Depending on weather your portrait is taken in our studio or in a outdoor environment the rule of thumb is to wear dark, coordinated colors. The reason for this is as in any portrait your eye goes first to the brightest spot on that photograph. It should not be clothing but the faces in that image. Sometimes that rule can be broken if you are trying to make a specific statement in which case it is a good idea to dress in coordination to each other such as everyone wearing white tops and dark bottoms.
Remember lighter colors such as white and most pastels make you look heavier. Dark, coordinated colors are also recommended so that no single family member stands out. It also has the psychological effect of showing closeness in the family.
Choose outfits that fit your personality and make you feel attractive. You may want to dress a bit more casual in a outdoor setting verses just a bit more conservative in the studio. Avoid wearing short skirts or shorts as they make posing more difficult. Long, flowing dresses, jeans and khakis make better selections.
Sleeveless shirts or tops with very short sleeves are sometimes very unflattering in portraits and should be avoided. Because shoes often show in portraits, make sure that the shoes you wear compliment your clothing. Bare feet also work in many cases.
One other thing to consider when choosing colors is the location of the final print. If it will hang in the family room or den above the fireplace or sofa, you should try to incorporate the color scheme of that room into your clothing selection.
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