When it comes to family photos, the right outfit makes all the difference. The best family pictures feel timeless, coordinated, and chic—without looking too forced. If you’re planning a family photoshoot, choosing a dress that flatters you and fits the location will not only make you feel confident but also elevate the entire look of your photos. To help you get it right, we’ve rounded up 10 of our favorite Confête dresses that are perfect for different family photoshoot settings.
Beach and Waterfront Photoshoot Dresses
For family photos at the beach or by water, flowing fabrics work magic against ocean backdrops. Choose dresses in soft, movement-friendly materials like chiffon, cotton, or lightweight jersey that catch the breeze naturally. These fabrics photograph beautifully when they move, creating those dreamy, candid moments photographers love to capture.
Color selection becomes crucial near water. Soft pastels like blush pink, sea glass green, or cream create stunning contrast against blue water and sandy shores. Our Isla 3D Floral Midi Dress combines all of these in one floaty, ethereal dress, and it's available in two colors (cream and sea glass) that both work well for a beach photoshoot. Coral and peach tones can also complement golden hour lighting that photographers often prefer for beach sessions. Avoid stark white, which can appear washed out against bright sand and water reflections.
Another beach family photo dress we love is the Koh Samui Crochet Midi Dress. Its lightweight crochet fabric feel effortless and natural against sandy shores and ocean waves. Perfect for barefoot, sun-kissed family pictures.
Garden and Park Setting Outfit Ideas
Natural outdoor settings offer incredible flexibility for dress choices. Floral prints feel perfectly at home among blooming flowers and lush greenery, creating cohesive, romantic imagery. Small to medium-sized prints photograph better than large, busy patterns that can overwhelm the frame.
For outdoor sessions in lush gardens or local parks, the Julianne Off-the-Shoulder Midi Dress is our perfect choice for gals who are looking for a dreamy and natural look for their garden family photo outfit. Its soft, feminine design with an off-the-shoulder neckline and puff sleeves complements natural greenery and floral backdrops. It’s an easy way to look elegant without being overly formal.
If your shoot is against clean, minimal outdoor backdrops at a garden or park, the Orsay Flutter Sleeve Maxi Dress is the ideal pick.
Its soft blush hue and flutter sleeves bring subtle texture and movement, ensuring your outfit stands out without overpowering the photo. Our friend and customer Gabie Vossler chose it for her outdoor family photo dress.
City or Destination Chic Family Photoshoot Dresses
For urban family photoshoots or stylish vacation backdrops, the Juliette Polka Dot Mesh Maxi Dress is a statement piece. With its timeless polka dots and flowy silhouette, this dress feels polished yet playful. It photographs beautifully against city architecture, cobblestone streets, or destination spots like Paris or New York. Here's a shot from our friend and customer Margaret and her daughter Willow from their family photoshoot in Paris!
City settings and architectural backgrounds call for more structured, polished looks. Bold colors can also be stunning against neutral urban backdrops. Rich burgundy, deep teal, or classic black create striking contrast against concrete, brick, or modern building facades. These stronger colors help you pop against potentially busy urban backgrounds. Our Oxfordshire Floral Embroidered Mini Dress is one of our favorite city photoshoot outfits with its fall floral color palette and fit and flare silhouette.
Indoor Studio and Home Photoshoot Options
Controlled indoor environments offer the most flexibility for outfit choices since lighting and backgrounds can be adjusted. This freedom allows you to focus purely on what makes you feel most beautiful and confident.
And we love a good over the top look - our Starry Eyed Glitter Star Maxi Dress, which comes in 5 different colors, makes a perfect studio family photo outfit with its gorgeous mesh layers and subtle sparkle.
Jewel tones photograph exceptionally well under studio lighting. Rich colors like sapphire blue, emerald green, or deep purple or magenta create stunning depth and richness in professional lighting setups. Look at how epic the Alessia dress appears under the studio lights. These colors also complement a wide range of skin tones beautifully.
Texture becomes especially important indoors where subtle details show up clearly. Consider dresses with interesting necklines, sleeve details, or fabric textures that add visual interest without being overwhelming. These elements create beautiful focal points in close-up family shots.
Rustic and Fall Family Photoshoot Outfits
Rustic locations like farms, barns, or countryside settings call for outfits that feel authentic to the environment. Avoid anything too formal or delicate that might seem out of place against weathered wood or natural landscapes.
For autumn family photos surrounded by golden leaves, the Sabrina Black and White Gingham Dress is a perfect seasonal match. The gingham print feels classic yet modern, pairing beautifully with fall’s warm tones. This dress is ideal for creating cozy, timeless family portraits. Plus, the black and white check would look so cute set against a pumpkin patch background. It's also bump friendly for our mamas to be!
Earthy tones work beautifully in rustic settings. Think warm caramel, dusty blue, soft burgundy, or sage green - colors that complement natural wood tones and countryside palettes. These colors photograph beautifully against barn doors, wooden fences, or open field backgrounds. Our Heath Dress, a plus size exclusive, makes a classic and easy to wear fall family photo outfit.
Remember that the most important element of any family photoshoot outfit is how it makes you feel. When you're comfortable and confident in your dress choice, that joy and ease shows beautifully in every single photograph. Choose pieces that reflect your personal style while working harmoniously with your chosen setting for truly memorable family images.
Shop Confête for Family Photoshoot Dresses
From beach to city, garden to studio, Confête has the perfect dress for every family photoshoot location. Explore our curated collection of timeless, photo-ready dresses that make capturing memories stylish and stress-free.
Check out our full collection of fall family photoshoot outfit ideas here.