How to Dress for Mountain Family Session: Outfits That Photograph Beautifully

Planning a mountain family session in Crested Butte? You’re in one of the most stunning places in Colorado — golden light, endless peaks, summer wildflowers, and fall aspens that look like they’re glowing.

But the #1 question families ask me is:

👉 “What should we wear for my mountain family session?”

Your outfits play a HUGE role in how your photos look and feel. The right colors and textures help you blend beautifully with the mountain scenery while still standing out as the stars of the image.

Here’s your complete guide to dressing your best for a mountain family session in Crested Butte.


1. Choose Colors That Compliment the Landscape

Crested Butte offers different color palettes depending on the season:

Summer (wildflowers)

🌼 Soft yellows
🌿 Sage green
🤍 Creams + warm neutrals
🌸 Blush tones
💙 Muted blues

Fall (aspens + warm tones)

🍂 Rust
🥨 Camel
🤎 Warm browns
🧡 Burnt orange
🤍 Ivory + beige

Winter (snow + pines)

❄️ Deep green
🫐 Navy
🤎 Brown leather
🖤 Charcoal

Avoid neon or overly bright colors — they clash with natural scenery and can reflect onto skin.


2. Start With One Outfit & Build Around It

Pick one person’s outfit first (often mom’s dress) and coordinate the rest around the main colors.

Think coordinated, not matching.

✔ Soft patterns mixed with solids
✔ Different textures
✔ Varying shades of the same color family
✘ Avoid identical shirts or matching denim


3. Embrace Texture — It Photographs Beautifully

Texture adds dimension to your photos.

Great options include:
✨ Knit sweaters
✨ Flowy dresses
✨ Linen shirts
✨ Denim jackets
✨ Corduroy
✨ Wool layers

Avoid stiff fabrics — you want movement, comfort, and softness.


4. Keep Comfort Front and Center

Mountain sessions involve moving, sitting, walking, snuggling, and sometimes adventuring.

Especially for kids, choose:
✔ Stretchy fabrics
✔ Shoes they can run in
✔ Layers to stay warm
✔ Clothing that isn’t itchy

Happy kids = beautiful photos.


5. Layers Are Your Best Friend

Crested Butte weather is unpredictable.
Layers let you stay comfortable AND add variety to your photos.

Think:
🧥 Jackets
🧣 Neutral scarves
👒 Hats
🧶 Sweaters
👗 Cardigans

Layers look amazing in photos — and keep everyone happy.


6. Avoid Distracting Elements

These can pull attention away from your faces:
✘ Logos
✘ Black athletic wear
✘ Busy patterns
✘ Baseball caps
✘ Neon colors

Let your family’s connection be the focus.


Final Tip: Be Yourself

The best outfit is the one you feel confident in.

Your photos should reflect your family, not Pinterest perfection.

If you’d like, I offer complimentary styling guidance and outfit color boards for every session.


🗓 Ready for your family photos in Crested Butte?

Let’s plan something beautiful. Visit Crested Butte
📧 rebecca@thirdeyephotographycolorado.com
🌐 thirdeyephotographycolorado.com

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