What to Wear for Fall Family Pictures: A Guide to Looking Your Best

Fall is one of the most magical times of the year for family pictures. The crisp air, changing leaves, and golden light create the perfect backdrop for capturing memories. But when it comes to deciding what to wear, things can get a bit tricky. You want everyone to look great together without feeling too matchy-matchy or uncomfortable. Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered with some tips to help you choose the perfect outfits for your fall family session.

Start with a Color Palette

The first thing to consider is your color palette. Fall is all about those rich, warm tones—think deep reds, mustard yellows, burnt oranges, navy and earthy browns. These colors naturally complement the season and look great in photos.

One of the easiest ways to start is by choosing one outfit as the "anchor," and then building the rest of the family's outfits around it. For example, if mom is wearing a burgundy dress, you can add in pops of navy, mustard, or cream for the rest of the family.

Be sure to avoid loud patterns that will steal the attention from your beautiful

smiles! It is also best to avoid words or logos on clothing. If you do want to add in patterns, I recommend only one person is wearing them and to keep it simple.

Layer Up

Fall weather can be unpredictable, so layers are your best friend. Not only do layers add visual interest to your photos, but they also keep everyone comfortable. Think cozy cardigans, scarves, and vests that can be added or removed as needed.

For the little ones, consider a cute hat or jacket that can be taken off mid-shoot if they get too warm. Just be sure that whatever layers you choose don’t overshadow the outfits themselves—layers should enhance, not distract.

Keep It Comfortable

As much as we all want to look amazing in photos, comfort is key. If you or your kids are wearing something that’s itchy, stiff, or just doesn’t feel right, it will show in the pictures. Choose fabrics that move with you and shoes that are comfortable enough to walk around in, especially if your session will involve some outdoor exploring.

Coordinate, Don’t Match

Gone are the days when everyone in the family wore matching white shirts and jeans. Instead, aim for coordination. Think of it as putting together a puzzle where each piece fits together without being identical.

You can play with different shades of your chosen color palette, mix textures, and layer patterns like plaid, stripes, or florals. The goal is to look cohesive without being too uniform.

Don’t Forget the Details

Accessories can make or break an outfit, so don’t overlook the small stuff. A statement necklace, a cute pair of boots, or a patterned scarf can add that finishing touch to an outfit. But remember, less is more—too many accessories can be distracting.

For the kids, avoid anything that might be fussy or uncomfortable, like headbands that dig in or shoes that pinch. You want them to feel happy and free to be themselves during the session.

Plan Ahead

Finally, give yourself plenty of time to plan and try on outfits before the day of your session. This will save you from any last-minute stress and ensure everyone feels confident and comfortable. Lay out the outfits together to see how they look as a whole and make adjustments as needed.

At the end of the day, the most important thing is that your family feels like themselves. These pictures are meant to capture your unique bond and personalities, so wear what makes you feel good. The smiles, laughter, and love will shine through no matter what you’re wearing.

Happy fall, and I can’t wait to see how stunning your family looks in your pictures!