Picture Day Outfit Ideas
Picture day always seems to sneak up on us, doesn’t it? One minute you’re packing lunches and signing permission slips, and the next you’re realizing tomorrow is picture day and wondering what your child should wear.
As the photographer behind Bloom Photos, I get to see so many wonderful kids come through on picture day. And here’s the truth—what matters most isn’t the perfect outfit. It’s capturing your child’s personality at this stage of life: their toothless grin, their twinkly eyes, their shy smirk, or their burst of confidence. That’s what makes the photo timeless.
Still, a little planning can make the morning less stressful and help your child feel comfortable and confident. Here are some simple tips to guide you:
Keep It Simple
Solid colors and classic pieces always photograph beautifully. A soft polo, a button-down, or a simple dress in a favorite color keeps the focus right where it belongs—on your child’s sweet face. Avoid busy graphics, large logos, or neon patterns that might distract from their expression.
Think Comfort First
When kids feel comfortable, they relax, and that’s when we capture the most genuine smiles. Choose clothing that fits well, feels soft, and lets them move around easily. Picture day should feel special, but never uncomfortable.
Add a Layer
Cardigans, jean jackets, or simple vests add nice texture and dimension to photos. Plus, they give kids a little something extra to cozy into if they’re feeling shy in front of the camera.
Play with Color
Don’t be afraid of color! Jewel tones, pastels, or soft earthy hues all look beautiful against school photo backdrops. Bright blues, deep reds, and rich greens really make kids stand out in the best way.
Keep Accessories Simple (or not!)
A bow, a headband, or a small necklace can add a fun touch, but less is usually more. We want your child’s personality—not their accessories—to shine. However, if your kiddo lives for over-the-top accessories, let them add as much as you can handle! We want to capture their authentic selves, and that includes their fabulous style.
Let Them Help Choose
One of my favorite tricks: give your child two parent-approved options and let them pick. It gives them a sense of ownership and helps them walk into picture day feeling confident and happy.
Sibling Pictures
Coordinate, but don't match. It’s better that their clothes compliment each other instead of being too matchy-matchy. Choose a color palette you love and coordinate their outfits!
Shop From Their Closet First
Look through your kiddo’s closet before buying anything. There’s a good chance you have a great outfit already! If you still want to purchase something to make their Picture Day look a little more special, go for a cute accessory or layering item.
The Bloom Photos Touch
At Bloom Photos, my goal isn’t to capture a “perfect” picture—it’s to capture your child, exactly as they are right now. Ten years from now, you won’t care if their shirt was tucked in straight. You’ll treasure the grin with the missing teeth, the way their hair fell across their forehead, or the sparkle in their eyes that says this is them, in this season.
So choose something simple, comfortable, or entirely over the top. But true to who they are.
I’ll take care of the rest.
Outfit Inspo:
