14 May 6 Outfit Tips: Fall Family Photo Shoot

What to Wear for Your Fall Family Photo Shoot: Six Outfit Tips That Look Great on Camera

Fall is one of the most beautiful times of the year for a family photo session — golden leaves, soft sunlight, and cozy textures all come together to create timeless memories. If you’re planning your family portraits this season, you may be asking the ever-popular question: What should we wear?

The answer? It’s all about coordination, not matching.

In this guide, we’re sharing our top 6 Fall Family Photo Outfit Tips to help you look and feel amazing in front of the camera. Whether you’re planning a cozy session at the park, among changing leaves, or in a rustic field, these tips will help your photos look effortlessly beautiful and well-styled.

1. Start with a Color Palette, Not a Uniform

Gone are the days of everyone in blue jeans and a white shirt. Instead, choose 3-4 complementary colors and build each person’s outfit from there. Fall is full of warm, earthy tones that photograph beautifully. Some great fall palettes include:

• Burnt orange, olive green, cream, and rust
• Navy, mustard yellow, burgundy, and beige
• Dusty blue, tan, soft gray, and maroon
• Forest green, camel, ivory, and rust

This allows each family member to express their personal style while keeping the overall look cohesive.

Photo by: @GlennPictures | www.glennpictures.com

2. Mix Textures and Patterns (Sparingly)

Textures like knits, corduroy, wool, and denim add visual interest without overwhelming your photos. Feel free to add one or two subtle patterns like plaid or florals — just avoid having everyone wear busy prints. A good rule of thumb: if one person is wearing a print, keep everyone else in solids or subtle textures.

Example:

• Mom in a floral maxi dress
• Dad in a tan henley and jeans
• One child in a rust cable-knit sweater
• Another child in a mustard pinafore with tights

Everything complements without matching exactly.

3. Layer Up for Depth and Flexibility

Layers not only keep you warm for those breezy fall sessions — they also add visual depth. Think cardigans, vests, scarves, denim jackets, and boots. Bonus: You can take off or switch layers mid-session for some variety in your final gallery.

Photo by: @GlennPictures | www.glennpictures.com

4. Coordinate Shoes and Accessories

Footwear matters! Opt for boots, loafers, or simple flats in neutral tones like brown, tan, or gray. Avoid athletic sneakers or flashy shoes unless they’re part of the outfit’s vibe. Accessories like hats, suspenders, hair bows, or a cozy blanket to wrap up in can elevate the look and add personality.

5. Dress for the Location

Think about where your photos will take place. A rustic pumpkin patch? A leafy park? An urban setting? Outfits should fit the setting in tone and feel — don’t wear stilettos to a dirt trail or loud neons to a peaceful forest.

6. Make Sure Everyone Is Comfortable

The best photos happen when everyone feels good. Choose clothes that fit well, aren’t itchy, and allow kids to move freely. If your toddler hates hats, it’s probably not worth the battle.

Outfit Inspiration by Color Palette

🍁 Warm Neutrals + Autumn Hues

• Mom: Cream sweater dress + ankle boots
• Dad: Olive button-up shirt + khaki pants
• Son: Rust sweatshirt + dark jeans
• Daughter: Mustard dress + brown tights

🌾 Earth Tones + Soft Contrast

• Mom: Dusty blue blouse + tan skirt
• Dad: Beige sweater + denim jeans
• Son: Forest green flannel + khakis
• Daughter: Ivory dress with a denim jacket

🍂 Muted Jewel Tones

• Mom: Burgundy maxi dress
• Dad: Navy shirt + gray chinos
• Son: Mustard pullover + navy pants
• Daughter: Blush corduroy jumper + white blouse

Bonus Tip: Lay Everything Out First

Before photo day, lay all outfits on the bed to see how they look together. This helps spot anything that clashes or needs adjusting before it’s too late.

Ready to Capture Your Fall Family Moments?

Choosing what to wear doesn’t have to be stressful. With a little planning and the right palette, your family can show up looking coordinated, confident, and picture-perfect — without feeling overly “matchy.”

Looking to book your fall family session? Contact us Today — spots fill up fast once the leaves start changing!

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