What to wear for fall family photos
The colors of fall seem to come and go so quickly that it only makes sense you may want to take advantage of this beautiful season with family photos. But once youโve booked your session, the next big question isย what to wear for fall family photos.ย
Cozy sweaters, crisp air, and apple-picking weekends, fall just begs to be captured. Whether your family is walking through a golden field, snuggled up on a blanket, or chasing falling leaves, itโs the perfect backdrop for real connection.
But letโs be honest, figuring out what to wear for fall family photos can take the fun right out of the planning. If youโve ever stood in front of your closet with a toddler pulling on your leg while googling โcoordinating outfits for fall photos,โ I see you. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to style your family with confidence, keep things stress-free, and help your photos look timeless and full of life.
Best Color Palettes for Fall Family Pictures
Okay, but where do we start on what to wear for fall family photos? I always recommend beginning with your color palette. This sets the tone for the entire session and helps everything feel pulled together without looking too matchy.
Youโve got options. Do you want bold, high-contrast images? Soft and neutral tones? Or colors that naturally complement the beauty of fall? Thereโs truly no wrong answer, but Iโll share a few of my favorites that may help spark some ideas.
One palette I keep coming back to is mustard yellow, cream, tan, and a soft touch of black. The yellow adds just the right amount of pop against more neutral tones, and it looks especially beautiful in open fields or surrounded by red and orange leaves.
Another stunning option for fall is rich jewel tones like burgundy, wine, and plum. These colors bring depth and warmth and create a gorgeous contrast with the natural landscape.
You can also never go wrong with earthy tones. Rust, olive green, deep caramel, and oatmeal pair beautifully together and blend seamlessly with the fall environment.
And then there are neutrals. This ice always a classic, soft, and always timeless choice. Shades like ivory, taupe, camel, and brown photograph beautifully in the fall. They let the setting and your connection shine without competing for attention. Neutrals also make it easy to mix in one or two pops of color without overwhelming the image.
If youโre a visual person, try creating a Pinterest board or browsing color inspiration sites like Design Seeds to see which palette draws you in. Just pick a direction that feels like you and build from there.
What Should Mom Wear for Fall Family Photos?
Once youโve decided on your colors, now you can start to figure out what you want to wear. Moms, always start with your outfit first! I know this can seem a little odd, but weโre usually the pickiest about what we feel comfortable in, especially after having children. The truth is, when you feel confident, it shows in every photo. So pick something that makes you feel beautiful and at ease.
Look for pieces with texture and movement. Cozy knits, gauze, lace, and flowy fabrics add dimension and softness. Soft, natural fabrics tend to photograph better than stiff or shiny materials.ย
Maxi dresses are always a go-to because they flatter so many body types and move beautifully in outdoor settings. If dresses arenโt your thing, a well-fitted blouse tucked into wide-leg pants or a skirt can look just as polished. A few of my favorite places to find dresses that work beautifully for fall photos are Baltic Born, Joyfolie, and Vici Collection. They often have dresses in rich fall tones, flattering cuts, and great textures.
Donโt forget accessories. A wide-brim hat, long necklace, or cozy scarf can complete your look and subtly tie your outfit into your familyโs color palette. And shoes matter too. Ankle boots, leather sandals, or flats in a neutral tone always work well. Be sure you can move easily in them!
Once you have your outfit picked, it becomes so much easier to build everyone elseโs around it. Youโll be able to see what tones or layers to pull in for the rest of the family without feeling like you have to start from scratch with every piece.
What to Dress Kids in for Fall Family Sessions
After your outfit is all set, move on to the kids. One tip I love to share, especially if you have multiple children of the same gender, is to give each one their own unique look. It keeps the photos visually interesting and helps highlight each childโs personality.
For example, if youโre dressing three girls, you might choose a dress for one, a romper for another, and a cute top and pants set for the third. Or you could mix in a skirt and sweater combo for variation. Keeping their styles coordinated but not identical helps each child stand out without competing with one another.
When choosing fabrics for kids, comfort is key. Stay away from anything stiff, itchy, or overly fussy. Soft cottons, knits, and cozy layers work beautifully and allow kids to move and play during the session. Layering is also your best friend in the fall-think cardigans, tights, and cozy jackets.Fall weather can be unpredictable, and cold kids definitely donโt want to take photos, so always plan for extra warmth just in case.
Some of my favorite places to find fall-friendly, photo-ready outfits for kids are:
- Zara Kids โ modern, stylish pieces with great color options
- H&M Kids โ affordable basics, lots of texture and layering options
- Jamie Kay โ sweet, timeless pieces in beautiful fall tones
- Rylee + Cru โ perfect for rompers, dresses, and cozy knits with a vintage feel
- Little Being โ a local northwest Ohio business featuring so many cute options!
If youโre shopping your closet instead, focus on mixing texture and layers. A little boy in soft joggers, a henley, and a flannel jacket is just as photo-ready as a girl in a tiered dress and ankle boots. The goal is comfort with a little personality.
Donโt forget about Dadโs Outfit
Now that everyone has their pieces picked out, itโs time for dad. Luckily, dads are usually the easiest when it comes to wardrobe decisions. Theyโll often go along with whatever is chosen for them, and we love them for it.
I like to use dadโs outfit to fill in any color or pattern gaps in the overall look. A flannel, henley, or button-down shirt in a complementary color can add just the right amount of texture or print. Pair that with neutral pants, like chinos or dark jeans, and youโre set.
Keep it simple and comfortable. Soft layers like lightweight jackets or textured sweaters photograph really well and help tie everyone together without stealing the spotlight. If youโre shopping, try places like:
- Old Navy Menโs โ affordable and casual
- J.Crew Factory โ good for button-downs and sweaters in great colors
- H&M Men โ solid basics with nice texture
Mixing Textures and Patterns for Fall Photos
One of my favorite suggestions when planning what to wear for fall family photos is to mix things up a bit. Playing with patterns and textures adds so much visual interest and makes your photos feel layered and richโjust like fall itself.
Patterns like plaid, stripes, and soft florals work beautifully when combined thoughtfully. The key is to stick with the same overall color palette so everything feels cohesive. For example, if your palette includes rust, cream, and olive, one child could wear a soft plaid in those tones while another wears a floral dress that pulls in similar colors. It creates harmony without looking too matchy.
And then thereโs texture. Fall is the season for it. Think chunky knits, corduroy overalls, denim jackets, gauzy dresses, waffle weave sweaters, or ribbed tights. All these textures photograph beautifully, especially in natural light, and they add dimension without needing bright colors or bold patterns.
Whenever possible, choose textured fabrics over flat cotton basics. A cozy knit sweater or linen shirt will always elevate the look and give your photos that extra depth. Texture also helps create that warm, cozy feel that makes fall sessions so special.
And donโt forget accessories like hats, scarves, boots, and even suspenders can add another layer of charm and personality when used sparingly.
What NOT to Wear for Family Photos
Now letโs share a few things to avoid when choosing what to wear for fall family photos. These little details can make a big difference in how your images turn out.
First, steer clear of neon colors or anything too bright. Bold, flashy colors can cause something called โcolor casting,โ which means the color reflects onto skin and can make it look unnaturalโsometimes even giving skin a weird tint.
Also, avoid too many bold patterns, busy prints, logos, or graphic tees. These can distract from the real stars of the photoโyour familyโs connectionโand they tend to date photos quickly. The goal is timeless, not trendy.
Hereโs a slightly controversial tip: try not to have everyone dressed in the exact same outfit. You know, the classic all-white t-shirts and jeans look. While it sounds simple, it often results in everyone blending together, making it hard for each person to stand out. Instead, focus on coordinating colors and textures to create a cohesive but dynamic look.
Pay attention to the small stuff, too. Avoid athletic shoes or any footwear with large, noticeable logos. Instead, opt for simple boots or neutral flats that wonโt draw attention away from your beautiful family moments. Also, digital watches and smartwatches like Apple Watches can be a bit distracting in photos, so itโs best to leave those off for the session or swap them for a simple bracelet, an analog watch, or nothing at all.ย
Try-On Tips Before Your Family Photo Session
Now that youโve gathered your familyโs clothing and accessories, itโs time to lay everything out together in natural light. This is one of the most important steps. Colors that looked like a perfect match on hangers or in your online cart may end up being different tones or shades in person. Seeing everything together helps you catch any pieces that clash or feel out of place, so you can make changes before photo day.
Next, have each family member try on their full outfit, including shoes, accessories, and any layering pieces, and move around a bit. Sit, walk, twirl, pick up a toddler, crouch down with the kids. This will help you spot anything that shifts in an unflattering way or doesnโt quite fit right. Itโs better to realize you need a different pair of socks or a strapless bra now than ten minutes before your session.
This is also a great time to double-check if anything is too snug, itchy, or uncomfortable. If something doesnโt feel good, it usually shows in photos.
A few other things to check while youโre at it:
- Does anything need to be steamed or ironed?
- Are tags or size stickers still visible?
- Do any shoes need a quick wipe-down or polish?
Taking the time to do this little pre-check helps your session run more smoothly and gives you peace of mind that everyone will look and feel their best.
Youโve Got This, Momma!
I know it can feel overwhelming to plan what to wear for fall family photos, but take it step by step and give yourself plenty of time to pull it all together. Start with one outfit you love and build from there. You donโt have to have it all figured out in one day.
Remember, clothing wonโt make or break how your images feel but it can help you feel more confident and relaxed. And thatโs what really shines through in your photos. The goal isnโt perfection, itโs connection. Itโs capturing your family just as you are in this season of life and remembering all the laughing, cuddling, running through leaves, and soaking in these moments together.
So take a deep breath, trust your instincts, and know that youโre doing great. Iโm always here to help if you need a second opinion or want someone to plan it for you.
And if youโre still on the fence about booking your fall session, this is your little nudge that now is the perfect time. Fall doesnโt last forever, but the memories you create with your family will!
