The ideal clothing for a family portrait depends your family's personal style and the image and tone you'd like to convey. However, these guidelines apply to most photo shoots:
Wear simple solid-colored clothing that coordinates. If desired, choose a color palette or theme. Perfectly matching outfits for the whole family are not required unless you are aiming specifically for that look.
Dark clothing slenderizes, while light clothing often has the opposite effect. However, if looking slender is not a concern, white or light shirts and blouses offer a classic, simple, fresh look.
Avoid overly bright colors as they tend to draw the viewer's eye away from your face.
Avoid plaids, stripes, and other patterns, as they are distracting and can cause distortions in digital images. Even tiny patterns can cause problems.
Stick with long pants and long-sleeved tops instead of shorts and short-sleeved tops.
Be selective about the accessories you wear. Simple, minimal accessories work best, while large, bold accessories draw attention from your face.
When in doubt, ask your family photographer for suggestions about what to wear. The photographer can recommend colors that work well for the lighting, time of day, location, and style of your portrait.