One of the most common questions I get is, “What should we wear for our photo session?” Trust me, I get it—figuring out outfits for the whole family can feel overwhelming, especially when you have young kids, working full-time, juggling life, etc. Living here in the Colorado mountains means we don’t always have quick access to shopping and stores, so I’ve pulled together a helpful blog post with some great online (and a few in-person) options to make things easier. Whether you’re planning a cozy winter session or a sun-drenched summer shoot, this guide will help you find looks that feel natural, comfortable, and photo-ready.
I also want to throw it out there that I’m of the mind that you shouldn’t buy an outfit JUST for photos. Have I done just that, yes. Cost definitely comes into play when looking at dressing the whole family. I like to think boys/men have it easy, khakis and a solid polo will always be solid gold. I look to incorporate closet staples whenever possible and stick to budget. I’ve put some photographer favs, as well as some more budget friendly options – a little something for everyone.
Everyone
GAP/OLD NAVY ($-$$)
Gap and Old Navy are classics for a reason. They have all the basics, but I’m often surprised to find really great seasonal items there as well. It’s definitely worth a look – especially for the price point.
H&M ($-$$)
H&M has clothes for basically everyone at really affordable prices. Sometimes I can get a little overwhelmed by their selection, but I do love that you can filter the choices online by “conscious” options that use at least 50% sustainable materials. They also have a decent price point and often have sales for those who sign up for their texts.
Target & Walmart ($-$$)
Similar but different, both Target and Walmart can surprise me, especially with kids clothes. If you are looking for a solid polo or something that’s more of a staple, these big box stores are hard to beat. And the selection online is even bigger.
Zara ($$-$$$)
They have beautiful clothing for children and adults. I love the patterns and textures of their clothing. Their website isn’t the MOST user friendly and they tend to sell out of sizes quickly, so if you love it, buy it.
Adults
BALTIC BORN ($$)
All. The. Dresses. Seriously, this online shop specializes in beautiful dresses that don’t break the bank. They’re pretty much made for photoshoots and can even work for most maternity shoots! I love that they have so many options in so many different colors. I especially love all the flowy, maxi dresses for drama and movement in photos. Their color selection gets the chefs kiss. These dresses also can often be found on Poshmark or Mercari at a discount.
FREE PEOPLE ($$$)
I’m a sucker for Free People. I love their boho vibes and carefree style. They’re pretty much the poster shop for that always-summer vibe. Be prepared to spend some time on this site as their selection is huge! They are also generally on the more expensive side, so that’s a consideration as well. You can often find dresses second hand at a discount.
ANTHROPOLOGIE ($$-$$$)
Again, Anthropologie is known for its dresses. They have a huge selection of different types, but also have an amazing sweater selection in the winter months AND stylish jeans for days. They are also on the $$$ side, so be prepare for some sticker shock in some cases. They have great sales throughout the year, so keep an eye out.
ASOS ($$-$$$)
The site that has it all, and then some. I’ve bought many a dress and top from ASOS and they also cover men as well. Pricing can vary, but be it casual or a tad more formal, they don’t disappoint.
Kids
Carters ($-$$)
Sold in a few different place via brick and mortar stores, if you want to go right to the source, hit up your online Carters. Certain sizes do tend to sell out fast, so keep that in mind if you tend to keep items in your shopping cart for a bit.
Colored Organics ($$)
Taking it up a notch, Colored Organics has your neutral palette covered. Great patterns and texture for babies, toddlers and slightly older kids.
Rylee + Crew, Quincey Mae, Noralee ($$-$$$)
Sister companies, these three online stores cover families, babies and kids through every stage of life. I mainly think of these options for kids, but every once and a while you can find a cute mommy and me, matching set if that’s your deal.
What Else?
I’m sure there’s a million different other places I could list. Much of what you wear depends on the vibe you are going for, as well as what you plan to use the images for. Are they hanging in your house, just in a photo album, did you really want to try something more artsy this time around? Chat with your photographer about your vision and they can definitely point you in the right direction.
Where are your favorite places to shop? Drop your recommendations in the comments!
Rachel Girard is a Colorado based photographer, located in Chaffee County, that specializes in newborns and motherhood photography. She loves capturing intimate relationships within families and looks to capture those special moments that are so often fleeting. She can often be found spending time with her family in Buena Vista, Colorado.
If you are interested in a session, or having a conversation, get in touch. I'd love to talk to you!
