What to Wear for Your Family Photos on the Sunshine Coast (Without Overthinking It)

If you’re planning a family photoshoot and feeling totally overwhelmed by what to wear — you’re not alone. The outfit stress is real.

But here’s the truth: you don’t need to buy matching clothes, coordinate down to the shoe, or lose sleep over colour palettes.
You just need a few simple tips to feel relaxed and confident — so you can show up, be present, and let the magic happen.

As a Sunshine Coast family photographer (and fellow mum), I’ve styled hundreds of sessions over the years, and this guide will help you get it just right — without the fuss.

Keep it Natural, Keep it You

  • Soft, neutral tones — Think creams, dusty blues, oatmeal, sage, rust, or soft blush. These tones blend beautifully with the coast’s natural palette and let the connection shine.
  • Natural textures — Linen, cotton, knits, gauze. These add visual softness and photograph beautifully in golden light.
  • Avoid loud patterns or logos — They date quickly and can distract from the emotion in your images.
  • Coordinate, don’t match — Choose a loose colour palette and mix tones and textures across your family.

Dress for the Sunshine Coast


Our coastal lifestyle means barefoot is always welcome. Whether you’re at the beach, among bushland, or in your own backyard — let the location guide your choices.

Beach sessions: Flowy dresses, rolled-up linen pants, loose shirts, bare feet, straw hats — yes, please.

Bush or hinterland sessions: Earthy tones (like ochre, olive, beige, or soft denim) work beautifully with the landscape.

In-home or studio: Soft knits, robes, wraps, and anything that feels like a slow Sunday morning.

And always bring a backup for toddlers — just in case that banana snack gets the best of them.

Outfit Ideas by Family Member

  • Mum
    Choose what you feel best in first. Flowy maxi dresses or wide-leg linen pants with a simple top are always flattering and comfortable. Look for movement and texture — not structure or stiffness.
  • Dad / Partner
    Plain linen shirts or tees, cuffed chinos or shorts in neutral tones. Encourage comfort over formality — kids respond better when everyone feels relaxed.
  • Kids
    Soft textures, playful shapes, bare feet. Try to avoid tight-fitting or overly structured clothes. Rompers, bloomers, smocks and relaxed pants are all great options.
  • Babies
    Simple wraps, onesies, or just skin. Newborns especially don’t need “outfits” — it’s more about the way they curl up in your arms, the light on their cheeks, the love in your gaze.

Final Styling Tips

Lay it all out beforehand. Group outfits on a bed or hanger to see how everything looks together. Snap a photo to see if anything stands out too much.

Bring layers. Cardigans, blankets, wraps — these add depth to your photos and give flexibility if it cools off.

Don’t forget the barefoot rule. Shoes are optional for almost all outdoor sessions. If you’re comfy barefoot — go for it.

Relax — You’re in Good Hands

Ultimately, the best outfit is the one you can move, breathe, cuddle, and play in. Your family doesn’t need to look perfect — just present.

When you book a session with Moments of Us, you’ll receive a full Session & Styling Guide that walks you through all of this — including colour palette examples, brand recommendations, and personalised feedback if you’d like help choosing outfits.

You don’t have to figure it all out alone — I’ve got you.

The nicest person and incredibly talented at what she does.

Easily explained to us how to pose so we never felt awkward like we didn’t know what to do and kept it so fun!! So easy to deal with on the lead up and had everything covered. So cool, calm and collected, the whole time. We are in love with our photos!

– KRYSTAL

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