Family Portraits: Coordination Over Matching!

When dressing for family portraits, many assume everyone needs to match—but that’s far from the truth! Instead of identical outfits, focus on coordinating colors that complement one another, and the environment, while allowing each person’s personality to shine.

Recently, my entire family went to the Dominican Republic, and stayed at the Hard Rock Hotel in Punta Cana. It was so important to me to put together an extended family beach portrait, and we embraced this concept beautifully.

The Matriarch in Cream

My mom, the heart of our family, wore a timeless cream, setting a soft, elegant foundation. I adore this portrait of her and my dad standing together, gazing out at the water—a quiet, beautiful moment that reflects the love, wisdom, and strength they’ve built over the years. It’s a reminder that family portraits aren’t just about what we wear but about capturing the connections, emotions, and memories we’ll cherish forever.

A Balanced Trio

I chose navy blue, my older daughter wore a pale green to complement her red hair, and my youngest wore a soft pink to match both her light brown hair and her sweet personality. Though different, our colors harmonized effortlessly.

Sunset Shades for Deeper Tones

My sister-in-law and her mom, both with gorgeous caramel skin tones, opted for colors that enhanced their natural beauty—coral and bright yellow, radiating warmth and vibrance.

The Boys in Neutrals

Dressing for family portraits is easy with the guys. We had them choose their own shades and types of khaki shorts and cream or white shirts in their own styles, keeping a relaxed, classic feel without looking too uniform.

The result? Each individual and each family within the group stood out uniquely, yet together, we looked cohesive and connected.

Pro Tip: When you are selecting outfits, consider your environment. You want to complement it, not blend in! On the beach, soft neutrals, ocean blues, and sunset hues worked perfectly—subtle yet striking.

So don’t be afraid to be yourselves. Your family’s personalities and natural tones should guide your choices, creating a portrait that feels authentic, timeless, and uniquely yours.