There are reasons why group photos should have a limited color scheme and why we like the white tops and khaki pants group portraits. They look unified. It’s a clean look. The focus becomes the people, not the outfits. Simplicity makes for a image better. Too many colors (and patterns) don’t make pretty photos.
The other reason is because you are a group, a team. You should not have any particular person stand out (except in wedding photos - bride and groom should be a strong focal point). If anyone is to stand out at all, it should be the Alpha (boss, president, etc.) but even then, that person should only stand out slightly.
Unless the team wants to look like the furniture grouping from a country magazine, stripes, florals, polka-dots and plaids should not be worn. Try to keep it to solids with maybe one optional pattern (for ties or shirts under a solid jacket or sweater). Be nice to the photographer and your team members and follow the instructions.
Remember to make sure the background and “staging area” is clear of clutter for a cleaner, tighter look. Plants visible over the shoulder or poking out behind people will look like goofy headdresses or tails! This becomes a distraction from the faces of the team and possibly cause the team to look less professional.
