Quick Answer
When it comes to what to wear for teen family photos, the best outfits are ones your tween or teen helps choose. Pick a color palette for the family, then let your teen find something within it that feels like them, whether that’s a flowy dress, cropped pants, or a vintage tee under a button-up. Skip big logos, choose comfortable shoes like high-tops or simple sandals, and add a few accessories for personality. A happy, comfortable teen always photographs better than one in an outfit they hate.
Planning What to Wear for Teen Family Photos
One of the joys of taking family photos around New Orleans is finding wonderful outfits and coordinating them as a group. But it’s not always easy to persuade your child to put on that perfectly pressed white linen shirt or delicate lace dress.
This is especially true when your kid reaches a more independent age, such as the tween and teen years. Seersucker pants are always lovely. Lylian dresses and baby bibs charm every time. How do you coordinate that with a child who’s developing their own style?
The great news is you can use family photos as a bonding experience, planning for your photoshoot together with your teen. Here are a few tips and lessons I learned working with my own daughter when she was a young teen, finding outfits that felt like her and were photo ready!
Table of Contents
Bring on the Mom/Daughter/Son Shopping Trip!
Taking the time to look for an outfit with your child can be a great experience. They will remember the afternoon you spent focusing on them. While shopping, if dresses just aren’t her thing anymore, look for a trendy pair of cropped pants with a floral shirt or overalls. For boys, keeping it simple with layers can offer options when taking photos.
If dresses are an option, something that moves and flows is the most flattering. We will use many poses during your photo shoot that include sitting, walking and standing. Tight short dresses often limit poses to just standing.
Let Their Artistic Side Shine
Allow them to lead the way in their outfit with one request: You pick the color palette that works for the whole family. For pictures with my children I choose a white and black palette to keep things simple and easy to coordinate.
If you want to add color, pick a main color such as pink, blue or yellow to work around. Men and boys look amazing in pink! Chances are your tween will find one item that works with that color in mind. Just avoid any big logos or words on a shirt, as that can be distracting from a picture where your faces are the main focus.
If you just can’t get your teen out of a T-shirt, embrace it and go vintage. Have everyone pick out their favorite classic rock band shirt and wear it with pride. Layer it with a button-up and pair of jeans or shorts that fit well, and you have a great outfit!
Shoes Can Keep Them Young
Shoes are one of the easiest wins when you’re deciding what to wear for teen family photos. Every young lady is so excited to put on a pair of heels.
The problem is unless she is ready to confidently walk in heels, it can look awkward and uncomfortable in pictures. It also limits her movement in a photo shoot filled with joyous twirls, jumps and sometimes running.
A beautiful dress coupled with high-top tennis shoes, combat boots, or a simple sandal can be a wonderful way for them to dress a little more mature and still look their age.
The Details Matter
Accessories are the finishing touch when it comes to what to wear for teen family photos. Take a little extra time making sure your teen’s hair is looking modern, clean and polished. Coordinate a haircut a week or two before your session for the best results.
Feel free to accessorize. A cute felt or straw hat, simple necklace and some bracelets can be a fun way to add character!
Choose Your Battles
When it comes to what to wear for teen family photos, comfort matters more than perfection. This works for younger and older kids, the type of battles just change.
My son hates to tuck in his shirt. He agreed to tuck it in for a few pictures but quickly decided it wasn’t his thing. I let it go, even though the cute belt I purchased for him was now hidden under a baggy shirt. Deep breaths.
In the end it didn’t make much of a difference and he was much happier during the photo shoot with his shirt untucked.
Remember that no matter what your family is wearing, making these memories will be something you will have long after your kids have grown up. It’s well worth the work!
Shopping Online for What to Wear for Teen Family Photos
Affordable
Midrange
Splurge
Want to Shop Local? These Stores Are Always a Hit!
For Mom-
Peony – www.peonynola.com | Century Girl Vintage – https://www.centurygirlvintage.com | Trashy Diva – https://trashydiva.com
For Dad-
For Kids-
Peony | Pippen Lane | Zuka Baby | Mignon | Banbury Cross | Sayings Kids
What to Wear for Teen Family Photos FAQ
What should a teenager wear for family photos?
When deciding what to wear for teen family photos, choose something that feels like them within the family’s color palette.
Should teens match the rest of the family?
Coordinate instead of matching. Choose two or three colors that work together and let everyone, including your teen, wear their own version.
What shoes should tweens and teens wear for photos?
High-tops, combat boots, clean sneakers, or simple sandals all work well. Skip heels unless your teen walks in them confidently, since we’ll be walking around a neighborhood.
What if my teen doesn’t want to be in family photos?
Let them help choose the outfit and location, and keep the session short and fun. Teens relax quickly once they realize they won’t be stuck posing, and I always make time for a few photos of them on their own.
When should my teen get a haircut before family photos?
One to two weeks before your session, so the cut looks fresh but has time to settle in.
Keep Reading
If you’re planning what to wear for teen family photos, here are a few more posts you might enjoy:
- What’s the Best Outfit to Wear for Your Fall Photos in New Orleans: Fall color palettes and outfit ideas for the whole family.
- The Best Cameras for Kids and Teens: Gift ideas for the young photographer in your family.
- Storytelling Through Family Photography: Why real moments make the best family photos.
