I frequently get asked the question, "How should I dress my family for family portraits". First, ask yourself what kind of pictures you want.  Do you want formal or casual?  Once you decide that, begin to think about a color palette.  Solids (or small prints) tend to work best.  You do not have to all match, but try to stay in the same color family and within similar shades.  Some examples of color families would be all neutrals, jewel tones, or pastels, depending on the type of look that you want.  Just don't have everyone in black and white, with one person in bright red.  And NO, I will not fix that in Photoshop :)  When choosing your color palette, consider your surroundings.  Think of the colors in the place you will be photographed.  Also, think of what you will be doing with the images.  If you are planning on hanging a large 16"x20" above your fireplace, you will want to wear something that blends with the colors in your house.

Avoid large prints, graphics, and characters.  You may not want your political message for years to come hanging on your wall...or you may.  Limit your textures and patterns.  One person in stripes, another in polka dots, and another in plaid, tends to be a bit busy.

Start with dressing mom first, then pull together something for the rest of the family.  Let's face it, ladies, we can be difficult.  So if you get the hardest part done first, the rest is easy.   

The bottom line is it is really up to you what you wear depending on what kind of image you are wanting.  Now for the most important tip (I guess I should have started with this), ----------make sure whatever you choose is comfortable!  You are not going to get a natural looking smile if you are wearing pants that are too tight.   I hope these little tips help.  

- Karen

P.S.  Once you have decided on your wardrobe, you can lay it all out on your bed and snap a picture of it.  Then send the picture to your photographer.  It helps:)