What to Wear for Your Brighton Family PhotoS; Real tips for real Sussex families

If you’ve ever stood in front of an open wardrobe wondering what on earth your family should wear for photos, please know: you’re in very good company. I hear this from almost every parent I work with. And honestly? It doesn’t need to be stressful. Your session isn’t about “getting it right”, it’s about capturing the way you are together, in this time of your life.

As a family lifestyle photographer in Brighton & Hove, my philosophy is pretty straightforward: you will look your best when you feel like yourselves. Not a curated Pinterest board version of you, just the real you.

Start with what you already wear (and actually like)

If you’re comfortable, you’ll relax. And relaxed people get the best out of their family photo session, full stop. You don’t need to buy an outfit “for the photoshoot.” Brighton & Hove is pretty laid-back. We dress for the sea breeze, for walks along the seafront, for running after kids on the Pier, not for looking “done up.”

If you adore jeans and a soft jumper, wear that.
If you live for colour, brilliant, bring it.
If someone in your family has a favourite jumper that appears in 90% of your home photos… it probably deserves to come along too.

Simplicity helps. Authenticity helps more.

Make it easy: dress the way you already dress together

Coordinating isn’t about matching. It’s about choosing things that quietly get along.

One person in full on Sunday-best and another in gym shorts will feel a bit odd in photos (and probably in real life too). But you also don’t need to turn up in identical outfits.

Think of it like this:
Your family already has a style - just follow that.
Start with one outfit that feels right, then build around it with colours or textures that complement rather than compete.

1. Let each person be themselves

The most important thing is that everyone feels good. Kids included, especially kids.

If your style is low-key:

• jeans, linen shirts, tees, jumpers, light layers

If you prefer something a little more dressed:

• casual dresses, chinos, cardigans, simple knits, relaxed shirts

If you love bursts of colour or patterns (we do live in a city with rainbow beach huts, after all):

• bring them into the mix

• ground them with simpler pieces on others

• or mix patterns thoughtfully by keeping the colour palette connected

If one person is bold and the rest are quieter in style, that’s fine, just let colours link gently so no one feels like the odd one out.

2. Choose colours that work together (without being “matchy”)

I love colours! Brighton is colourful, Sussex is colourful, and your family might be too.

A helpful way to think about colour is this:

• choose 2–3 tones that sit nicely together

• mix light, mid, and darker shades

• let patterns echo the colours in solids

• avoid everyone wearing the exact same colour (unless that colour is navy, in which case it somehow always works)

Soft blues, rust, oat, mustard, denim, forest green, dusty pink, charcoal, cream, all lovely. But so are brights if they feel true to you.

Quick tip:
If two people are both in stark white, they can blur into each other in photos. A small tonal shift helps more than you’d think.

3. Bring texture — it photographs beautifully

Texture adds interest without fuss. Think:

• cardigans

• cord trousers

• linen shirts

• knitted jumpers

• denim

• layered tees

• simple dresses with movement

Texture catches the Brighton light in a really gentle way, especially near the sea or in shaded woodland at Stanmer Park.

4. Dress for the weather we actually have

This one is huge. Cold, uncomfortable children will let us all know very quickly.

Our Sussex weather has a personality of its own. If the wind picks up on Hove seafront or the temperature drops on the Downs, layers save the day. Bring jumpers, tights, undershirts, even a favourite coat. I promise layered kids who can run, climb, and stay warm make for far happier photos.

5. Keep distractions to a minimum

Logos, huge prints, phrases, they can pull the eye away from your faces. It’s not a strict rule, but it’s worth avoiding anything with words that might get half-hidden.

Plain colours or subtle patterns nearly always outlast trends and keep the focus where it belongs: the people in the frame.

6. Accessories — simple is best

A few quick things to consider:

• Long necklaces swing into faces during cuddles

• Big hats create deep shadows

• Slippy baby headbands move constantly

• Scarves often flick up in the wind

• If you wear glasses, wear them - just skip transition lenses if you have another pair

And shoes!
Brighton beach = barefoot in the water, but definitely shoes on the pebbles!
The Downs = boots or trainers
Woodland = something closed-toe
The Level = whatever you normally wear

Heels rarely get along with grass, shingle, or energetic toddlers.

7. “But what about the Spiderman costume?”

A genuine, frequently asked question.

Some children have a deep, unwavering dedication to a character outfit. And honestly, that’s part of who they are right now. You have options:

• Let them wear it for part of the shoot

• Promise a Spiderman photo at the end

• Bring it along so they know it’s nearby

• Or embrace it fully, superheroes on Brighton Beach are not the strangest thing we see here

Your photos should reflect your real family, not an idealised version. If Spiderman is part of the current season, it may actually become one of your favourite memories later.

Final thoughts: Wear what feels good.

The goal isn’t perfection, it’s connection.

If you choose outfits that feel comfortable, natural, and true to your family, the photos will reflect that warmth. You don’t need to reinvent yourselves or buy anything new. Just start with what feels like “you,” and build from there.

Show up as you are. I’ll take care of the rest.