What to Wear for Your Session, Dad
You do not need a complicated outfit to photograph beautifully. A few simple choices will help you feel comfortable, confident and completely connected to your people.
The question I hear from dads most often is some version of: “I have no idea what I’m meant to wear. Help.”
Here is the good news: you do not need to overthink it. This is not about dressing like someone else or buying a whole new wardrobe. It is a practical guide to help you arrive looking relaxed, intentional and like yourself.
The goal is not to look overly styled. It is to look like you — comfortable, confident and fully present with your family.
The Single Principle That Guides Everything
Before I give you a list, here is the one idea that makes every other decision easier:
Your outfit should support the moment, not steal it.
Family photographs are about the way you look at each other, the way little hands reach for you and the calm strength you bring into the room. A simple, well-fitting outfit gives all of that space to show through.
Think of your clothes as part of the atmosphere: soft, warm and intentional. When everyone feels comfortable, the images feel completely natural.
What Actually Photographs Beautifully
Comfortable, well-fitted pieces
The best choice is something that fits well without feeling tight or formal. A relaxed shirt, quality tee, soft knit or overshirt paired with chinos, dark denim or tailored trousers is always a winning combination. You need to be able to move, sit, cuddle and play without thinking about what you are wearing.
Earthy, muted tones
Cream, oatmeal, soft white, muted blue, olive, warm brown and coffee all photograph beautifully. These shades work naturally with skin tones and sit beautifully alongside mum and baby’s outfits. They feel timeless, never overly styled, and work with the warm aesthetic of my studio.
Relaxed, not formal
If mum is wearing a flowing gown or soft dress, leave the stiff business shirt and formal suit at home. Aim for the same relaxed register: an open-collar linen shirt, a fitted plain tee, a lightweight knit or an overshirt all work beautifully.
Texture over pattern
Linen, cotton, soft knit and subtle woven texture add depth without distraction. Busy prints, large logos and strong graphics compete with the people in the frame. Keep it simple so the focus stays exactly where it should: on your family.
REACH FOR
- ✓ Plain tee, linen shirt, soft knit or overshirt
- ✓ Cream, oatmeal, muted blue, olive or warm brown
- ✓ Chinos, relaxed trousers or clean dark denim
- ✓ Natural fabrics like cotton, linen and knit
- ✓ Comfortable, simple shoes or bare feet in studio
- ✓ One relaxed extra layer if you would like options
- ✓ An outfit you can move and cuddle in easily
LEAVE AT HOME
- ✕ Bright, saturated colours or neons
- ✕ Busy prints, large logos or graphic tees
- ✕ Stiff business shirts or overly formal suits
- ✕ Clothes that are too tight or need adjusting
- ✕ Bulky items in pockets — phones, keys and wallets
- ✕ Too many outfit changes
- ✕ Brand-new shoes that are not comfortable
If You Wear a Turban
A turban is a beautiful and meaningful part of your family photographs. Let its colour lead the look and keep the rest of the outfit simple, neutral and intentional.
Rust, brown, coffee and maroon are especially beautiful choices. They sit richly alongside warm cream, oatmeal, ivory and soft earth tones. Pair your turban with a solid-colour shirt or knit and let it be the most striking element of the outfit.
How to Coordinate with Your Family
Coordinate — do not match. Choose two or three gentle shades for the whole family, then vary them. For example: mum in cream or caramel, dad in coffee or muted blue, and baby in soft oatmeal. The variation creates depth, while the shared palette makes the photographs feel beautifully connected.
The Question I Get Asked Every Single Time
"Do I need to buy something new?"
No. You absolutely do not need to buy anything for this session.
The best option is often already in your wardrobe: a shirt or tee that fits well, comfortable trousers and a simple layer. If you are deciding between options, send me a quick photo before the session. I am always happy to help you choose.
BEFORE YOUR SESSION — A QUICK CHECKLIST
- — Try your outfit on 48 hours before and sit, stand and move in it
- — Lay it beside the family’s outfits to check the colours work together
- — Choose comfort over formality — you will be moving and cuddling
- — Empty phones, keys and bulky wallets from your pockets
- — Keep accessories simple and meaningful, if you wear them
- — Send me a photo of your options if you would like a second opinion
If you have read all of this and still feel unsure, send me a photo of what you are planning. I am happy to give you an honest second opinion. I would always rather you arrive feeling confident than spend the first twenty minutes wondering whether you chose the right thing.