It seems like I’m always on the hunt for the perfect white, cream, or off-white dress for family photos and I have a feeling you may be too! I went ahead and did a deep dive into the best dresses that would be perfect for your session whether it’s an in home shoot or outside in the Boise Foothills.
One thing that is a must when looking for what to wear is TEXTURE. Textured material can add visual interest and so much beauty to an image. Look for lace, corduroy, knits, and gauzy or waffle fabrics.
WHY WHITE
HELPS CREATES A TIMELESS IMAGE
White, off-white, and cream colors can bring a light, airy, and timeless look to your images. Have you ever worn a patterned dress only to look back 5 years later and wonder what you were thinking? White helps you steer clear of trends that you’ll soon wish you didn’t participate in… and this is coming from someone who got into the teal/orange combo and chevron pattern. Whew, 2010 was not for the faint of heart.
BRIGHTENS AND COMPLIMENTS
Light colors naturally reflect light, making the overall image brighter and softer, which flatters not skin tones. White also minimizes distractions in a photo that wearing bright or patterned clothing can often cause. With a soft, neutral outfit, the focus is on the person, not what they are wearing. Whites and creams also complete outdoor settings really well, whether that is a beach or a meadow.
COORDINATES EASILY
Whites and creams are easy to pair with other neutral colors like pastels or earth tones. If you have multiple individuals in your family that you’re trying to dress, this will make putting together outfits so much easier. It’s important to remember that you want to coordinate/compliment colors, not match. It is also very easy to find accessories and shoes to wear with a creamy or white dress.
So there you have it! My favorite white and cream dresses for the Summer of 2025. I hope this helps you plan your outfits for your family photo sessions this year. You can click the buttons with in the images for links to each dress. If you’d like to do some searching on your own, some of my favorite places to look are Free People, Nothing Fits But, ASTR, and Anthropologie.
Looking for a family photographer in Boise?
Hi, I’m Carly! I’m a family photographer in Boise, Idaho. I view my job behind the camera as a documenter, providing you with a freeze-frame of your current chapter in life. I love being able to capture genuine + spontaneous moments.