What To Wear for a Summer Family Photo Session | Arlington Heights Summer Family Photographer

Jessica M. Photography's Simple Guide to Light, Comfortable & Joyful Outfits

There’s something so carefree about summer sessions. Warm golden sunsets, bare feet in the grass, kids running freely, and that soft evening glow that feels almost magical.

Summer family photos are meant to feel relaxed, connected, and full of life. What you wear plays a part in that — not by being perfect, but by helping you feel comfortable and confident so you can focus on loving on your people.

If you’re planning your summer session and wondering what everyone should wear, here’s a simple guide to make it easy.

Start With a Colorfully Coordinated Color Palette

Summer photographs beautifully with soft, natural tones. Think light, sun-washed colors rather than anything too bold or heavy. A pop of color as an accent to these natural tones works well for summer and keeps things bright and colorful.

Here's my formula for how to build a summer friendly palette:

Choose 1–2 neutrals as your base, then add 2–3 coordinating accent colors.

Keeping your palette cohesive helps your images feel effortless and timeless.

Here are some Summer Color Palette Suggestions:

• Cream, light blue, and tan

• Pink, navy, and grey

• Green, ivory, blue

• Coral, white, and yellow

• Teal, blush pink, and ivory

Keep Fabrics Light & Breathable

Summer sessions are warm so keep that in mind when choosing fabrics and materials.

Choose fabrics that breathe and move naturally:

• Cotton

• Linen

• Lightweight knits

• Flowy dresses

• Short sleeves or rolled sleeves

The more comfortable you are, the more relaxed you’ll feel — and that can show in your images.

Outfit Inspiration for the Whole Family

For Mom

I always recommend starting with mom’s outfit first and building around it.

• Flowy maxi or midi dress in blush, soft blue, or cream

• Lightweight floral dress with subtle print

• Neutral tank or blouse + light wash jeans

• Soft jumpsuit in a muted earth tone

Flowy dresses are especially beautiful in summer — they catch the light and move naturally when you walk or cuddle your littles.

For Dad

Simple and relaxed is perfect for summer.

• Light blue or white button-down with rolled sleeves + khakis

• Neutral henley + chinos

• Soft gray or tan t-shirt layered under a lightweight shirt

Avoid anything too heavy or structured — summer sessions should feel easy and natural.

For Girls

Summer is perfect for soft, playful pieces.

• Light cotton dress + sandals

• Floral dress with subtle pattern

• Skirt + simple tank or blouse

Barefoot in the grass is always welcome, too 🤍

For Boys

Clean and simple works best.

• Short-sleeve button-down + khaki shorts

• Neutral tee + rolled chinos

• Lightweight henley + soft denim

Stick to soft tones and avoid bold graphics.

For Babies & Toddlers

Comfort is everything.

• Soft romper

• Cotton dress

• Neutral overalls

• Simple onesie + lightweight bloomers

The less restrictive, the better. Happy babies make for the sweetest images.

What Not to Wear for Summer Family Photos

Just as important as what to wear is knowing what to gently avoid.

Skip Neon & Bright, Harsh Colors

Neon pinks, bright reds, and electric blues can reflect onto skin and overpower the softness of golden hour light.Muted, sun-washed tones photograph much more beautifully.

Avoid Large Logos & Graphic Tees

Big logos and bold wording pull focus away from connection. Timeless always wins when it comes to family portraits.

Stay Away From Heavy, Dark Fabrics

Black shirts and thick materials absorb heat and can feel heavy in photos. Summer sessions feel best with light, breathable clothing.

Don’t Match Exactly

Instead of everyone wearing white tops and denim shorts, coordinate within your chosen color palette. Mixing tones and textures adds depth and keeps your images from feeling stiff.

Be Mindful of Athletic Wear

Bright athletic sneakers, sport shorts, and performance fabrics tend to feel out of place in a relaxed summer family session. Choose simple, neutral footwear whenever possible.

Shoes for Summer Sessions

Keep shoes neutral and simple:

• Sandals

• Loafers

• Neutral sneakers

• Barefoot (especially for beach or field sessions)

Shoes should complement the outfit, not distract from it.

Final Tip Before Your Session

Lay all outfits out together ahead of time. Seeing everything side by side makes it easy to spot anything that feels too bold or off balance. And if you’re unsure, send me a photo. I truly love helping you style your session so everything feels cohesive and effortless.

Summer family photos are about movement, laughter, connection, and that golden glow you’ll want to remember forever. I can’t wait to capture your family just as you are — playful, connected, and beautifully you. ☀️📸

Jessica M. Photography is an Arlington Heights, IL family photographer. She services the Northwest Suburbs including Mount Prospect, Palatine, Long Grove, Northbrook, Glenview, Northbrook, Buffalo Grove, Park Ridge, Schaumburg, and more!

Contact Jessica