Your guide to looking and feeling your best in every season
As a Maple Grove family photographer, one of the most common questions I get is:
“What should we wear for our family photo session?”
Great outfits can take your photos from lovely to stunning. The good news? You don’t need to go shopping for a whole new wardrobe. The key is to coordinate, not match—and to dress in a way that reflects your family’s personality while complementing our beautiful Minnesota backdrop.
Here’s everything you need to know to style your family for a session in and around Maple Grove—no stress, just gorgeous results.
Start With a Color Palette That Reflects the Season
Our outdoor sessions are often inspired by the changing seasons here in Minnesota. Here’s how to build your wardrobe around each one:
Spring 🌸
Think soft and light—pastels, creams, light denim, soft greens, blush pinks. Great for the Arboretum or flowering trails.
✔️ Pale blue, sage green, ivory
✔️ Linen, cotton, or floral textures
Summer ☀️
Light, airy, and relaxed—perfect for lakeside sessions at Fish Lake or Central Park.
✔️ Cream, sand, olive, dusty rose, chambray
✔️ Flowy dresses, short sleeves, rolled chinos
Fall 🍁
This is the most colorful season, and your outfits should complement (not compete with) the autumn leaves.
✔️ Earth tones: rust, burnt orange, mustard, forest green, taupe
✔️ Cozy textures like knits, layers, boots, and scarves
Winter ❄️
If you’re brave enough for a snowy outdoor session, bundle up in style.
✔️ Jewel tones like burgundy, emerald, and navy
✔️ Wool coats, fur-trimmed hoods, mittens, and boots
👨👩👧👦 Coordinate, Don’t Match
Gone are the days of everyone in jeans and white shirts. The best approach is to choose 2–3 main colors and mix in neutrals for balance. Think:
- Mom in a flowy dress in rust
- Dad in a cozy oatmeal sweater
- Kids in complementary tones like mustard, denim, or cream
🎨 Add Texture and Layers
Textures like knits, denim, corduroy, lace, or linen photograph beautifully and add depth to your images.
Layers like cardigans, scarves, or vests work well for both style and practicality (especially with Minnesota’s unpredictable weather!).
👟 Footwear Matters (Yes, Really!)
Shoes are often forgotten—but they will show in your photos. Avoid athletic sneakers or flip-flops unless it fits your session’s vibe.
Choose:
✔️ Neutral boots, sandals, loafers, or bare feet for beach sessions
✔️ Avoid: Neon colors, logos, or overly trendy styles
🧒 Tips for Dressing the Kids
- Keep comfort in mind—itchy tags or stiff clothing can ruin a mood fast
- Avoid big logos, characters, or busy prints
- Bring backup clothes (especially for toddlers!)
Bonus: Let your kids’ personalities shine with fun accessories like suspenders, a cute hat, or a cozy knit beanie.
My Personal Styling Help (At No Extra Cost!)
Every booked session includes access to my personal styling guide and optional wardrobe consultation. I can help you coordinate colors, shop your closet, or even send direct links to pieces that work well with your location and season.
Final Thoughts
When you feel confident and comfortable, it shows. That’s why choosing outfits that reflect you—while fitting beautifully with the Maple Grove scenery—makes all the difference.
Need help picking outfits or want to bounce ideas off me? I’m just a message away. Let’s create beautiful, timeless portraits you’ll love forever.
