What to Wear for Forest + Nature Family Photos
The goal isn’t to match it’s to coordinate.
Choose a mix of soft colors, natural textures and comfortable pieces that complement the scenery while keeping the focus on your family.
The easiest place to start? Mom’s outfit. Choose something you feel great in first, then build everyone else’s outfits around it using 3–5 coordinating colors.
The easiest way to coordinate your family
step 1 — start with mom
Choose Mom’s dress/outfit first. It usually sets the color palette and overall feel of the family’s wardrobe.
STEP 2 — Pick 3–5 colors
Pull colors from Mom’s outfit or choose shades that complement it.
STEP 3 — Add Dad
Keep Dad simple. A solid henley, sweater, button-down or polo with chinos or dark denim usually works beautifully.
STEP 4 — Dress the kids
Pull different colors from your palette rather than putting siblings in identical outfits.
STEP 5 — Add texture
Knits, linen, denim, corduroy, lace, sweaters and layers keep the outfits visually interesting.
want me to check your outfits?
You don’t have to figure this out alone.
Once your session is booked, send me photos or screenshots of the outfits you’re considering. I’ll help you coordinate colors, identify anything that might photograph awkwardly and pull everything together.
Please don’t feel like you need to buy an entirely new wardrobe for your session. We can often create a beautiful look using pieces you already own.
seasonal color palettes
SPRING
Dusty blue • blush • cream • sage • soft gray • muted lavender
SUMMER
Cream • soft blue • dusty rose • tan • muted green • warm white
FALL
Rust • camel • cream • olive • burgundy • chocolate • muted navy
What Should Each Person Wear?
MOM
- Midi/maxi dresses
- Flowy skirts
- Sweaters with skirts or jeans
- Defined waistlines
- Soft fabrics with movement
- Subtle prints
- Textured fabrics
- Neutral or understated shoes
Melissa’s Tip: If you’re deciding between dressing yourself first or the kids first, start with yourself. When Mom feels confident in what she’s wearing, everything else gets easier.
dad
Keep it ridiculously simple:
Easy Dad Formula
Chinos/dark jeans + solid henley/button-down/sweater + neutral shoes.
Avoid making Dad feel like he needs to be styled for a catalog.
kids
Comfort first. Soft dresses, sweaters, chinos, suspenders, textured knits, simple shoes, etc.
Children need to be able to sit, walk, cuddle and play in their clothes.
yes
Texture
Layers
Earthy/soft colors
Dresses with movement
Neutral shoes
Dark denim/chinos
USE SPARINGLY
Small patterns
Plaid
Florals
Bright colors
Pure Black
Stark white
skip
Neon colors
Large logos
Athletic sneakers
Everyone matching
Large graphics
Distracting characters
How to Mix Patterns
Family of Five Example
Mom — rust color flowy dress
Dad — plaid shirt
Son — jeans + green henley
Son — jeans + cream henley
Daughter — cream floral dress
Notice that there is a mixture of minimal pattern, solid colors and texture in the boy’s waffle knit henleys.
Can We Wear Green in a Forest?
Yes…but choose the right green.
Olive, sage and muted forest green can photograph beautifully. I would avoid dressing the entire family in green because you don’t want everyone blending into the background.
Mix green with cream, camel, rust, dusty blue, mauve or denim.
Melissa's Favorite places to shop
Old Navy — Dad + kids • sweaters • chinos • simple dresses much easier.
Abercrombie & Fitch — Mom + Dad • elevated basics • dresses • denim
Quince — Mom • linen • sweaters • flowy dresses
Nordstrom — Great when you’re looking for something a little more special or want to shop multiple brands in one place, particularly for children’s dresses, sweaters, shoes and accessories.
YOU'RE READY!
Don’t overthink it. Choose clothing that feels like your family, make sure everyone is comfortable, and leave the rest to me.
And remember…send me your outfit photos anytime. I’m happy to help.
SESSION DAY CHECKLIST
✓ Outfits steamed/ironed
✓ Shoes cleaned
✓ Pockets emptied
✓ Hair ties removed from wrists
✓ Phones/keys out of pockets
✓ Kids fed before the session
✓ Bug spray applied if needed
✓ Backup layer for chilly evenings
✓ Relax…I’ll take it from here