USMC Winter Graduation, Family Outfit Ideas
USMC Dress Uniform Charlie | US Marine Corps | Outfit Ideas for the Entire Family for Military Events
I noticed that every time I went to make an outfit guide for a military client I NEVER found one that included a military uniform on pintetest or google searches.
I want to change that, this NEEDS to be a new normal.
Next up in the line of military related outfit guides for families is the USMC Enlisted Dress Uniform Charlie, specifically the uniform that is worn during winter boot camp graduations at MCRD San Diego. This guide has bold colors to complement this iconic dress uniform. Please note, your marine does not graduate with the “blood stripe” on their trousers like those of higher ranks.
Links for each item starting from the top left and moving over:
Men’s Blue Button Up Denim Dress Shirt (many styles)
Girls Deep Wine Red Ruffled Smocked Dress (short and long sleeves!)
Do you have suggestions on other outfit guides or are you in need of assistance for your own military event? Comment below or send me an email and I can get you a personalized guide!
Woodland MARPAT Cammies | Family Outfit Ideas for a Military Retirement Ceremony and other Military Events
Americana Style - USMC Dress Blue Delta – Summer Graduation
Worn by enlisted Marines at summer graduations at MCRD San Diego, this uniform pairs perfectly with timeless Americana colors. Our guide features bold reds, navy blues, and crisp whites to complement the iconic short-sleeve khaki top and blue trousers. Note: Recruits do not wear the red “blood stripe” on their trousers until later ranks.
USMC Enlisted Dress Uniform Delta Summer Graduation
This is the uniform that is worn during summer boot camp graduations at MCRD San Diego. This guide has muted pastel colors to complement this iconic dress uniform in summer. Please note, your marine does not graduate with the “blood stripe” on their trousers like those of higher ranks.
USMC Enlisted Dress Uniform Charlie
This is the uniform that is worn during spring boot camp graduations at MCRD San Diego. This guide has bold colors to complement this iconic dress uniform. Please note, your marine does not graduate with the “blood stripe” on their trousers like those of higher ranks.
Links for each item starting from the top left and moving over:
Tan Shawl Pullover Cable Sweater
Dark Blue Children’s Trousers
Woman’s Blue and White Stripped Midi Dress
Toddler Creme Romper with Pink & Grey pompoms
Men’s Short Sleeve Button Up Creme Linen Shirt
Toddler Long Sleeve Rib Stitch Button Onesie
Bangle Set - 7 Bracelets Light Blue, pearl, and gold
Men’s Stretchy Straight Fit Khaki Pants
Girls A Line Dress with Matching Bow
Child’s Denim Light blue Jean Jacket
Khaki Children’s Ankle Boot with Glitter
Navy Enlisted Dress White Uniform, specifically that of enlisted member in the US Navy. This guide has muted blues and browns to complement this iconic summer dress uniform. This specific guide was designed for a female Service Member, her spouse and young son but can serve as a guide for any all White Uniform.
Links for each item starting from the top left and moving over:
Men’s Short Sleeve Button Down Denim Shirt
Men’s Blue and Gold Watch
Boy’s Blue, Red & Kaki Suit Set
Men’s Straight Fit Stretch Khaki Slacks
Boy’s Brown Dress Shoes
Toddler Brown Loafer Shoes
Toddler Khaki Pull On Bottoms
Toddler Navy Blue Pull Up Bottoms
Toddler Creme Linen Short Sleeve Button Down Shirt
Not sure what to give a new Marine after boot camp graduation? Here are practical gifts, sentimental keepsakes, and simple ways to celebrate from near or far for your NEW Marine.
Marine Corps and Navy retirement ceremony planning works surprisingly differently. Navy veteran and San Diego military photographer Morgan Liberatore explains who starts the process, what commands may provide, and what retiring Sailors and Marines should ask before planning their military retirement ceremony in 2026 … especially in Southern California - San Diego, CA.
Looking for the original Old Glory poem, the history behind “My Name Is Old Glory,” or meaningful ways to personalize an Old Glory military retirement ceremony? Learn where the tradition came from, explore ideas I have seen used at real Navy and Coast Guard retirements, and read an original modern Old Glory poem honoring September 11, Iraq, Afghanistan, military families, homecomings, and a lifetime of service.
This November, I joined twelve other veterans right here in East County San Diego to receive a Quilt of Valor during a special luncheon at Foothills United Methodist Church in La Mesa. I will share with you what the Quilts of Valor Foundation is, how I have personally been “touched by war,” the story of my shipmate whose death changed my path, and how I now get to serve other military families; by telling their stories through photography and journaling.
Even without a crowd or ceremony, a PAX Terminal homecoming holds its own kind of magic. When Marines like GySgt Justin Isabella return early with VMM-161, the reunion is quiet, personal, and full of gratitude; proof that love needs no stage to feel monumental.
Check out this blog and photos of this Dual Mil family reunion.
Good Reads for New Military MoMs (Mom of a Marine) | 2025
As a San Diego-based veteran, military photographer, and mother myself, I know firsthand the pride and emotional weight that comes with watching your child become a United States Marine. Whether you're preparing for that first letter from Boot Camp or holding your breath until graduation day, these handpicked reads are for you.
Each book in this 2025 list has been chosen to help new Marine moms find comfort, understanding, and strength—from heartfelt journals to honest stories from fellow military parents. From Be Safe, Love Mom to Rise Up Military Moms, these resources offer more than just information—they offer connection.
Start here if you’re looking to feel seen, supported, and surrounded by others who truly get it.
Many people confuse Memorial Day and Veterans Day, but each honors a different kind of sacrifice. In this post, San Diego military funeral photographer and U.S. Navy veteran Morgan Liberatore shares the important distinction between the two holidays, explores their historical roots, and reflects on what Memorial Day truly means. With local landmarks like Fort Rosecrans and Mt. Soledad woven into the story, this post invites readers to pause, remember, and honor those who gave everything.
Getting a degree while active duty is hard enough… What about graduating with honors while deployed!?!
Here is why this US Navy Sailor, PS1 Travis Houston, is making waves in San Diego. Personnel Specialist First Class Travis Houston is a dedicated sailor with eight years of service under his belt with an unwavering commitment to advancing in his Navy career. It hasn’t always been this way. PS1's story isn't just about military service; it's a testament to the ability to balance service and education while setting one's sights on a brighter, even more challenging future.
Need resources for organizing a meaningful Military Retirement in San Diego? Here are 4 ways to personalize the flag-passing ceremony at your retirement ceremony.
Experience the poignant 'Old Glory' tradition at military retirements, celebrating service members' distinguished careers. Discover the heartfelt flag passing ceremony, a symbol of respect and honor, while exploring the emotional reading of 'Old Glory,' symbolizing courage, sacrifice, and the enduring spirit of the United States. Plan your military retirement in San Diego, a vibrant city with a rich military heritage, and find resources for organizing meaningful ceremonies and unforgettable tributes.
Photographing military events and milestones are one of the most rewarding types of sessions I have ever photographed. I consider it a huge perk of living in a military town that I get to shoot them very often and am always honored to do so.
I am dedicated to serving others in a NEW way, that doesn’t involve active service in the military. I want to capture your special moments and help in any way I can; even if that means we are not that right match.
Community Over Competition
&
Servant Leadership
Disclosure: This guide does include affiliate links through Amazon.
Tag Cloud
- Airforce
- All White Uniform
- Army
- Beige
- Blue
- Blues & Browns
- Blush
- Bold Colors
- Bold Spring Blue
- Boot Camp Graduation
- Brown
- Chambray
- Chief
- Chief Petty Officer
- Chief Pinning
- Chief Pinning Ceremony
- Classic Americana
- Coastal Tones
- Cream
- Dark Blue
- Denim
- Digital Camis
- Dress Blue Charlie
- Dress Blue Delta
- Dress C Uniform
- Dress D Uniform
- Dress Uniform
- Dress Whites
- Earthy Tones
- Enlisted
- Fall
- Family Photos
- Female Service Member
- Foam Green
- Gold
- Gray
- Green
- Ivory
- Khaki
- Light Blue
- Marine Corps Graduation
- MCRD San Diego
- Military Ceremony
- Military Family Photos
- Muted Blue
- Muted Patriotic Pastels
- Muted Tones
- Navy
- Navy Dress White Uniform
- Navy Khakis
- Navy Service Uniform
- No Dress
- NSUs
- Nude
- Pastel
- Patriotic
- Pink
- Red
- Royal Blue
- Sage
- Sage Green
- Senior Enlisted
- Service Khakis
- Service Uniform
- Slate Blue
- Soft Colors
- Spring
- Straw
- Summer
- Tan
- Taupe
- US Marine Corps
- US Navy
- USMC Marine
- Warm Tan
- White
- Winter
All Recent Blog Posts
Not sure what to give a new Marine after boot camp graduation? Here are practical gifts, sentimental keepsakes, and simple ways to celebrate from near or far for your NEW Marine.
Marine Corps and Navy retirement ceremony planning works surprisingly differently. Navy veteran and San Diego military photographer Morgan Liberatore explains who starts the process, what commands may provide, and what retiring Sailors and Marines should ask before planning their military retirement ceremony in 2026 … especially in Southern California - San Diego, CA.
Looking for the original Old Glory poem, the history behind “My Name Is Old Glory,” or meaningful ways to personalize an Old Glory military retirement ceremony? Learn where the tradition came from, explore ideas I have seen used at real Navy and Coast Guard retirements, and read an original modern Old Glory poem honoring September 11, Iraq, Afghanistan, military families, homecomings, and a lifetime of service.
This November, I joined twelve other veterans right here in East County San Diego to receive a Quilt of Valor during a special luncheon at Foothills United Methodist Church in La Mesa. I will share with you what the Quilts of Valor Foundation is, how I have personally been “touched by war,” the story of my shipmate whose death changed my path, and how I now get to serve other military families; by telling their stories through photography and journaling.
Even without a crowd or ceremony, a PAX Terminal homecoming holds its own kind of magic. When Marines like GySgt Justin Isabella return early with VMM-161, the reunion is quiet, personal, and full of gratitude; proof that love needs no stage to feel monumental.
Check out this blog and photos of this Dual Mil family reunion.
Discover how to help older siblings feel included and celebrated during Newborn Photo Sessions — backed by research and family-centered photography tips. Including siblings in your in-home newborn session adds depth, emotion, and lasting memories. Whether you're a growing family in East County San Diego or a photographer looking to support your client better, remember—it’s not just about the baby, it’s about the bond. Thank you for letting me share this part of the story with you.


2026 Outfit Inspo with Coastal Tones. Navy Service Uniform, NSUs, specifically that of a senior enlisted member in the US Navy that is worn during Chief Pinning Ceremonies for a family that wants to look coordinated, comfortable, and polished without looking like they were dressed in matching outfits. The goal is not to turn the girls into tiny adults. The goal is to let them look like themselves while still creating a cohesive family photograph.