When it comes to newborn or family photography, it’s easy to focus all your attention on the baby or kids (and rightly so—they’re the stars of the show!) Moms get a lot of attention too! But dads… I want you to know you’re an essential part of the story! I want to share some styling advice for the dads out there who don’t just want to wear a white shirt and khakis 😉 I want to help you look relaxed, authentic, and true to yourself in your family photos! And, I have a lot of clients who also wonder about how to best dress the men in their life.
Here’s my go-to advice for dressing dads in a way that captures their natural style and complements my light/earthy style of photography. No stiff, business-meeting looks here—just relaxed, stylish, and effortless vibes.
1. Choose Comfort Over Formality
While we’re aiming for a polished look, the key is that you feel comfortable and at ease. Avoid the overly formal attire (suits, etc)—those can make you look a little too stiff and out of place, especially for a casual, at-home or outdoor session somewhere like a beach. UNLESS you’re going for a formal look!
If you’re wanting it to feel more “lifestyle”, focus on pieces that look relaxed and effortless but still put-together. Think soft, breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, or even light wool for the cooler months. These fabrics will keep you comfortable while still looking elevated.
Tip for Outdoor Sessions: If you’re worried about sweating or the heat, lightweight, moisture-wicking fabrics like linen or cotton blends are your best friends. They’ll keep you cool and help you avoid looking overly sweaty in the photos. If you have a session in July or August, ditch the materials that will easily show sweat!
2. Layering Is Your Friend
Layering adds texture, depth, and visual interest to your outfit. It also gives you options to adjust your look throughout the session. Consider pairing a simple T-shirt or henley with a casual jacket, open button-down shirt, or a lightweight cardigan. This not only keeps things relaxed but also creates a more dynamic, well-rounded look.
Some great options are:
- A denim jacket over a neutral-colored t-shirt.
- A henley shirt with a casual sweater or open button-down shirt.
- A lightweight cardigan with relaxed chinos or jeans.
3. Go for Neutral and Earthy Tones
I’m all about colors that feel grounded and authentic, so think neutrals, muted tones, and earthy shades. These tones create a timeless, cohesive feel without stealing attention from the moment overall.
Good color choices include:
- Soft greys, blues, and whites
- Earthy greens, beiges, and browns
- Muted tones like taupe or slate
Avoid bright, bold colors or overly busy patterns—they can be distracting and draw attention away from the real star of the session: your connection with your baby.
4. Roll Up Your Sleeves for a Relaxed Vibe
Dad, you’re not headed to a corporate meeting—let’s make sure you look relaxed! One simple trick to achieve this is rolling up your sleeves. Whether you’re wearing a button-up shirt or a long-sleeve henley, casually rolling up your sleeves gives you a more laid-back appearance. Plus, it looks effortless, like you’re just enjoying the moment with your newborn.
5. Skip the Tucked-in Shirts and Tight Fits
A tucked-in shirt, especially in a formal setting, can make you feel too rigid, which is the opposite of what we want in your newborn photos. Opt for a shirt that’s untucked or a relaxed fit that isn’t too tight around the chest or waist. This way, you can move freely and comfortably as you interact with your little one. My sessions are highly energetic with a lot of play for capturing candids. Dressing to fit this vibe will work best!
If you’re worried about looking too casual, pairing a relaxed shirt with fitted pants or chinos strikes a good balance.
6. Barefoot Indoors for a Natural Look
If we’re doing an in-home session, I always recommend going barefoot. Every dad tells me this: “Trust me…noone wants to see my feet!” It makes me laugh everytime. And maybe it’s true! But I promise you that noone is actually taking that close of a look 😉 It’s more natural, relaxed, and creates an authentic vibe that aligns with the homey feel of the shoot. Plus, there’s no need for shoes to get in the way of cuddling or playful moments with your baby.
7. Footwear for Outdoor Sessions: Keep It Simple
For outdoor sessions, shoes can easily make or break an outfit. I recommend going for shoes that are stylish yet comfortable. Think: loafers, boots, or even clean sneakers. The idea is to keep your look authentic, and a nice pair of well-chosen shoes can pull everything together without looking overly polished.
8. Dress like you would for the setting
How would you dress for a beach? You probably wouldn’t have khakis and a button down long sleeve shirt on if you were hanging out with your family at the beach! You might choose something like a linen top and light pants. Think through the setting and what would be realistic for that specific place. Then go through how to make it polished or how to use colors that may photograph well in my style (earth tones, neutrals, muted accents!)
8. The Final Touch: Keep It Simple
Remember, newborn photos are about moments, not perfection. Keep your outfit minimal and authentic—after all, it’s about the love and connection between you and your baby. So, keep accessories simple. A watch or a necklace is enough, but leave the tie or the belt at home!
Also, this may be a popular opinion, but I would also leave off any technology. Apple watches may be something you wear everyday, but the dark color on the wrist can really distract from a baby when it shows in the photo close to their face!
I hope these tips help dads feel confident and relaxed in front of the camera while also feeling like they can lean into their own style! I’m always here to help if you have any questions or need someone to bounce an outfit idea off of!
