What to Wear for Summer Family Portraits: An Outfit Guide

Summer in Charlottesville Is Pure Magic

Summer in Charlottesville is an underrated favorite season for photographing family portraits. Families have more free time without the kids being in school, and we have so much more natural light to play with!

Wardrobe plays a huge role in elevating the final look of your summer family portraits. The right outfits can complement the backdrop, enhance the setting, and give your images that timeless stylized feel you will still love years from now. 

While some families might know what they want to wear going into a family portrait session, many feel stumped.  After photographing summer family portraits in Charlottesville for over 20 years, I have developed some tips that aim to make the process a little easier for all parents. 

When we photograph summer family portraits in Charlottesville, I always recommend choosing outfits that feel natural in the setting, photograph beautifully, and allow you to move comfortably. My goal is never to make families feel stiff or overly styled. Coordinated and timeless always wins over matchy and trendy.

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If You Only Have Two Minutes, Read This

Here are the most important styling tips I share with every family:

Patterns

We know people love their patterns in the summer, so here’s the lowdown. Yes, you can absolutely wear a pattern. My rule of thumb is one patterned outfit for every three people. This allows you to include outfits with patterns, but helps avoid too many patterns that may clash. Also, larger patterns photograph better. Avoid tiny, busy prints that can become distracting in photos.

How to add visual interest without layers

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Let’s be honest, summers in Charlottesville can get uncomfortably hot. Layers give you flexibility and add visual interest, but they just aren’t practical in the summer heat. Instead, if you’re looking for something outside of your tried and true classics, try to play around with silhouette, color, and texture to still add personality without compromising comfort.

What to Avoid

Clothing items like tops that are entirely sleeveless, ones that have high necklines, and turtlenecks rarely photograph in a timeless way, and may make you self conscious about your neck or arms. Avoid logos or writing on clothing. Skip things like character themed sneakers, shoes with light up soles, or anything else that may pull attention away from your child’s face. Solid color shoes, a summer sandal, or classic boots are always a safe choice. Lastly, the little black dress is often popular for hiding attributes, but it can also hide you in the picture, so be careful with any all black outfit. Also, be aware that all white outfits may not appear as you intend. White tends to reflect the colors around it and can look different than expected in pictures.

A Few Versatile Classics

If you’re not worried about sticking to a particular, curated look, there are a few staples that work well in any situation.  For moms, a good recommendation I always come back to is a flowy midi or maxi dress. We all know summer is the season of the sundress, so use that to your advantage! For dads, button downs come in a good variety of casual to dressy, and can match well with any look. For daughters, dresses that incorporate ruffles, fun sleeves, or simple, playful patterns keep a youthful look that still looks nice. For young boys, short sleeve button downs, and a pair of khaki pants is a great adaptable option.

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1. A Day At The Beach

Ideal for UVA Lawn sessions and country clubs.

The Look

Polished, structured, and timeless. Think a day at the beach, or summer storm clouds. ..

‍Color Palette

• Navy
• White or cream
• Soft gray
• Sky blue
• Periwinkle
• Blush
• Khaki

Build from three to four complementary tones rather than putting everyone in the same exact shade.

‍Outfit Suggestions

For Mom, I love pairing a blouse with tailored bottoms. It feels polished but still approachable. Flowing skirts, linen trousers, or a structured midi or maxi skirt all photograph beautifully and add a refined edge. If you want a more relaxed feel, the summer sundress is always a good one to fall back on. Finish it with flats, boots, simple sandals, or a comfortable kitten heel with a slightly thicker heel so you can still move freely.

For Dad, this is where a crisp, tailored button down really shines. It immediately feels clean and classic. If you want something a little more relaxed, a well fitted short sleeve polo can still feel appropriate in this setting. Tailored trousers, or khaki pants tend to tie all of these options together and keep the overall look cohesive.

For the kids, I like to mirror the same feel in a way that still feels age appropriate. Smocked dresses or dresses with slightly more structured lines photograph beautifully on girls in these locations. For this particular aesthetic, I usually suggest experimenting with color and texture rather than patterns. This helps to keep that more classic, formal look. For boys, a collared shirt or a classic polo fits right in. Paired with khakis or tailored pants, the look feels intentional without being overdone.

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2. Summer Sunset

Perfect for sunflower fields, vineyards, and early morning or late evening photo sessions

The Look

Soft, flowing, and refined. This palette pairs beautifully with florals and natural backdrops. Or, if you’re photographing closer to dusk or dawn, think about emulating the colors in the sunset and sunrise. Think light fabrics, movement, and bright colors. 

‍Color Palette

• Blush
• Periwinkle
• Sage green
• Cream
• Muted coral

Build from three to four complementary tones rather than putting everyone in the same exact shade.

‍Outfit Suggestions

When I think about styling for a sunset inspired photo session, I always start with Mom. Dresses with a subtle floral print can be lovely, but solid colors are just as timeless. Sundresses and wrap dresses tend to be especially popular within this aesthetic. Neutral heels, wedges, or simple dressy sandals keep everything polished without feeling too formal. 

For Dad, I recommend keeping things classic and light. A button down in pale blue, cream, or even a muted pink photographs really well against spring blooms. Pair that with khaki, light gray, or navy chinos for a nice, but still casual look. Brown loafers or dress shoes usually tie everything together in a way that feels elevated but still natural.

For the kids, I like to keep it simple and comfortable. Simple dresses that might have with a little texture or subtle detail photograph beautifully for girls. Have some fun with the accessories, such as: floral hair clips, colorful bows, or fun jewelry and belts. For younger boys, a subtle bowtie or a pair of suspenders can add a little extra personality to that base layer of a button down and khaki pants. Neutral shoes or soft leather sandals are always a safe choice and help keep the focus on their faces instead of their footwear. 

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3. The Light and Airy Whimsical Look

Perfect for orchards, flower fields, and playful family sessions

The Look

Effortless and relaxed, but still thoughtfully styled. This is ideal for families who want natural interaction, movement, and a bit of playful energy in their portraits. Think more earthy and boho styles.

‍Color Palette

• Cream
• Soft sage
• Light denim
• Peach
• Warm neutrals

Build from three to four complementary tones rather than putting everyone in the same exact shade.

Outfit Suggestions

For Mom, I still love the idea of a flowing midi or maxi dress for this look, but this is where you can lean into a little more personality. Tiered skirts, soft ruffles, or an interesting sleeve detail photograph beautifully and add movement. If you prefer a simpler dress, that is where accessories really get to shine. A great belt, layered jewelry, or even a fun hat can elevate the entire outfit. Boots or simple sandals tend to pair especially well with this relaxed, whimsical style.

For Dad, I recommend leaning into earth tones. A button down in a soft, natural shade with the sleeves casually rolled feels effortless and approachable. If you want something even more relaxed, a well fitted henley or textured polo can look great in this setting. Khakis or neutral slacks keep everything grounded and cohesive. Brown dress shoes usually complement the warm, earthy palette and tie the look together without feeling too formal.

For daughters, this is the perfect opportunity for twirl-worthy skirts and flowy dresses. Movement always photographs beautifully. Like Mom, this is a great place to incorporate a few thoughtful accessories that show off personality without overwhelming the look. Sandals or classic Mary Janes are great shoe options that feel playful while still being timeless. For boys, you can mirror Dad’s styling with a henley or even a simple, well fitting t-shirt paired with khakis. The goal is relaxed, natural, and comfortable while still feeling intentional.

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Planning Ahead for the Summer

Sunflower season typically peaks between Late July and Early August. If you’re planning on having your family photos done in the sunflower and wildflower fields, start planning now to reserve that spot!

Have outfits planned two to three weeks in advance. This gives you time to make small adjustments without stress.

I also encourage families to think beyond social media. How will these portraits look framed in your living room? How will they feel in an heirloom album ten years from now? When we design wall art or albums, wardrobe plays a big role in creating a cohesive, timeless look in your home.

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FAQ: Summer Family Portraits in Charlottesville

When is peak sunflower season in Charlottesville?

Sunflowers typically peak between mid-late July and early August. Exact timing varies slightly each year depending on weather, so it is always good to reach out early to schedule and receive updates on expected peak bloom.

How far in advance should we book?

I recommend reaching out at least one to two months in advance. Sunflower dates fill quickly because the window is short.

What if the weather is unpredictable?

Summer weather can shift quickly. I always build flexibility into the schedule for rain makeup days.

Should we bring a change of clothes?

For most family sessions, one thoughtfully coordinated outfit works perfectly. Having backup options can be good if you have a young infant, are concerned your child might get dirty quick, or if you are unsure of which option you like best and want to multiple options on hand. 

Let’s Get Started Planning!

If you are planning summer family portraits in Charlottesville, I would love to help you create beautiful portraits for your home and as gifts! Reach out early to reserve your date, before the blooms are at their peak.

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