Spring is one of the most beautiful seasons for family photos. The soft, golden light, blooming flowers, and fresh greenery create the perfect backdrop. But choosing outfits that complement the season while feeling timeless can be tricky.

To make it easier, I’ve put together four outfit style boards for your spring family photos to help you coordinate your family’s look effortlessly. Below, I’m sharing my best tips on colors, textures, fabrics, and patterns that photograph beautifully—so you can feel confident and love the way your photos turn out.

1. Choose Light & Airy Fabrics

Spring is the perfect time for soft, breathable fabrics that add movement to your images. Instead of stiff or heavy materials, opt for:

• Flowy midi or maxi dresses
• Linen or cotton button-downs
• Lightweight fabrics with movement

Fabrics with gentle movement create a natural, effortless look, making your photos feel more relaxed and organic.

2. Incorporate Texture for Depth

Textures add subtle visual interest and help prevent outfits from looking too flat. Some great options include:

• Lace detailing
• Eyelet fabrics
• Soft ribbed knits
• Embroidery or delicate ruffles

Small details like these elevate your outfit choices while keeping everything soft and natural.

3. Stick to a Neutral Base with Pastel Accents

A soft, neutral foundation creates a timeless look, while pastel accents bring in a touch of seasonal color. Some of my favorite color combinations for spring include:

• Cream, beige, or soft white as a neutral base
• Blush pink or dusty rose for warmth
• Soft blues or muted navy for a classic touch
• Sage or olive green for an earthy feel
• Lilac or soft lavender for a subtle pop

The key is to coordinate rather than match perfectly. The family photo concept where everyone is wearing a white shirt and khakis is a thing of the past! Coordinating > Matching

4. Select Patterns Thoughtfully

Patterns can add interest to your photos when used in a balanced way. Here’s how to incorporate them seamlessly:

• Florals – A soft floral dress can add a beautiful feminine touch.
• Stripes – A thin, neutral stripe works well for men or children’s outfits.
• Plaid or gingham – Best used minimally to avoid a busy look.

To keep everything cohesive, limit patterns to one or two outfits in your family’s look and keep the rest in solid colors or subtle textures. Keep colors neutral and pattern soft. Avoid bold patterns to keep things timeless and classic!

5. Start with Mom’s Outfit First

One of my best styling tips? Find mom’s outfit first. Once you feel confident in what you’re wearing, it becomes much easier to build the rest of the family’s outfits around it. Choose something you feel great in, and then coordinate colors and textures from there.

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NEED HELP?

I’ve curated four outfit style boards to make styling effortless, with links to each piece. Each of my full portrait sessions comes with a custom style board to help you and your family coordinate your outfits so you too can get those photos you drop your jaw at on Instagram!I

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Madison Z Photography provides newborn and family photography in Eastern North Carolina for busy moms who want a stress-free and luxury portrait experience. Also offering maternity, milestone, and baby photography. Based in Kinston, NC, I serve families in Greenville, Goldsboro, New Bern, Washington, Jacksonville, and all throughout Eastern North Carolina.

I offer a high-end, full service experience including pre-session preparation, exclusive access to the carefully curated Client Closet, a beautiful gallery of emotion-filled images, and an array of family heirlooms such as albums, prints, custom framing and more to pass down to your children. If you are searching for the perfect maternity, newborn, milestone, or family portrait photographer near Greenville, NC and are wanting to create heirlooms for your family, I can’t wait to serve you!