 

 

#3 Get Colorful

You don’t have to stick to neutrals when wearing matching outfits for a family photoshoot. One cute way to incorporate color into your photoshoot ‘fit is by choosing an accent color to tie the entire family’s look together. This makes it even easier to come up with family outfit ideas for you and your littles, since everyone only needs to wear a single item in your chosen color to achieve the desired effect.

 

One of our favorite styling systems when using an accent color is to mix up who wears what for some visual variety. Go for a warm and cheerful look with our Ruffled Long Sleeve Layering Tee and Big Bow Headband for your daughter, the Waffle Knit Longall Romper for your littlest one, and our Women’s Chunky Knit Open Cardigan for yourself, all in our sunshiney Honey shade.

 

#4 Go for a Poolside Photoshoot

Vacations and beach days can sometimes be the easiest spots to wrangle your whole crew together in front of a scenic spot, so make sure to pack some matching options. If your holiday card this year will show off your family alongside waves, palm trees, and sandy beaches, we’ve got plenty of matching swim options and travel accessories for kids to throw in your suitcase for your .


Pair nautical neutrals like blues and whites with classic, coastal prints like seersucker. Your little one can build her very first sandcastle in our Seersucker Long Sleeve Rash Guard One Piece and sweet Swim Hat, while the big sister will love playing surfside in our Peplum Tankini in Periwinkle Blue Seersucker, paired with a matching Swim Headband. You’ll love that they’ll be protected from the sun’s rays thanks to our UPF 50+ sun protection fabric. 

 

 Join in the seersucker fun with our Women’s swim styles for you and our Boys Swim Trunks for your little guy!

 

#5 Stay Cozy in PJs

The easiest option for your family photoshoot might also be the snuggliest. Pajama sets are a comfy, cozy way to have the whole family match for a photoshoot.

 

If you’re looking for a fun and festive feeling this winter, our pajama sets in Peppermint Stripe offer something for everyone in the family, including our matching sister and matching brother outfits. Dress your baby in our Baby Girls' footed pajamas, which offer foldover mitts to keep your little one from scratching and slip-resistant dot grips on the soles if they’re starting to walk. For your bigger kids, we love our toddler girl pajamas.

 

Of course, if your family includes some furry friends, don’t forget about matching your pup! Tie a matching Pet Bandana around their neck and put your furry best friend front and center in your next family photo session.

 

Get Picture Perfect with RuffleButts

We know firsthand that wrangling wiggly little ones and toddlers to take the perfect family picture  can be an adventure. That’s why we’ve taken some of the stress out of the equation with our collection of looks for the whole family, designed with the comfort and happiness of you and your littles in mind.

 

RuffleButts is your one-stop source for stylish, quality-guaranteed clothing for the whole family, with baby clothes sizing designed to create smiles and family memories for generations to come. 

 

Sources:

Classy Yet Trendy. 3 Ways to Wear Neutrals and Not Look Boring. https://classyyettrendy.com/2020/12/3-ways-to-wear-neutral-colors-and-not-look-boring.html/

 

 Becca Jean Photography. What Patterns to Wear for Family Photos. https://beccajeanphotography.com/what-patterns-to-wear-for-family-photos