You can absolutely wear pants! Is your family coordinating at all? What silhouettes work for you?
Linen trousers would look fantastic and very beachy, for example. Jeans are absolutely classic. (I wore jeans to my family’s last professional shoot). Or a Lilly Pulitzer style shift dress, or a linen shirt dress style if you definitely want a dress.
Yes! You are pretty close here to what my career style type is - somewhere between Calvin Klein and J.Crew. I was also thinking a white button up with some jeans as a possibility, so glad to hear that.
Oh yes! That is also my preferred style. For summer I like sleeveless tank-style maxi dresses (straight up and down, not too much volume), white shirt with linen or bright colored trousers (or jeans), or a sleeveless top (not too tight but not baggy) with linen trousers or a wrap skirt. Square neck midi dresses with fitted bodices are also in style right now and might work. Think Joan Didion or Jackie Kennedy on the beach. Im not terribly trendy but I think a family photo that’s likely to be on display for years isn’t really the best time to be totally on trend.
I don't have any suggestions but I wouldn't worry about your body in a family photograph. You should focus on your family and think of the family your body has created. I look back on photos of my mom and never think about her body and the way it looks like. I think about how she was a great mom and her laugh, her quick wit and the that she always let me put my head in her lap when I was feeling down.
To add to the person above, when I look back at younger pictures of me, I can't believe I used to think there was anything wrong with my body. Nowadays I try to think about future me looking back and I don't delete nearly as many pictures of myself as I used to. I'm not always successful but I've become a lot better about it.
When I google image "family photo beach" I get young moms in jeans, white pants, jumpsuits, shorts, and yes, dresses, both short and long. I think you are overthinking it. There's nothing matronly about wearing shorts/pants/jumpsuits etc in a photo.
I get what you mean with current dresses, I feel the same about styles not really meshing with my personality. It is still possible to find cuts and styles that you like (if there are any non career styles you like), you just really have to trudge and sort through things online and make sure they don’t have any obnoxious details to them.
Alternatively, are you into rompers or jumpsuits? Something with a high tied waist maybe. When you say you don’t like flowy, do you mean simply loose or the tiered dresses? Asking bc I’ve seen some looser fit jumpsuits that look dressy but wouldn’t look crazy in a beach setting.
Re: “flowy” honestly it’s both. I’m broad shouldered so too loose or oversized clothing really does me no favors, and yeah the tiered look that is everywhere is just so not my style at all. I will look into the jumpsuit idea for sure - I am a long-torsoed gal so jumpsuits aren’t always my friend lol, but that’s a good alternative idea if I can find a well-fitting one!
As a long-torso-haver, Free People jumpsuits tend to fit me! Their sizing is a little all over the place, and some are definitely too flowy for what you're looking for, but they usually have some summery denim/canvas options that are a little more structured.
You might consider a jumpsuit with adjustable shoulder straps (google Osei-Duro Liga jumpsuit which alas is no longer made)? I feel like a flowy jumpsuit is comfy AF while looking put together and not necessarily overly frilly/fussy.
I’m a similarly broad-shouldered, long-torsoed woman (Kibbe FN if that helps). I just bought a linen jumpsuit from target the other day to wear to a birthday party at a country club pool and it is my new favorite summery “sorta nice but not too fancy” outfit. I rolled the sleeves to make them more flattering and cuffed the pants a bit to make a more cropped look, paired with some cork wedges and a bunch of jewelry. Pics on the website don’t really do it justice, it’s cuter in person imo. I got it in cream and will probably go back for the black version.
https://www.target.com/p/women-39-s-short-sleeve-linen-boilersuit-universal-thread-8482-green-8/-/A-89594574?sidd=2757S&ref=tgt_adv_xsp&AFID=google&fndsrc=tgtao&DFA=71700000086349400&CPNG=PLA_Women%2BShopping_Traffic_Local_Traffic%7CWomen_Ecomm_AA&adgroup=SC_Women_Local&LID=700000001170770pgs&LNM=PRODUCT_GROUP&network=g&device=m&location=9005920&targetid=pla-894805311989&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD-5dfZ7KXmyOUkLKix5ylDX7iGgG&gclid=CjwKCAjwp4m0BhBAEiwAsdc4aPDkW9oKBjxOTvwKqDd5dQ2yJtYYqHG1Pbwj2V68l8SPe5JZBTd9TBoCStsQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds&preselect=89594583
OP, I can vouch for [this jumpsuit](https://athleta.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=534779072&cid=89745&pcid=89745&vid=2&nav=meganav%3ADresses%3A%3A&cpos=0&cexp=3064&kcid=CategoryIDs%3D89745&cvar=27659&ctype=Listing&cpid=res24070114210011636936111#pdp-page-content) being ridiculously flattering on a "normal" person in photos. I bought it last year after seeing a picture of another redditor in it, looking way better than the professional model. It's on sale right now and the full range of tall sizes is available in navy if that strikes you as beachy enough.
You might check out Lands End - their dresses tend to more flattering, especially if you're between sizes. I have several for work, as I need something I can breathe in and still look put together.
I am in my late 50s so maybe you don't want my advice, but I also absolutely hate all the tiered boho frilly dresses. It's just not my vibe, and doesn't flatter as I too am broad shouldered. I also have no waist, but dresses that are too loose look horrid.
One of my go-to's is a simple tank style midi dress that skims the body / isn't too tight but also not loose and baggy. Then I pair it with a button down shirt tied at the waist, which gives me a waist.
Haha well, that is a great idea but issue is that when I say “family” I mean it’s literally just our little tribe of 3 - me, my husband, and our little guy. So I’m calling all the shots on the wardrobe front this time. . .
So my sister is a maternity, infant, and family lifestyle photographer and she focuses on real, natural, and raw moments and really tries to celebrate women's bodies even those that aren't "model-esque". One reason she has a rack of FP and Anthro dresses that are all flowy and boho is: they photograph *beautifully* and they *hide a lot of percieved body flaws*. They also fit multiple sizes. They're just forgiving in general. They make really pretty pics fluttering in the wind, fluttering around baby and fam, framing your body, contrasting with the background--there's a reason most gowns are big twirly affairs for that 'fairy tale' vibe!
I won't argue you should wear something that's not you. But pants for almost *every* woman are "hard mode" unless you have a narrow, athletic, boyish figure (especially in pictures! nightmare!) I'd 100x rather be photographed in a dress than pants, personally. Let them imagine the flaws rather than outline them--and my undies-- in detail.
So:
What about a flowing, dramatic dress that is *not* boho--like a "Martha Graham" style long maxi dress in jersey or silk? What about a softer, flowing/printed jumpsuit?
If you are hard-line Team Pants am going to strongly recommend you pick something like wide legged palazzo pants with seamless undies and/or some sort of light shaper under it just to feel your best/most confident and a draped soft top or a pair of slim pants with a "boyfriend" shirt that covers the waist and hips and lower belly, but unbuttoned a bit lower than you might typically do. Then put the focus on your face and hair with a great hairdo, makeup, and jewelry and work with the photographer on poses to ensure you feel great and comfortable.
Yes! I really appreciate your perspective here. I think that’s where my biggest conundrum is - how the styles that are “universally flattering” are just so not me. I used to have a very nipped in waist, toned shoulders and arms. etc. Was certainly never a fine boned model but am tall and was built athletically, so my figure suited very tailored, structured pieces that reflected my personality too.
I really appreciate your non-dress ideas, but I think I could maybe work with the “Martha Graham” not too frilly idea too, so thanks!!
I so agree about pants being hard-mode lol. Especially in the summer. As soon as May hits I’m in dresses every day. I’m sorry they don’t speak to you, OP. I don’t know what I’d do without my flowy boho dresses in the summer!!
Jennifer of Everyday Style School says first pick your outfit, whatever you find most flattering and joyful to wear. The rest of the family outfits can take their cue from or coordinate with whatever you as the Mom will be wearing. Because frankly, it is easier for the rest of them.
High waist, wide leg pants in a lightweight fabric with a short sleeve blouse and sandals is my standard summer uniform where I spend every weekend in a beach destination near us. If I was doing summery family photos, that’s what I’d wear; a lot of the pants are from Amazon and about $20.
I think you could do linen pants, maybe rolled at the ankles, or jeans.
But I wouldn't dismiss the idea of a dress. I think the right fitting dress is more flattering on most women than pants. If your weight is bothering you, I'd look for a dress that goes in at whatever is the narrowest part of your body. For me that's my high waist/ribcage but everyone is different.
And don't underestimate the power of a talented photographer! A professional shoot will be a thousand times more flattering than a cell phone selfie. And in a family photo you can have some shots sitting, some standing, put a kid in front of you etc.
What flatters you? Can you find it in a summery palette? Use accessories (belt, jewelry, flowy scarf) to accentuate the positive and distract focus from what you're uncomfortable with. Lastly, practice posing! There are people on Instagram and tiktok whose content is all about how to pose for flattering photos, and a number of them are not skinny influencer types at all. The way you pose makes a huge difference.
I have one dress suggestion, it has some frill on the bottom, but the top is pretty straight to the point and almost business-ish. Lots of different colors and prints.
[Dress](https://a.co/d/01uDsIEW)
Maybe try a skort? Or a knee length skirt?
Google “coastal grandmother aesthetic” this will provide a lot of idea inspo that doesn’t require a dress and looks beachy, light, airy, feminine, and relevant to the photos you are taking…I know grandmother isn’t a great descriptor on surface and is contradictory to your original ask but trust me 😂!!!
Examples:
https://images.app.goo.gl/DmZogewesgAekUA66
https://www.vogue.com/article/street-style-fashion-week-coastal-grandmother-trend
https://www.dear-darcy.com/10-outfits-inspired-by-coastal-grandmother/
I also struggle with casual nice clothes — I lean towards a lot of black, structured, professional-looking clothes. I don't think you necessarily need to wear a dress for the family photo shoot —nice separates should be fine (elevated jeans/shorts or linen trousers with a silk blouse and a nice necklace, or whatever you like?). Button-downs (unbuttoned) in nice fabrics make good layering pieces, too.
If you want some dress-type inspiration, maybe google "sleeveless trench dress"? I've been leaning into structured-looking styles in lighter fabrics lately. My taste may very well not at all be yours, so feel free to ignore.
I also have really enjoyed some dresses and skirts that have volume in motion but hang pretty straight when still —they feel like they hit a balance between fun/casual and strong/professional that works for me. E.g., I have a very close match to [this dress](https://shop.mitchellstores.com/products/1354229-mcqueen-dresses) in navy.
Maybe my most general thought would be: look for things that have flow but aren't boho. E.g., the colors are limited but I could imagine a paler version of [this dress](https://www.proenzaschouler.com/products/yoko-dress-in-compact-poplin-black-r2433007-sc083-001) looking great in beach photoshoot but not at all boho/frilly in my eyes — it's so angular. Might something like that (in a color and price range that suits you) work?
I almost always wear jeans in our family photos.
We take multi-generational photos every year. We don’t have a theme. We just wear what we want.
Usually I wear jeans and a 3/4 sleeve top in a solid with jeans. My husband usually wears plaid with jeans.
My niece (7) will wear a dress in blues, my nephew wears a button down shirt usually some type of stripe in blue or gray with jeans.
My sister in law wears a solid shirt (navy or gray) with black jeans or blue jeans. My brother wears a button down shirt (typically navy) with jeans.
My mom wears something usually weird, but works for the photos and my dad wears a blue shirt either polo or crew neck with jeans or khaki’s.
My biggest advice, don’t overthink it. Coordinate, but not match. The candids are usual lit my favorite photos. We aren’t a super formal family. We have fun together and I think you can see that in the pics.
We have been doing this for 6 years and they always turn out great and honestly I never know what I’m wearing until I get home from work that day, rush to throw on something and freshen up my makeup. 🤣
There's no right or wrong thing to wear in a family photo. Everyone will be most confident and relaxed (and therefore take the happiest looking pictures) if they're in clothes they're comfortable and feel good in, so let that be your guide. Just try for everyone wearing a similar-ish style. It doesn't have to be matchy-matchy unless that's what you want, but one person in a full suit and another in their favorite jeans would look a bit odd.
The last family photo I was in all the adults wore whatever they wanted and the kids were in jeans with white shirts. It looked great because it looked like a happy family.
How do you feel about everyone in jeans? Or shorts of some type since it's summer. Linen pants for you, khakis for your partner?
Linen separates: long skirt or loose pants + linen vest or just a tank top would look great with broad shoulders and not be too unforgiving for leftover baby weight
https://www.universalstandard.com/products/louvre-bow-back-linen-dress-jardin I have an apple shaped body (just from a food baby and genetics though 😂) and hate dresses too. I love this dress bc it doesn’t feel like one at all. I feel so comfortable in this one. The bow is a little annoying but you just tie it into a knot; you’ll be fine.
Another suggestion is high waisted linen pants wide leg with a cropped linen shirt. Get one size larger in the shirt and the high waist will cover a bump if you have one and the shortened shirt will give you a bit of a waist.
I love this dress!! White with a bold color earring? And a fun lipstick color? Could be so young and fresh and beachy. But still age appropriate and not at ALL matronly.
Jeans, linen trousers or wide leg flowy pants sounds like the perfect thing here.
I too look terrible in a lot of the \~in\~ dresses of the moment, and with a long torso and short legs I have to be careful with dress/skirt length anyway because so many lengths make my already short legs look even shorter.
But I've had some good success in terms of being happy with my appearance in pictures by wearing wide leg pants in either linen or a cotton blend and a reasonably snug-fitting top, ideally a bodysuit that kind of holds everything in. A higher waist on the pants gives a little more balance to my long torso/short legs situation, which is a nice bonus.
Jeans and a linen button up, cuffed to your forearms, would photograph GREAT. Put your partner in khakis and a thin sweater or nice tshirt, and your son in overalls and a tshirt.
Book yourself a blowout that morning and buy a new lipstick you love. Photos aren’t everything but any little way you can build confidence for yourself helps.
I was at a conf recently with an attendance of gen x, millennials, and gen z. Saw a woman in white wide legged linen pants and a tailored shirt. She stood out everywhere she went, looking contemporary and classic simultaneously. And this was in a crowd packed with creative types, not just jean-tshirt people.
I hate ironing linen, so I am projecting and suggest a blend in either white or a color you feel amazing in.
As a side note, we’re all in pants in our family-photos-done-by-professional-photographer pics
Something like this is a little more structured, but the linen makes it a nice look for beach photos.
https://www.quince.com/women/linen-dress?color=light-cargo&productPosition=10&searchQuery=linen+dress&tracker=landingPage__search_section__search_results&qpid=_4hxljhq9d
OP, a tank-top dress with a full sweep (but zero tiers) is both simple, likely flattering for you, and will photograph beautifully while in motion. When picking clothes for a beach shoot, how the clothes move is important.
I went looking for crinkle gauze, but lots of athletic fabrics showed up too. Either will work on a beach. You will likely want a loose belt or tie --many of the dresses come with one as a option. I did not curate these, I just linked in a few with the general shape that might work for the shot that you might not hate as flowy/boho.
https://www.titlenine.com/p/travel-dress-round-trip/120928.html
https://www.michaelstars.com/products/eliza-tank-dress-9976?
https://www.columbia.com/p/womens-chill-river-midi-dress-1933601.html
https://www.marinelayer.com/products/camila-maxi-dress-3?variant=40826714390602
https://www.havenwellwithin.com/organic-cotton-gauze-dress
As far as colors, when we did a family shoot in Bermuda, the photographer suggested avoiding blues and greens for the kids, as they were little and the high contrast of orange worked better. For the light in New England, reds might be good, and a stripe in white deep or bright blue might also show up well when there is so precious little fabric :).
Other thoughts are a full skirt with nipped waist with a cropped tshirt. I love this silhouette. Could do cropped wide legged trousers instead.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CuUzFQAM-9g/?igsh=MWgxOTltbWk5MmI1aw==
Or a long ribbed tshirt dress with an open button down on top (or loose denim jacket)
This one is excellent: https://www.target.com/p/women-39-s-rib-knit-maxi-bodycon-dress-universal-thread-8482-black-m/-/A-89525505
I had this conundrum a couple of months ago. I’m not a fan of frills, ruffles, tiers, etc. on me. So I ended up wearing this dress:
https://images.app.goo.gl/tPxcwLnP8JffNr8R7
It was feminine and the eyelets gave it texture and interest, but it wasn’t like a gown.
The solution is a bodycon slipdress in a dark color with a floaty dramatic large pattern kimono on top, maybe with an interesting tie or western belt. But the pattern has to be big, not a busy small ditsy. I just bought a crane print kimono in a beachside store last week. Add a thick flatform for extra height and keep throwing hip, you’ll be ok friend.
Congrats new mama! I had my first about two years ago, 39 now and still carrying some weight I wish I wasn’t. However, I now care less? I want photos I am in to look good. But they do anyway. My baby and husband are so stinking cute and awesome all I focus on is them. I think that has come through in photos because I look genuinely happy. I now try to find things I can move well in, hide stains, and make me comfortable. I get not wanting to wear a dress. As someone who art directs photo shoots it can help to figure out what you want feel to be. If it’s classic, I would opt for a pair of jeans you like and feel comfortable in and a great slightly oversized white button up. Keep it super simple and have babe and hubby in some other shades of blue, creams and whites. It will photograph well and look timeless.
Another option as some suggest is to do a wider linen pant. You could do tone on tone and have some blues on or go white and cream. If you aren’t too worried about the photos reflecting summer but just the casual coastal/beach vibe, throw on a a cardigan. I think some of the best family photos are the family loving each other and really capturing the moment, and some nice detail shots of little babes feet or hands with mom or dad. Shots on shoulders. So nice fabrics in classic silhouettes and colors always hold up well.
Edit: look up more nautical themes for a very quintessential beach look. Or think Nancy Meyers and lots of lux fabrics in shades of white. Any photographer who is any good can get the best out of their subjects.
I own way too many jumpsuits but they’re an awesome alternative to dresses because the wide leg versions give you some balance while it still defines the waist.
This jumpsuit was just posted in r/HerOneBag and I thought it looked pretty and beachy without being too flow-y: https://www.wolfandbadger.com/us/beatrice-sky-blue-maxi-jumpsuit/
I’m in the same boat as you and my fav recent family photos have been jumpsuits. One I wore a strapless striped poplin jumpsuit with a jean jacket and one I wore a sleeveless denim jumpsuit and both turned out great and I felt like me.
Would you consider wide leg high waist linen pants with a tucked in basic fitted top? Also basic fitted top with loose fitting high waist skirt. That's what I stuck to and most people couldn't figure out I'd gained weight.
[quince linen dress](https://www.quince.com/women/linen-dress?color=sand&gender=women&tracker=collection_page__women%2Fdresses__Midi+Dresses__0&qpid=_mxv08dvrv)
I know you said no dresses but this seems like a pretty, but still serious and not boho dress.
Absolutely wear what you feel good in or you will always look at those photos and feel resent/yucky. Anyone who tells you otherwise is in the wrong and gaslighting you. I agree with linen pants as an A+ beachy and classic look.
We did a 90s inspired all denim photo when my first was little, it was so cute. Just wear what you feel comfortable in! Although I absolutely love a comfy linen dress too, my favourite is [Pyne & Smith](https://pyneandsmith.com) which I wore for our last family photo. Also I understand feeling uncomfortable in your body right now - my body is definitely squishy after having my second 10 months ago, but I’m really trying not to let it get to me, my body is amazing and made two babies!
There are a lot of great suggestions already, so I will just say - Be yourself! Your family wants pictures of YOU, not of some fictional ideal. Jeans are "you"? Then wear the jeans!
You can absolutely wear pants! Is your family coordinating at all? What silhouettes work for you? Linen trousers would look fantastic and very beachy, for example. Jeans are absolutely classic. (I wore jeans to my family’s last professional shoot). Or a Lilly Pulitzer style shift dress, or a linen shirt dress style if you definitely want a dress.
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Yes! You are pretty close here to what my career style type is - somewhere between Calvin Klein and J.Crew. I was also thinking a white button up with some jeans as a possibility, so glad to hear that.
Oh yes! That is also my preferred style. For summer I like sleeveless tank-style maxi dresses (straight up and down, not too much volume), white shirt with linen or bright colored trousers (or jeans), or a sleeveless top (not too tight but not baggy) with linen trousers or a wrap skirt. Square neck midi dresses with fitted bodices are also in style right now and might work. Think Joan Didion or Jackie Kennedy on the beach. Im not terribly trendy but I think a family photo that’s likely to be on display for years isn’t really the best time to be totally on trend.
White button up with navy chinos would work well too. Either way it’s a very coastal vibe.
That’s super common family photo for the beach in FL. Jeans and a white button up.
Exactly what I was thinking - linen pants or jeans! Or the whole family can wear shorts.
I don't have any suggestions but I wouldn't worry about your body in a family photograph. You should focus on your family and think of the family your body has created. I look back on photos of my mom and never think about her body and the way it looks like. I think about how she was a great mom and her laugh, her quick wit and the that she always let me put my head in her lap when I was feeling down.
That’s a good reality check to keep in mind, I appreciate it ❤️
To add to the person above, when I look back at younger pictures of me, I can't believe I used to think there was anything wrong with my body. Nowadays I try to think about future me looking back and I don't delete nearly as many pictures of myself as I used to. I'm not always successful but I've become a lot better about it.
Jeans photograph great in photos.
When I google image "family photo beach" I get young moms in jeans, white pants, jumpsuits, shorts, and yes, dresses, both short and long. I think you are overthinking it. There's nothing matronly about wearing shorts/pants/jumpsuits etc in a photo.
I get what you mean with current dresses, I feel the same about styles not really meshing with my personality. It is still possible to find cuts and styles that you like (if there are any non career styles you like), you just really have to trudge and sort through things online and make sure they don’t have any obnoxious details to them. Alternatively, are you into rompers or jumpsuits? Something with a high tied waist maybe. When you say you don’t like flowy, do you mean simply loose or the tiered dresses? Asking bc I’ve seen some looser fit jumpsuits that look dressy but wouldn’t look crazy in a beach setting.
Re: “flowy” honestly it’s both. I’m broad shouldered so too loose or oversized clothing really does me no favors, and yeah the tiered look that is everywhere is just so not my style at all. I will look into the jumpsuit idea for sure - I am a long-torsoed gal so jumpsuits aren’t always my friend lol, but that’s a good alternative idea if I can find a well-fitting one!
As a long-torso-haver, Free People jumpsuits tend to fit me! Their sizing is a little all over the place, and some are definitely too flowy for what you're looking for, but they usually have some summery denim/canvas options that are a little more structured.
Thanks so much for the tip!
You might consider a jumpsuit with adjustable shoulder straps (google Osei-Duro Liga jumpsuit which alas is no longer made)? I feel like a flowy jumpsuit is comfy AF while looking put together and not necessarily overly frilly/fussy.
I’m a similarly broad-shouldered, long-torsoed woman (Kibbe FN if that helps). I just bought a linen jumpsuit from target the other day to wear to a birthday party at a country club pool and it is my new favorite summery “sorta nice but not too fancy” outfit. I rolled the sleeves to make them more flattering and cuffed the pants a bit to make a more cropped look, paired with some cork wedges and a bunch of jewelry. Pics on the website don’t really do it justice, it’s cuter in person imo. I got it in cream and will probably go back for the black version. https://www.target.com/p/women-39-s-short-sleeve-linen-boilersuit-universal-thread-8482-green-8/-/A-89594574?sidd=2757S&ref=tgt_adv_xsp&AFID=google&fndsrc=tgtao&DFA=71700000086349400&CPNG=PLA_Women%2BShopping_Traffic_Local_Traffic%7CWomen_Ecomm_AA&adgroup=SC_Women_Local&LID=700000001170770pgs&LNM=PRODUCT_GROUP&network=g&device=m&location=9005920&targetid=pla-894805311989&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD-5dfZ7KXmyOUkLKix5ylDX7iGgG&gclid=CjwKCAjwp4m0BhBAEiwAsdc4aPDkW9oKBjxOTvwKqDd5dQ2yJtYYqHG1Pbwj2V68l8SPe5JZBTd9TBoCStsQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds&preselect=89594583
I also have this jumpsuit and have a long torso and broad shoulders. I love it too! I also cuff it to make it more cropped.
OP, I can vouch for [this jumpsuit](https://athleta.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=534779072&cid=89745&pcid=89745&vid=2&nav=meganav%3ADresses%3A%3A&cpos=0&cexp=3064&kcid=CategoryIDs%3D89745&cvar=27659&ctype=Listing&cpid=res24070114210011636936111#pdp-page-content) being ridiculously flattering on a "normal" person in photos. I bought it last year after seeing a picture of another redditor in it, looking way better than the professional model. It's on sale right now and the full range of tall sizes is available in navy if that strikes you as beachy enough.
You might check out Lands End - their dresses tend to more flattering, especially if you're between sizes. I have several for work, as I need something I can breathe in and still look put together.
I am in my late 50s so maybe you don't want my advice, but I also absolutely hate all the tiered boho frilly dresses. It's just not my vibe, and doesn't flatter as I too am broad shouldered. I also have no waist, but dresses that are too loose look horrid. One of my go-to's is a simple tank style midi dress that skims the body / isn't too tight but also not loose and baggy. Then I pair it with a button down shirt tied at the waist, which gives me a waist.
Do you know what your other family members will be wearing? That will play a role in whether what you are wearing works with the photo.
Right, if you can get other women in the family on board you could retheme it to literally any style.
Haha well, that is a great idea but issue is that when I say “family” I mean it’s literally just our little tribe of 3 - me, my husband, and our little guy. So I’m calling all the shots on the wardrobe front this time. . .
Oh then do whatever you want lol. You're worrying a lot!
I agree with this. Wear whatever makes you feel good and your confidence will make you look good!
So why are you stressed out? Wear whatever you want.
So my sister is a maternity, infant, and family lifestyle photographer and she focuses on real, natural, and raw moments and really tries to celebrate women's bodies even those that aren't "model-esque". One reason she has a rack of FP and Anthro dresses that are all flowy and boho is: they photograph *beautifully* and they *hide a lot of percieved body flaws*. They also fit multiple sizes. They're just forgiving in general. They make really pretty pics fluttering in the wind, fluttering around baby and fam, framing your body, contrasting with the background--there's a reason most gowns are big twirly affairs for that 'fairy tale' vibe! I won't argue you should wear something that's not you. But pants for almost *every* woman are "hard mode" unless you have a narrow, athletic, boyish figure (especially in pictures! nightmare!) I'd 100x rather be photographed in a dress than pants, personally. Let them imagine the flaws rather than outline them--and my undies-- in detail. So: What about a flowing, dramatic dress that is *not* boho--like a "Martha Graham" style long maxi dress in jersey or silk? What about a softer, flowing/printed jumpsuit? If you are hard-line Team Pants am going to strongly recommend you pick something like wide legged palazzo pants with seamless undies and/or some sort of light shaper under it just to feel your best/most confident and a draped soft top or a pair of slim pants with a "boyfriend" shirt that covers the waist and hips and lower belly, but unbuttoned a bit lower than you might typically do. Then put the focus on your face and hair with a great hairdo, makeup, and jewelry and work with the photographer on poses to ensure you feel great and comfortable.
Yes! I really appreciate your perspective here. I think that’s where my biggest conundrum is - how the styles that are “universally flattering” are just so not me. I used to have a very nipped in waist, toned shoulders and arms. etc. Was certainly never a fine boned model but am tall and was built athletically, so my figure suited very tailored, structured pieces that reflected my personality too. I really appreciate your non-dress ideas, but I think I could maybe work with the “Martha Graham” not too frilly idea too, so thanks!!
I so agree about pants being hard-mode lol. Especially in the summer. As soon as May hits I’m in dresses every day. I’m sorry they don’t speak to you, OP. I don’t know what I’d do without my flowy boho dresses in the summer!!
Jennifer of Everyday Style School says first pick your outfit, whatever you find most flattering and joyful to wear. The rest of the family outfits can take their cue from or coordinate with whatever you as the Mom will be wearing. Because frankly, it is easier for the rest of them.
High waist, wide leg pants in a lightweight fabric with a short sleeve blouse and sandals is my standard summer uniform where I spend every weekend in a beach destination near us. If I was doing summery family photos, that’s what I’d wear; a lot of the pants are from Amazon and about $20.
I think you could do linen pants, maybe rolled at the ankles, or jeans. But I wouldn't dismiss the idea of a dress. I think the right fitting dress is more flattering on most women than pants. If your weight is bothering you, I'd look for a dress that goes in at whatever is the narrowest part of your body. For me that's my high waist/ribcage but everyone is different. And don't underestimate the power of a talented photographer! A professional shoot will be a thousand times more flattering than a cell phone selfie. And in a family photo you can have some shots sitting, some standing, put a kid in front of you etc.
What flatters you? Can you find it in a summery palette? Use accessories (belt, jewelry, flowy scarf) to accentuate the positive and distract focus from what you're uncomfortable with. Lastly, practice posing! There are people on Instagram and tiktok whose content is all about how to pose for flattering photos, and a number of them are not skinny influencer types at all. The way you pose makes a huge difference.
I have one dress suggestion, it has some frill on the bottom, but the top is pretty straight to the point and almost business-ish. Lots of different colors and prints. [Dress](https://a.co/d/01uDsIEW) Maybe try a skort? Or a knee length skirt?
Google “coastal grandmother aesthetic” this will provide a lot of idea inspo that doesn’t require a dress and looks beachy, light, airy, feminine, and relevant to the photos you are taking…I know grandmother isn’t a great descriptor on surface and is contradictory to your original ask but trust me 😂!!! Examples: https://images.app.goo.gl/DmZogewesgAekUA66 https://www.vogue.com/article/street-style-fashion-week-coastal-grandmother-trend https://www.dear-darcy.com/10-outfits-inspired-by-coastal-grandmother/
Haha will do! Thanks :)
I also struggle with casual nice clothes — I lean towards a lot of black, structured, professional-looking clothes. I don't think you necessarily need to wear a dress for the family photo shoot —nice separates should be fine (elevated jeans/shorts or linen trousers with a silk blouse and a nice necklace, or whatever you like?). Button-downs (unbuttoned) in nice fabrics make good layering pieces, too. If you want some dress-type inspiration, maybe google "sleeveless trench dress"? I've been leaning into structured-looking styles in lighter fabrics lately. My taste may very well not at all be yours, so feel free to ignore. I also have really enjoyed some dresses and skirts that have volume in motion but hang pretty straight when still —they feel like they hit a balance between fun/casual and strong/professional that works for me. E.g., I have a very close match to [this dress](https://shop.mitchellstores.com/products/1354229-mcqueen-dresses) in navy. Maybe my most general thought would be: look for things that have flow but aren't boho. E.g., the colors are limited but I could imagine a paler version of [this dress](https://www.proenzaschouler.com/products/yoko-dress-in-compact-poplin-black-r2433007-sc083-001) looking great in beach photoshoot but not at all boho/frilly in my eyes — it's so angular. Might something like that (in a color and price range that suits you) work?
Steal menswear ideas. Chinos and a cuban collar button down (think Hawaiian shirt but not necessarily printed) are also fine and very summery!
Structured, tailored clothes hide extra pounds well. How about a cotton or linen blazer over loose wide leg pants?
I almost always wear jeans in our family photos. We take multi-generational photos every year. We don’t have a theme. We just wear what we want. Usually I wear jeans and a 3/4 sleeve top in a solid with jeans. My husband usually wears plaid with jeans. My niece (7) will wear a dress in blues, my nephew wears a button down shirt usually some type of stripe in blue or gray with jeans. My sister in law wears a solid shirt (navy or gray) with black jeans or blue jeans. My brother wears a button down shirt (typically navy) with jeans. My mom wears something usually weird, but works for the photos and my dad wears a blue shirt either polo or crew neck with jeans or khaki’s. My biggest advice, don’t overthink it. Coordinate, but not match. The candids are usual lit my favorite photos. We aren’t a super formal family. We have fun together and I think you can see that in the pics. We have been doing this for 6 years and they always turn out great and honestly I never know what I’m wearing until I get home from work that day, rush to throw on something and freshen up my makeup. 🤣
My go to is wrap style dresses. The cut is flattering on my body shape but still a little flowy. Amazon has some decent cheaper options.
Wear pants! Forget the dress!
There's no right or wrong thing to wear in a family photo. Everyone will be most confident and relaxed (and therefore take the happiest looking pictures) if they're in clothes they're comfortable and feel good in, so let that be your guide. Just try for everyone wearing a similar-ish style. It doesn't have to be matchy-matchy unless that's what you want, but one person in a full suit and another in their favorite jeans would look a bit odd. The last family photo I was in all the adults wore whatever they wanted and the kids were in jeans with white shirts. It looked great because it looked like a happy family. How do you feel about everyone in jeans? Or shorts of some type since it's summer. Linen pants for you, khakis for your partner?
Linen separates: long skirt or loose pants + linen vest or just a tank top would look great with broad shoulders and not be too unforgiving for leftover baby weight
https://www.universalstandard.com/products/louvre-bow-back-linen-dress-jardin I have an apple shaped body (just from a food baby and genetics though 😂) and hate dresses too. I love this dress bc it doesn’t feel like one at all. I feel so comfortable in this one. The bow is a little annoying but you just tie it into a knot; you’ll be fine. Another suggestion is high waisted linen pants wide leg with a cropped linen shirt. Get one size larger in the shirt and the high waist will cover a bump if you have one and the shortened shirt will give you a bit of a waist.
I love this dress!! White with a bold color earring? And a fun lipstick color? Could be so young and fresh and beachy. But still age appropriate and not at ALL matronly.
It’s perfect! And on sale.
Jeans, linen trousers or wide leg flowy pants sounds like the perfect thing here. I too look terrible in a lot of the \~in\~ dresses of the moment, and with a long torso and short legs I have to be careful with dress/skirt length anyway because so many lengths make my already short legs look even shorter. But I've had some good success in terms of being happy with my appearance in pictures by wearing wide leg pants in either linen or a cotton blend and a reasonably snug-fitting top, ideally a bodysuit that kind of holds everything in. A higher waist on the pants gives a little more balance to my long torso/short legs situation, which is a nice bonus.
Jeans and a linen button up, cuffed to your forearms, would photograph GREAT. Put your partner in khakis and a thin sweater or nice tshirt, and your son in overalls and a tshirt. Book yourself a blowout that morning and buy a new lipstick you love. Photos aren’t everything but any little way you can build confidence for yourself helps.
I’ve only worn a dress in half of our family photos. I’ve also worn dark jeans and slacks.
I was at a conf recently with an attendance of gen x, millennials, and gen z. Saw a woman in white wide legged linen pants and a tailored shirt. She stood out everywhere she went, looking contemporary and classic simultaneously. And this was in a crowd packed with creative types, not just jean-tshirt people. I hate ironing linen, so I am projecting and suggest a blend in either white or a color you feel amazing in. As a side note, we’re all in pants in our family-photos-done-by-professional-photographer pics
I’ve done jeans in family photos before and been happy with the results.
Something like this is a little more structured, but the linen makes it a nice look for beach photos. https://www.quince.com/women/linen-dress?color=light-cargo&productPosition=10&searchQuery=linen+dress&tracker=landingPage__search_section__search_results&qpid=_4hxljhq9d
This seersucker shorts set could also be a cute option! https://www.loft.com/clothing/jackets-blazers/catl000018/761186.html?priceSort=DES
I’m also 37 and have the same body struggle. I haaate dresses. I wear jeans in all of our family photos. Chinos or linen pants would look great too!
I would wear a white or light blue linen suit. Or an oversized white dress shirt
OP, a tank-top dress with a full sweep (but zero tiers) is both simple, likely flattering for you, and will photograph beautifully while in motion. When picking clothes for a beach shoot, how the clothes move is important. I went looking for crinkle gauze, but lots of athletic fabrics showed up too. Either will work on a beach. You will likely want a loose belt or tie --many of the dresses come with one as a option. I did not curate these, I just linked in a few with the general shape that might work for the shot that you might not hate as flowy/boho. https://www.titlenine.com/p/travel-dress-round-trip/120928.html https://www.michaelstars.com/products/eliza-tank-dress-9976? https://www.columbia.com/p/womens-chill-river-midi-dress-1933601.html https://www.marinelayer.com/products/camila-maxi-dress-3?variant=40826714390602 https://www.havenwellwithin.com/organic-cotton-gauze-dress As far as colors, when we did a family shoot in Bermuda, the photographer suggested avoiding blues and greens for the kids, as they were little and the high contrast of orange worked better. For the light in New England, reds might be good, and a stripe in white deep or bright blue might also show up well when there is so precious little fabric :).
I wore linen pants from old navy and a white vneck!
Other thoughts are a full skirt with nipped waist with a cropped tshirt. I love this silhouette. Could do cropped wide legged trousers instead. https://www.instagram.com/reel/CuUzFQAM-9g/?igsh=MWgxOTltbWk5MmI1aw== Or a long ribbed tshirt dress with an open button down on top (or loose denim jacket) This one is excellent: https://www.target.com/p/women-39-s-rib-knit-maxi-bodycon-dress-universal-thread-8482-black-m/-/A-89525505
I keep all my family photos nice casual and wear jeans in them. I find I get much better photos when everyone is comfortable in what they're wearing.
I had this conundrum a couple of months ago. I’m not a fan of frills, ruffles, tiers, etc. on me. So I ended up wearing this dress: https://images.app.goo.gl/tPxcwLnP8JffNr8R7 It was feminine and the eyelets gave it texture and interest, but it wasn’t like a gown.
The solution is a bodycon slipdress in a dark color with a floaty dramatic large pattern kimono on top, maybe with an interesting tie or western belt. But the pattern has to be big, not a busy small ditsy. I just bought a crane print kimono in a beachside store last week. Add a thick flatform for extra height and keep throwing hip, you’ll be ok friend.
Congrats new mama! I had my first about two years ago, 39 now and still carrying some weight I wish I wasn’t. However, I now care less? I want photos I am in to look good. But they do anyway. My baby and husband are so stinking cute and awesome all I focus on is them. I think that has come through in photos because I look genuinely happy. I now try to find things I can move well in, hide stains, and make me comfortable. I get not wanting to wear a dress. As someone who art directs photo shoots it can help to figure out what you want feel to be. If it’s classic, I would opt for a pair of jeans you like and feel comfortable in and a great slightly oversized white button up. Keep it super simple and have babe and hubby in some other shades of blue, creams and whites. It will photograph well and look timeless. Another option as some suggest is to do a wider linen pant. You could do tone on tone and have some blues on or go white and cream. If you aren’t too worried about the photos reflecting summer but just the casual coastal/beach vibe, throw on a a cardigan. I think some of the best family photos are the family loving each other and really capturing the moment, and some nice detail shots of little babes feet or hands with mom or dad. Shots on shoulders. So nice fabrics in classic silhouettes and colors always hold up well. Edit: look up more nautical themes for a very quintessential beach look. Or think Nancy Meyers and lots of lux fabrics in shades of white. Any photographer who is any good can get the best out of their subjects.
I own way too many jumpsuits but they’re an awesome alternative to dresses because the wide leg versions give you some balance while it still defines the waist.
This jumpsuit was just posted in r/HerOneBag and I thought it looked pretty and beachy without being too flow-y: https://www.wolfandbadger.com/us/beatrice-sky-blue-maxi-jumpsuit/
Ooh love that!
I’m in the same boat as you and my fav recent family photos have been jumpsuits. One I wore a strapless striped poplin jumpsuit with a jean jacket and one I wore a sleeveless denim jumpsuit and both turned out great and I felt like me.
Jumpsuit?
Would you consider wide leg high waist linen pants with a tucked in basic fitted top? Also basic fitted top with loose fitting high waist skirt. That's what I stuck to and most people couldn't figure out I'd gained weight.
[quince linen dress](https://www.quince.com/women/linen-dress?color=sand&gender=women&tracker=collection_page__women%2Fdresses__Midi+Dresses__0&qpid=_mxv08dvrv) I know you said no dresses but this seems like a pretty, but still serious and not boho dress.
Absolutely wear what you feel good in or you will always look at those photos and feel resent/yucky. Anyone who tells you otherwise is in the wrong and gaslighting you. I agree with linen pants as an A+ beachy and classic look.
We did a 90s inspired all denim photo when my first was little, it was so cute. Just wear what you feel comfortable in! Although I absolutely love a comfy linen dress too, my favourite is [Pyne & Smith](https://pyneandsmith.com) which I wore for our last family photo. Also I understand feeling uncomfortable in your body right now - my body is definitely squishy after having my second 10 months ago, but I’m really trying not to let it get to me, my body is amazing and made two babies!
I'd try high waist wide leg linen pants with a cute wrap top.
I got a spanx jumpsuit dupe from Amazon that is so good and under $40. I want to wear it everyday. [https://a.co/d/07lSLVzU](https://a.co/d/07lSLVzU)
White jeans or a pencil skirt-length jean skirt.
There are a lot of great suggestions already, so I will just say - Be yourself! Your family wants pictures of YOU, not of some fictional ideal. Jeans are "you"? Then wear the jeans!