Family Matching Clothes: How to Coordinate in Style

I used to think family matching outfits were, well… a little much. You know the ones — everyone in identical pajamas or bold prints that make you cringe when you look back at the photos. Cute in the moment, maybe, but stylish? Not really.

Then I had kids. And suddenly, the idea of coordinating our outfits didn’t just feel sweet. It felt like a way to make ordinary days more fun, family photos more polished, and memories a little more magical. The trick? Doing it in a way that feels intentional and chic, not costume-y.

After some trial and error, I’ve landed on two ways to pull off family matching styles that actually work, and I’m sharing them with you today.

Two Chic Ways to Do Family Matching

1. Do It Yourself (DIY) with Colors & Patterns

This is my go-to when I want something subtle but coordinated. Instead of everyone wearing the exact same shirt, I stick with a color palette or a simple pattern that ties us all together.

For example:

Dad in a light blue button-down
Mom in a flowy cream dress
Kids in sage and beige accents

It looks cohesive without being over the top. A stripe here, a floral there — the effect is effortless. I like to think of it as a capsule wardrobe, but for the whole family.

You can also do father and son matching and mother and daughter matching. Make it fun, whatever way you want.

Pro tip: Neutrals like cream, tan, navy, sage, and blush always photograph beautifully and never go out of style.

2. Buy Ready-Made Matching Sets

Sometimes, I don’t want to think too hard. I have too much on my mind. Or I can’t find anything to match at home. That’s where ready-made family sets come in. And thankfully, there are brands out there doing this well — no cartoon characters required.

When I go this route, I look for sets that feel elevated and classy. Think soft florals, subtle stripes, and breathable fabrics. The best sets give everyone a slightly different piece in the same color story, so you don’t feel like clones.

Where I Shop for Stylish Family Matching Clothes

Here are some of my favorite places to find sets that look polished instead of cheesy:

PopReal (via Amazon): Affordable and cute for one-off occasions.
Sparkle in Pink: Fun, coordinated outfits for all seasons.
Ivy City, Lilly Pulitzer, Kate Quinn: Chic, higher-quality matching pieces.
Pink Chicken & Hill House Home: Stylish patterns and timeless cuts.
SwimZip: Matching swimwear with built-in sun protection.
Posh Peanut: Soft bamboo sets, especially for dresses and girly styles.
Children’s Place, Gymboree, Old Navy, Gap: Budget-friendly basics and seasonal collections.
Etsy: Unique, custom designs for special occasions.
Janie & Jack, J.Crew Factory: Dressier coordinated pieces for holidays or events.

How to Keep It Stylish (Not Cheesy)

Choose a Palette, Not a Print: Everyone doesn’t need the same shirt. Stick to a family of colors and let each person’s piece be unique.
Mix Textures for Interest: Pair denim, cotton, linen, or knit fabrics in similar shades for a more elevated look.
Let the Kids Have a Pop: Sometimes I’ll let the kids wear the patterned piece while we keep it simple. It keeps the look playful without overwhelming.
Keep Comfort First: Matching outfits only work if everyone actually wants to wear them. Breathable, easy-to-move-in fabrics are key.

When I Love to Match

Family Photos: The right coordinated palette makes professional photos look magazine-worthy without trying too hard.
Vacations: Matching outfits make spotting each other in a crowd easier — plus, they look adorable in travel photos.
Holidays: Coordinated pajamas at Christmas are non-negotiable in our house.
Special Outings: From birthday parties to Sunday brunch, a little coordination feels fun and festive.

Final Thoughts

Family matching doesn’t have to mean everyone in identical outfits. Done right, it’s stylish, fun, and a beautiful way to create memories you’ll actually love looking back on.

In the end, it’s not about looking “matchy-matchy.” It’s about feeling connected and looking like the best version of your family while you do it.

And don’t forget to take some photos when you’re in family matching mode. Record these special moments. You’ll be so glad you did.