What Colors and Outfits Look Best for Family Photos in the High Desert

Neutral dress and shoes for toddler.

A detailed guide to dressing your family for timeless photos

When you step into a family photo session, you’re not just picking out matching outfits; you’re choosing how your story will live on.

What you wear should feel harmonious, and not compete or look the same. The 90s called, and they want their white T’s and jeans back.

I’m sharing the best color choices, outfit ideas for every family member, and thoughtful touches that will make your photos feel timeless and not dated.

Keep in mind, you don’t need to run out and buy all new outfits. You might, however, need a new shirt for little Johnny or a dress for yourself. And, I give you permission, mama, to buy that dress!

Blue dress to stand out from the yellow chair and suitcases.

Why Colors Matter

Unlike the forest, our desert is subtle in colors.

If you’re planning for family photos, chances are they’ll be taken outdoors.

Because the environment is naturally neutral, your clothing should be part of the palette, not the focal point.

• Bright colors can feel harsh and out of place

• Black absorbs too much light

• Pure white can blow out and lose detail

Instead, you should lean into midtones; they don’t compete with each other.

• Cream or light grey instead of bright white

• Taupe, navy, or grey instead of black

• Dusty blues, muted greens, warm rusts, mustard yellow, and soft blush tones

These colors may sound boring, but they photograph really well. It keeps the focus on your smiling faces.

If you LOVE color like I do, scroll down a bit. I have a section for those of us who love a pop of colorful fun!

Denim and navy dress with a tiny print. Coordinates well.

The Golden Rule: Coordinated, Not Matching

Gone are the days of everyone in identical outfits.

Instead of matching, we create a color story.

Choose 3–5 complementary tones and weave them through each outfit. This creates visual harmony while still allowing each person to show their personality.

For example:

• Cream + sage + dusty blue + tan

• Blush + navy + oatmeal + soft gray

• Muted mustard + olive + sad-beige + denim

Think of your family like a flower arrangement, with different textures and tones, all belonging together.

Grey hoodie and jeans. Simple, and he felt comfortable.

Outfit Ideas for Every Family Member

Let’s build your photo session wardrobe from the ground up…

Mom: The Heart of the Story

Mom sets the tone for the entire session.

Flowy dresses photograph beautifully in the desert breeze, adding movement and softness. Think layers, even in the summer. Layers add interest and texture.

Perfect colors:

• Cream and oatmeal

• Dusty rose and lilac

• Sage green or pale blue

• Warm terracotta or rust

• Muted mustard or pale yellow, think sunflowers

Outfit ideas:

• A long, flowing maxi dress with subtle texture and a tiny floral print

• A midi dress with a soft cardigan or shawl

• A simple dress layered with a cozy knit sweater and chunky boots

Why it works:
Movement + texture + soft tones = pure magic for golden hour.

Simple top for mom, cute onsie for a newborn.

Dad: Simple and Effortless

Dad’s outfit should feel natural, relaxed, and complementary, not overpowering. Most likely, he doesn’t want to be here, so make his outfit comfortable. Wink-wink.

Best colors:

• Tan, camel, or khaki

• Soft gray

• Muted blue or navy

• Olive or sage green

Outfit ideas:

• Button-up shirt in a neutral tone

• Henley or a knit shirt paired with chinos

• Polo shirt with khakis or cargo pants (I’m not anti-cargo)

• Light layering with a neutral jacket or textured sweater

Avoid:

• Harsh black shirts

• Bright white tees

• Logos or bold graphics (just say no to that hockey jersey)

Why it works:
Simple, clean lines allow connection and emotion to shine.

Jeans and a button up

Black jumpsuit with denim jacket.

Teen: Stylish but Timeless

Teens often want to express themselves, and they absolutely should. But, within the soft, cohesive palette.

Best colors:

• Dusty blue

• Mauve or muted plum

• Sage or forest green

• Neutral tones like beige or soft gray

Outfit ideas:

• A flowy dress or skirt with a tucked-in blouse (not the same as mom)

• A soft knit top with relaxed pants

• Layered textures like denim + cotton

• A simple sweater or light jacket

Encourage them to choose something they feel confident in, but guide them toward tones that blend into the overall story.

The teen outfits may or may not be the easiest. Bribery may have to play a part.

Color ideas

Blue dress with cowboy boots

Pre-Teen: Playful with Structure

Pre-teens sit in that beautiful in-between stage, still playful, but growing into their own style.

Best colors:

• Soft pastels

• Earthy tones like rust or mustard

• Creams and light neutrals

Outfit ideas:

• A twirly dress with subtle texture

• A soft top with suspenders or relaxed pants

• Light layers like a cardigan or scarf

• A hat or silly socks to keep the mood light

Tip:
Keep it comfortable—if they feel good, it will show in every photo. If they feel awkward, it will also show.

If you have a goth kid who simply won’t budge, just lean into it. It’ll make a great story someday. It’s better to have everyone in the photo and happy to be there.

stock image

Toddler: Whimsical and Care-free

Toddlers bring the magic. They really do!

Their outfits should feel soft, simple, and easy to move in.

Best colors:

• Cream, oatmeal, or light tan

• Soft sage

• Mauve or mustard

• Dusty blue, lilac, or periwinkle

• Warm neutral tones

Outfit ideas:

• A linen romper or simple dress

• Soft knits and breathable fabrics

• Knit overalls that are cozy with a cream shirt

• Add layers for texture

Avoid:

• Stiff or restrictive clothing

• Bright, distracting patterns

• Scratchy fabrics that are distracting to the child

Because let’s be honest… toddlers bring that main character energy.

Twinkle toes.

Barefoot vs. Shoes: A Little Desert Magic

This is one of my favorite little details…

Barefoot

There is something beautifully grounding about bare feet in family photos.

• Feels natural and free

• Creates a soft, organic look

• Perfect for warm spring and early fall sessions

• I prefer bare feet for studio portraits

You have to be careful in parks and natural areas to watch for bees, broken glass, snakes, sticks, and any other stabby things for little toes.

Shoes

If you prefer shoes, keep them simple and neutral:

• Sandals in tan or cream

• Soft boots in muted tones

• Minimal sneakers in neutral shades

• I had one family where the girls all wore Dr. Martens, and that was a cute idea. Matching shoes is fun.

Avoid:

• Bright athletic shoes

• Bright white tennis shoes

A little compromise:
Start barefoot… and bring simple shoes to slip on between moments. When choosing a location, consider whether it’s okay to go barefoot or a must-have-shoes situation.

Boots brought personality.

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Go all in if you want color.

For the Color Lovers: Add a Pop of Color

If your heart needs color, you don’t have to hide that part of you. I, for one, do not wear beige, and I need color in my life.

Instead of dressing everyone in bright tones, sprinkle color throughout your story (photo).

The Secret: One Statement Piece, Supported by Neutrals

Choose one or two family members to wear a pop of color, while the rest of the group stays more neutral in soft tones like cream, sage, or dusty blue.

This creates a beautiful balance:

• The color pops, without feeling overwhelming

• The group still feels cohesive and connected

• Your eye knows exactly where to look and land

You can still wear neutrals without being boring.

The Best Colors for a Fun Pop

Not all bright colors behave the same in outdoor light.

• Yellow

• Deep turquoise or aqua

• Coral

Turquoise or aqua adds a fun pop next to a white top.

Even when you’re choosing something bright, aim for tones that feel natural rather than 80s neon. However, if you’re doing an '80s-themed photo, then by all means, pick the neon.

Where to Add the Color

If you don’t want to commit to a full outfit, color can live in the details:

• A flowing dress in a light turquoise for mom

• A sweater or button-up in yellow for dad

• A skirt, cardigan, or layered piece for teens

• Tiny pops of added color in suspenders, a bowtie, or hats for little ones

Or keep outfits neutral and add color through:

• A scarf catching the wind

• A shawl draped softly over the shoulders

• A hat band that adds just the right touch of personality

What to Avoid

Even for us color lovers, there are a few things to steer clear of:

• Neon or overly saturated tones- the camera has a hard time with these

• Red in any tone, unless 3 or more family members are wearing it

• Bright, primary colors

• Loud patterns mixed with bold color

The eye goes right to the red. Avoid this color if possible.

A Little Goes a Long Way

When used intentionally, a pop of color doesn’t take away from your photos; it shows off your personality and adds a little joy.

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Accessories: Little Details

Accessories add to your story. Do you always wear fun socks or big, bold glasses?

This is completely optional. But it’s better to have a few little things and not need them than to need them and not have them.

Also, if you have a fidgety family member, holding onto something will help them feel comfortable and more relaxed.

Simple Additions:

• A wide-brim hat in tan or cream

• A soft shawl or wrap for mom

• A cozy knit sweater to drape over shoulders

• A light scarf for texture and movement

• A chunky blanket for a big family hug

For the Little Ones:

• Fedora or sun hat

• Favorite stuffed animal or doll

• Soft headbands

• Cozy layers

• Suspenders

The key:
Choose one or two pieces, not everything all at once.

We’re enhancing your story, not overwhelming it.

Fall leaves

The Best Seasons for Family Photos

As you know, our weather is a little finicky here. One day can be sunny and pleasantly warm, and then the very next day we might wake to falling snow.

Fall in the High Desert: Warm and Golden

Fall has beautiful golden light. Depending on what Mother Nature has going on, it can be cool or feel like summer is hanging out for a while.

Best colors:

• Rust

• Mustard

• Olive green

• Warm beige

• Dusty brown

Textures:

• Knits

• Layers

• Denim

• Soft, thick sweaters

Imagine your family wrapped in cozy neutrals, hugging each other, smiling and laughing. Perhaps there’s room for all of you within a chunky blanket.

Spring in the High Desert: Cooler and Breezy

Spring brings a gentle, fresh feeling. New beginnings are on the horizon.

Warm in the day and cool evenings. It can be breezy on some days. And overnight, the wildflowers will bloom.

Best colors:

• Sage green

• Dusty blue

• Blush

• Cream, oatmeal, and pale yellow

Textures to love:

• Linen

• Light cotton

• Tiny floral prints

• Flowing fabrics

• Lace

Spring sessions feel like a breath of fresh air, colorful, breezy, and full of movement.

A Quick Note on Summer & Winter

While the High Desert can be stunning year-round, extremes can make sessions tricky.

Summer:

• Very hot temperatures

• Harsh light

• Sweaty, grumpy people- we don’t want that

If your session is during the summer:

• Stick to very light, breathable fabrics like linen and thin cottons

• Pale neutrals and airy-feeling colors

• Nothing tight or constricting

• Session times should be early morning or evening

On the flipside, you could lean into the summer with a backyard pool or picnic-themed family session.

Or, plan for a visit to my studio for an indoor session.

Winter:

• Cold, especially in the evenings

• Muted landscapes and bare trees

If you choose winter:

• Layer thoughtfully with cozy sweaters, gloves, and coats

• Stick to soft neutrals to avoid heaviness

But truly… fall and spring are magical seasons.

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What to Avoid (Rules of Timeless Photos)

Gently tuck these away in the back of your mind:

• No black (it absorbs light and loses detail)

• No bright white (too harsh in sunlight)

• No logos or graphics

• No loud patterns or busy/distracting prints

• No red unless three or more elements are used

Why?

Because these things pull attention away from what matters most…

Connections and your family’s story.

Yes, you do see many of the people in my photos wearing black and white. But, luckily, they’ve paired their outfits with denim, other colors, and fabrics.

The camera simply has a hard time capturing black and white outdoors. In the studio, it is a little different because I can control the lighting.

In studio, black clothing on black backdrop works

Bringing It All Together

When you choose your outfits, don’t think of them as separate pieces.

Lay everything out.
See how the colors look and if they work together.
Take notice of how they blend or distract.

You’re not dressing for perfection.

You’re dressing for feeling.

For the wind to move through the fabrics.
For movement during twirls and giggles.
For tiny hands reaching for yours. That last one.

Final Thoughts

Years from now, when you look back at your photos, you won’t remember exactly what everyone wore. And, honestly, you won’t care.

But you will remember the feel of that day.

The warmth.
The closeness and love.
The simple beauty of everyone being together, sharing the moment.

And when your colors blend, your choices look intentional.

Your photos will feel like a memory you can step back into.

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Ready to design your own family story?

I would love to create something beautiful for you. Together, we’ll choose a color palette that feels like you, style your session with intention, and capture the sweet, meaningful connections that matter most.

Whether it’s a golden hour evening or a breezy spring morning, your story deserves to be told in a way that feels timeless and true.

Click below to schedule a call so we can chat about your family session, and let’s start dreaming up something beautiful.

Cheers,

Annette