How to Coordinate Colors and Styles for Multi-Generational Family Portraits

When it comes to multi-generational family portraits, coordinating everyone’s outfits can feel overwhelming—especially for the stylish mom who’s already juggling schedules, school drop-offs, and this weekend’s charity gala. I get it. You want your photos to reflect your family’s warmth, connection, and style—but without looking too matchy-matchy or chaotic.

As a professional family portrait photographer here in Denver, I’ve worked with families of all sizes, and I’m here to take the stress out of styling. With a little planning (and a lot of experience on my end), you’ll have portraits that look effortlessly polished and perfectly you.

1. Start with a Color Palette Inspired by Nature or Home Décor

For a classic, timeless look, choose 3-4 core colors that complement each other and reflect the season or setting. Think soft neutrals like ivory, taupe, and sage for spring and summer, or deeper tones like navy, burgundy, and cream for fall and winter sessions in Denver’s golden fields.

Bonus tip for moms who love a curated home: choose colors that match your home’s aesthetic—these photos will likely live on your walls, after all.

2. Mix Textures, Not Patterns

In a group with multiple generations, mixing fabrics like linen, cotton, knits, and denim helps keep everyone looking cohesive without being identical. Avoid bold patterns or logos that can distract. Subtle florals, cable knits, or simple plaid accents can work beautifully if used sparingly.

My rule? If you wouldn’t frame a shirt pattern on your wall, don’t wear it in your family portraits.

3. Coordinate by Family Units

Each smaller family (grandparents, adult siblings, cousins) can choose variations of the shared palette. Maybe one group wears soft blue, another olive green, and another leans into warm beige—all in the same tone family. This brings balance and personality without feeling chaotic.

If you're the matriarch of your family or the one everyone turns to for organizing details, know that this little touch brings so much harmony to the overall look.

4. Flatter Every Age and Body Type

From toddlers to grandmothers, everyone should feel confident and comfortable. Long flowy dresses, layered looks, and structured pieces like cardigans or blazers work beautifully in photographs and allow for movement. I always offer styling consultations before the session, and yes—I'll even help your brother-in-law figure out what pants go with what shoes.

5. Let Accessories Be the Finishing Touch

Hats, scarves, statement earrings, or heirloom jewelry add character and personality, especially in multi-generational portraits. I often recommend incorporating something meaningful—a grandmother’s locket, a father’s watch—as a subtle nod to family legacy.

6. Don’t Be Afraid to Dress It Up

You can never be too polished for your portraits. This is your legacy in print, after all. Think elevated casual or even semi-formal. I always tell my Denver families: this isn’t a photoshoot for Instagram—it’s for your grandkids’ grandkids to admire someday.

As your photographer, I’ll help you pull it all together. I provide every client with a detailed style guide, access to our curated wardrobe collection, and one-on-one styling support to make sure everyone looks and feels amazing. Because yes, it matters. And yes, you deserve portraits that look like the beautiful life you’ve built.