What Men Should Wear for Family Photos: 23 Outfit Ideas That Look Effortless

Over the course of several laundry baskets and slightly stressful mornings before photo time, I learned that I needed to create detailed job descriptions for men’s outfits for family pictures.

The men’s outfits need to be able to coordinate with other outfits without being too matchy-matchy, be flattering without being too stiff, and endure the phrase, “Can you hold the toddler for just one more shot?” We also want to make sure we don’t turn him into a catalog mannequin.

We want him to look like himself, with a nice touch for the day and no need to iron in a rush. These outfits also suit backyard sessions, beach photos, fall leaves, holiday cards, studio portraits, and the slightly risky nice but not too dressy zone.

1. Forest Green Knit Polo with Charcoal Trousers

The forest green knit polo brings in some color while keeping it low key. This type of emotional maturity is what we ask for from a shirt.

Charcoal trousers are going to keep it more polished than if he were in jeans and works for the park, portraits at the grandparent’s house, and the early fall snaps. This outfit solves the “he hates button downs” dilemma as best as it could. Either cognac loafers or some plain brown sneakers will finish the look and the rest of the family can coordinate the green in small amounts.

You should take the location of the photos into account when selecting outfits for the family photo shoot. For example, a forest green knit polo is great for locations like parks and gardens. Pairing it with charcoal trousers means that the family will look good together in earthy tones, while not looking too matched.

In addition, it provides a lot of leeway to coordinate with the outfits of other family members. When everyone uses colors that are complementary instead of matched, it gives a more casual and real vibe to the picture, while ensuring that individuals still pop and contribute to the overall look of the family photo.

2. Navy Chore Jacket with Oatmeal Henley

The navy chore jacket is dependable outerwear that can be compared to a cutting board for jackets. The oatmeal henley makes the outfit look softer so he doesn’t look like a very stylish employee at a hardware store. This is perfect for porch pictures, apple orchards, or fall family photos. With dark rinse jeans and brown boots, for the family color scheme add rust, plum, or mustard in other areas.

This collection is designed for the range of activities the family will participate in before and after the photoshoot, and is made for comfort and style. The navy chore jacket is great for warmth and casual sophistication, and provides confidence and comfort to the wearer.

The oatmeal henley is another good choice as it is great for layering with other colors and outfits. When planning family photos for the changing seasons this outfit will be ideal as the layers can be changed so everyone looks their best no matter the weather.

3. Burgundy Sweater with Tan Five-Pocket Pants

Burgundy is an excellent color because it is like red but is not as abrasive. A plain crewneck sweater looks relaxed, but still looks put together. For this, tan five-pocket pants are a great option because they are more relaxed than chinos.

These pants are great for holiday card photos, photos by the fireplace, or indoors where you may feel like a blazer is too much. Brown desert boots are great for this outfit and unless the rest of the family is very dressed up, avoid shiny dress shoes.

Burgundy sweaters can add warmth and friendliness when spending time with the family. Sweaters with this color also look good in pictures with different skin tones and backgrounds.

Five-pocket pants also break up the outfit color. Planning outfits for holiday pictures or family get-togethers is fun. With this outfit, clothing does not have to be formal and everyone can enjoy the time. Everyone can look relaxed and cozy while taking the pictures. Accessories can help pull the clothing color together without becoming too busy. Hats and scarves can really help.

4. Slate Blue Button-Down with Olive Chinos

Choosing slate blue for your family photo outfit is a great idea! Slate blue is a color that works well with many color combinations and doesn’t clash with skin colors or the environment. Pairing slate blue with olive chinos gives some depth and stops the outfit from looking too office-casual.

This combination works lakeside, in a garden, or during early spring. Pairing this with suede sneakers or brown loafers works great too. If your shirt fits nicely and neatly around the shoulders and hem, you can leave your shirt untucked.

5. Chocolate Brown Cardigan with Denim Shirt

The brown cardigan is warm and adds nice texture, which brings a lot to the outfit. When wearing a denim shirt underneath, it looks good and you don’t even need to use a tie, which is the usual odd part about family photos.

This looks great for cabin, mountain, and even at home photos. To complete the look, wear black jeans and leather boots. For a child or partner, a brown pair of shoes or a belt adds a nice touch.

6. Charcoal Overcoat with Merlot Scarf

Planning to have your family portraits taken this winter season? When matched with your family, a charcoal overcoat will definitely make you look good! No one has to know that some family members are wearing thermal layers under the coat.

To keep the outfit from looking too dark, the merlot scarf adds some color. There’s no way around it; in these situations, outerwear is a must. These snowy backdrops are ideal for city holiday photos and portraits in the frosty weather. If you are wearing dark denim, wool trousers, and black leather boots, be sure to add a scarf that coordinates with your outfit and one color from the rest of your family.

7. Charcoal Turtleneck with Camel Coat

There is no need to worry about having to deal with a collared shirt, tie, and jacket buttoning issues as a charcoal turtleneck with a smart looking camel coat will do the job. These also work perfectly for winter, city, portrait, and holiday pictures.

They help with the tricky issue of being ‘formal but not corporate’. Just black trousers and a bold pair of shiny boots will do, and let the coat do the talking by keeping your accessories to a minimum.

8. Teal Flannel with Dark Brown Corduroy Pants

The dark brown corduroy pants are going to keep you warm and add some texture. The teal flannel shirt tones down the family photo style plaid and makes it less boring than the typical red and black lumberjack ones.

The outfit works well for wooded trails or cabins and is ideal for fall photos. Just add some rugged boots and you are good to go. If the rest of the family sticks to solids, that would be great; if they are also wearing plaid, the photo turns into a custody battle.

9. Black Denim Jacket with Moss Green Shirt

You can pair an outfit with a black denim jacket for a nice, casual look. One shirt color that goes with the jacket is moss green. This seems to soften it and is a nice earthy color that works well for photos outdoors or in the city.

This look is perfect if you want him in jeans and need the final picture to look nice. For a lighter option you can use ecru jeans, or switch to dark gray denim and black leather sneakers.

10. Marigold Sweater with Navy Trousers

If the other colors in the outfit are not too noisy, marigold should work for family pictures. Navy pants make it more balanced and prevent the outfit from going too children’s TV presenter.

Use this for spring gardens, cheerful backyard photos, or family shoots in light blue/pink/green tones with him. Pair with brown suede loafers and keep the sweater bright and clean, since a scruffy one is a tax nobody wants to pay.

11. Sky Blue Chambray Shirt with White Jeans

Wearing white jeans can be a bit tricky, but when styled correctly, they can look really nice! Pairing the jeans with a light blue chambray shirt is a good choice because it gives off a really casual look, and it helps the outfit avoid the ”yacht brochure with unresolved feelings” look.

This outfit is perfect for beach house hangouts, coastal porches, or breezy family summer photos. For shoes, tan loafers or woven sandals will do the trick! Just make sure to schedule the snack break for after the photos, not before!

12. Sage Linen Shirt with Tobacco Chinos

The sage linen top has a nice relaxed fit and feels soft against the skin. It has just enough color to help him stand out from the sand, sky, and the rest of the crowd in their pale neutrals. The tobacco chinos provide warmth to the outfit, and keep the look from being washed out against the beach or coastal boardwalk backdrop.

For summer family photos, this is a winner, and there’s no need for a blazer, that would be cruel! Pair with woven leather sandals or loafers, roll sleeves neatly and don’t let the linen just collapse into surrender.

13. Deep Red Rugby Shirt with Khaki Shorts

The rugby shirt in deep red gives an athletic retro feel, but also looks relaxed (in a good way). The khaki shorts make it practical for backyard photos, summer reunions or shot requests with kids running. This also fits the brief for looking casually dressed without the just-mowed-the-lawn look. White canvas shoes and shorts (that are tailored, not baggy) complete the look.

14. Midnight Blue Suit with Pale Pink Shirt

A suit that is midnight blue is more approachable than a black one and is easier on the eyes than a regular business navy suit. The pale pink shirt is more welcoming and makes the outfit feel less like a Monday morning finance meeting.

Good oxblood color dress shoes complete the look and it’s ok not to wear a tie unless the other family members are being really formal. This outfit is suitable for formal portraits, extended family pictures, or occasions when the pictures will be taken and displayed on the walls, not just on phones.

15. Olive Utility Jacket with Black Turtleneck

The added structure and slight ruggedness from the utility jacket in olive, paired with the clean and unfussy vibe from the black turtleneck is perfect. He’ll be able to use this outfit for photos during colder months as it has layers, yet will avoid a bulky coat.

It also combats the typical problem of outerwear ruining an outfit five minutes into the session! Added bonus, it looks great with dark indigo jeans and black boots! For balance, have one other family member bring an olive accessory.

16. Pine Green Suit Separates with Denim Shirt

Pine green suit separates look festive without screaming ‘holiday card.’ The denim shirt helps to relax the look, especially if he’s not a suit guy. This outfit is perfect for winter gardens, tree farm photos, or any dressy outdoor shoots. Add in some brown brogues, and the rest of the family can coordinate in navy, berry, charcoal, or soft gold.

17. Clay Henley with Cream Canvas Jacket

A clay henley adds warmth and texture to the outfit, and a cream canvas jacket lightens the outfit without making him blend in to the pale scenery. This is one of the few places where the color cream earns its keep, particularly in photos of deserts, dunes, or sunlit fields.

Olive trousers prevent the overall palette from becoming too delicate. Pair the outfit with tan sneakers or desert boots, and keep the jacket clean because family photos don’t take kindly to mystery smudges.

18. Aubergine Sweater Vest with Blue Striped Shirt

I totally get it. Sweater vests have the potential to go terribly wrong (and school picture evidence proves it). But paired with an aubergine sweater vest over a blue striped shirt, this ensemble looks warm, bookish, and thoughtful. This is perfect for library sessions and at home portraits.

And for the family who want a touch of preppy without everyone wearing matching sweaters, this is ideal. Simply pair with navy chinos and brown loafers. Pro tip: to ensure the vest looks intentional, keep the collar of the shirt crisp.

19. Burnt Orange Camp Collar Shirt with Navy Linen Pants

The outfit is complete with a burnt orange camp collar shirt and navy linen pants. While the shirt offers a relaxed vacation-ready vibe and is better than boring linen button downs, the pants help elevate things out of beach bar territory.

The look is ideal for tropical family vacations, resort photography, and summer activities by the water. For a polished look, add leather sandals or espadrilles, and keep any shirt print minimal if the family already has patterns.

20. Petrol Blue Shacket with Tan Corduroy Pants

Petrol blue is a rich color that is a bit unexpected, which helps make a simple shacket a little bit special. The tan corduroy pants add some texture and warmth without having to resort to jeans.

This look is perfect for orchards, fall markets, or outdoor photos where he needs a proper layer. Dark brown boots and a neutral tee will work, then you can add little hints of blue to the family with scarves, hair bows, or knitwear.

21. Brick Red Cardigan with Navy Check Shirt

This cardigan is perfect for the holidays and still feels cozy and appropriate. The navy checked shirt adds a pattern without being too loud. This is definitely how you should add a pattern to a group shot.

This outfit is perfect for living room portraits and Christmas tree photos. Just pair it with grey trousers and brown leather shoes. Also, please make sure the cardigan isn’t all pilly like it survived multiple parenting eras.

22. Mint Oxford with Navy Shorts

Mint is more refreshing in summer photos and is less expected than sky blue. A long sleeve oxford paired with navy tailored shorts gives you that useful balance of polished on top, practical on bottom.

It works for dockside photos, lake vacations, and relaxed beach towns where full trousers feel silly. Pair it with brown boat shoes or leather sandals, and cuff the sleeves neatly so the shirt looks styled, and not abandoned.

23. Espresso Suede Jacket with Black Knit Polo

The espresso suede jacket brings in some nice richness and texture that shows beautifully in evening or indoor photos. The outfit also stays sleek due to the black knit polo, which avoids the stiffness of a dress shirt.

This makes it a strong choice for city sessions, anniversary-family portraits, or photos before a nice dinner. A combination of dark grey trousers, Chelsea boots, and the rest of the palette being moody (plum, navy, bronze, or deep green) works well.

While planning your outfits, remember that comfort and your own personal style should be prioritized. Family pictures include a lot of movement and engagement, especially with kids. Selecting outfits that give you a lot of room and that you can be flexible in will help how the photos come out.

Outfits should also feel as good as they look. When people wear well-fitting shirts or jackets they feel good, and that typically shows in how authentic their smiles and emotions are in their photos.

Do not underestimate the impact accessories can have on a family picture. They can help unify a family look as different outfits can be combined with the same accessories. Scarves, hats, and even shoes can be a fun way to coordinate colors. With clothes not being the same, a nice watch or a belt can add a touch of style to a unique outfit.

In addition, letting children help choose accessories will make them feel more involved in the picture and give them a chance to show their style, which brings a more authentic atmosphere and joy to the photos.