4 Tried-and-True Summer Outfit Ideas for Picture-Perfect Family Photos

Session Prep

Summer family photos are so magical—glowy sunsets, barefoot babies, and sun-kissed cheeks. Whether you’re shooting at the beach, in a field of wildflowers, or just in your backyard, your outfits can make the magic even better.

But figuring out what everyone should wear? That can be… less magical.

So I’ve put together 4 tried-and-true summer color palettes and outfit ideas that work every single time. They’re fresh, flattering, and easy to mix and match for the whole family—without stressing over who’s wearing what. And yes, each palette comes with a style board + Amazon outfit links to make planning super simple.

Let’s get into it!

Style boards showing 4 summer outfit combinations for family photos, including color schemes, coordinated outfit ideas, and shoppable Amazon links.

1. Women’s Teal Dress | 2. Toddler Girl’s Dusty Purple Dress | 3. Men’s Khaki Pants | 4. Men’s Grey Zip Up Sweater | 5. Men’s Purple Dress Shirt | 6. Boys Teal Henley Shirt | 7. Boys Khaki Pants | 8. Toddler Boys Cream Sweater | 9. Toddler Boys Jeans | 10. Girl’s Teal Lace Dress

1. Teal, Dusty Lavender, Grey, Taupe, and Cream

For a spring look that feels both fresh and elevated, this outfit combo strikes the perfect balance of bold and soft. Teal adds a vibrant, jewel-toned accent that adds depth and dimension, while dusty lavender softens the look with its muted, dreamy hue. Balanced by neutral tones like grey, taupe, and cream, the overall look stays clean, cohesive, and flattering on everyone. It’s a perfect choice if you want something a little different from typical spring pastels, while still feeling soft, stylish, and timeless.

Style boards showing 4 summer outfit combinations for family photos, including color schemes, coordinated outfit ideas, and shoppable Amazon links.

1. Women’s Rose Dress | 2. Girl’s Navy Summer Dress | 3. Men’s Navy Sweater | 4. Men’s Khaki Pants | 5. Boy’s Navy Sweater | 6. Boys Khaki Pants | 7. Toddler Boys Cream Sweater | 8. Toddler Boys Jeans | 9. Toddler Girl’s Rose Dress

2. Navy, Rose, Taupe, and Cream

This outfit combo blends classic and romantic tones for a look that’s both timeless and soft. Navy adds depth and structure, making it a great anchor color for dads or older kids, while rose brings a warm, feminine touch that pops gently on camera without being overpowering. Taupe and cream balance the bolder tones with a neutral softness, tying everything together in a way that feels polished yet relaxed. It’s a versatile combo that works beautifully and has just enough contrast to keep things visually interesting.

Style boards showing 4 summer outfit combinations for family photos, including color schemes, coordinated outfit ideas, and shoppable Amazon links.

1. Women’s Blush Summer Dress | 2. Girl’s Blue Slate Dress | 3. Men’s Sage Green Sweater | 4. Men’s Jeans | 5. Toddler Boy’s Sage Shirt 6. Toddler Boy’s Khakis | 7. Toddler Girl’s Pink Dress | 8. Boy’s Slate Blue Sweater | 9. Boys Khaki Pants

3. Slate Blue, Sage, Blush, Taupe, and Cream

This color palette and outfit combo is soft, earthy, and effortlessly beautiful—it’s light the outfit version of a summer meadow. Slate blue and sage offer a calm, grounded base that feels natural and serene, while blush adds a gentle hint of warmth and charm. Taupe and cream bring in cozy, neutral tones that tie everything together without distracting from the overall harmony. It’s a timeless combination that feels fresh and summery but classic.

Style boards showing 4 summer outfit combinations for family photos, including color schemes, coordinated outfit ideas, and shoppable Amazon links.
Four foolproof summer outfit combos to make your family photo session easy, stylish, and stress-free—complete with color palettes and Amazon outfit links!

Women’s Sea Foam Dress | 2. Girl’s Blush Lace Dress | 3. Men’s Navy Sweater | 4. Men’s Khaki Pants | 5. Boy’s Navy Sweater | 6. Boys Khaki Pants | 7. Toddler Boys Cream Sweater | 8. Toddler Boys Jeans | 9. Toddler Girl’s Rose Dress

4. Sea Foam, Blush, Rose, Navy, and Cream

There’s something about this outfit combo that just feels like summer. Sea foam has that cool, easygoing vibe—like a quiet beach morning—while blush and rose add a warm, rosy glow that catches beautifully in the light. Cream softens everything up, and navy gives the whole look a bit of weight and polish without making it feel heavy. It’s colorful without being loud, coordinated without trying too hard, and looks just as good barefoot in the sand as it does dressed up for a sunset shoot.

Pro Styling Tips for Summer Family Photo Outfits:

☀️ Choose breathable fabrics – Cotton, linen, and rayon help keep everyone cool and comfy.

☀️ Add light layers – Kimonos, button-downs, or vests add texture without bulk.

☀️ Mind the shoes – Barefoot looks great for beach and grass sessions

☀️ Keep it cohesive – Stay within the palette, but vary the shades and textures to keep it natural.

☀️ Think movement – Flowy dresses and lightweight tops always look dreamy in the breeze.

Summer sessions are the perfect chance to capture those easy, joyful family moments—and these color schemes and outfit ideas will help make sure your family photos feel as sun-soaked and beautiful as your memories.

I’m a Utah-based photographer capturing clean, colorful photos that highlight the joy, connection, and sparkle of your family—while making sure you look AMAZING in every shot.

Hi there, I'm
Alyse Janae

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Style boards showing 4 summer outfit combinations for family photos, including color schemes, coordinated outfit ideas, and shoppable Amazon links.

Hi Friend,
I'm Alyse!

I’m a Utah-based photographer capturing clean, colorful photos that highlight the joy, connection, and sparkle of your family—while making sure you look AMAZING in every shot. This blog is filled with tips to help you photograph the memories that matter most—whether you're behind the camera or in front of it. So get comfortable and stay a while—your story is worth capturing beautifully.

You don’t need a fancy camera to capture beautiful, meaningful moments. I’ve put together a FREE guide to help you take better smartphone photos of your kids—filled with simple, practical tips you can start using today. Learn how to find good light, frame the shot, and freeze those everyday moments that matter most. Download the guide and start capturing the magic in your everyday.

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