The colors are changing, the nip of cool weather can be felt in the air and you scheduled your family photography session! But now comes the next big decision – what to wear for fall family photos? I get the struggle of choosing what to wear – I even stress for my own family photos. It’s easy to get overwhelmed fast! I want to make this process easy and smooth for my client families.
All of my full and short session family photography clients get an online styling tool will be provided when you book a session with me. You get an access code to Style and Select and then get an easy questionnaire to fill out. They will tailor a mood board to the size of your family and style/color preferences. It doesn’t take long and then they will give you a visual board and direct links to shop or just to use as inspiration.
Tips for What To Wear For Fall Family Photos
Embrace Autumn Colors
Fall is all about warm, earthly tones. Think about the backdrop of nature to your fall photos – browns, yellows, oranges. When selecting outfits for your fall family photos go towards deep oranges and burgundies (not bright or neon!), rustic browns, olive and sage greens, lots of creams and muted blues (but skip the navy please!)
Choose muted colors and jewel tones rather than bright colors. Choose ivory and cream rather than white. These colors will complement most of nature’s backgrounds and also bring that cozy feeling we all associate with fall.
Start with a core piece and plan your fall family photo outfits around that.
Start with a piece like a pattern and pull your colors from that. I will always recommend starting with Mom and prioritizing wearing what makes you feel good. Dresses or skirts that are flowy are usually flattering on anyone.
Comfort is a must for lifestyle family sessions
Remember that when we do a family session in a lifestyle way there will be lots of movement and playing together so make sure you can do those things in your clothes.
Coordinating is key!
Coordinating allows you to look put together and flow for the session. Coordinate your colors to avoid a matchy-matchy feel (this cool tool is awesome for choose a color palette – play around with it and decide what type you want to go with)
Layers & Textures – add interest for fall family photo outfits
Layers are not only the key to making photos interesting and fun but also can really bring outfits together. Think vests, tights, sweaters, jackets. The great thing about planning with layers is that if it’s a super warm day we can take a few off or if it’s quite cold
I love what textures can add to photos! Have fun and play with it. Tulle skirts for little girls, fluffy vests, adding in a family member with corduroy – all this things are way to add in textures.
In this family’s photos above that mom’s waffle sweater added texture and flow, dad’s shirt brought in a pattern and the warm fall colors complemented nicely with background.
Add variety with patterns!
Add a few patterns in to bring your look together. If it’s a large pattern only have one person wearing it. As a rule of thumb generally one pattern to every 2-3 people wearing solids looks best. (Again texture and layers are a great way to add in more interest without it having to be a pattern). For like a family of 4, you can do one in a floral print, one in a stripe or large check and two in solids.
Make sure your clothes fit.
Whether for yourself or your children, do not go overly baggy or too tight. Don’t get a size bigger for your kids to grow into. Clothes that fit well add a better look. For moms – think about balance between your upper and lower half. If you have a flowing skirt, choose a fitted top and with a loose top choose fitted bottoms.
Extra Mom Tip: keep in mind the ages of your children and outfit choice. Is a very low cut top a good idea if your young toddler will just want to grab at it? Or a super flowy skirt that your kids will just want to hide under. If you don’t wear jewelry regularly remember that your baby may grab it. Our session will have lots of movement so make sure you can run after your toddler in your shoes!
Glasses: If you wear transition glasses, don’t forget to bring a pair or non transition glasses along! Transition glasses will hide your eyes completely.
Make Up – apply your makeup in natural light. Make sure to blend your face and neck area well. Put chapstick on everyone in the family and choose a lip gloss for yourself. If nothing else do some mascara and lip color.
What to avoid for your fall family photo outfits
While I shared several tips on what to wear for fall family photos in this article, I do recommend a few things to avoid!
– Super bright or neon colors, logos
– Dark navy or black or white
- Hats unless it goes with your outfit (make sure your man takes his hat off for a few hours before the session to avoid creases)
– Skip wearing your apple watch and choose more dainty jewelry to dress up your outfit.
Some of the following links are affiliate links. Thank you!
Women’s Dress / Girls Outfit Top & Skirt / Boys Shirt / Girls Floral Dress / Men’s Plaid Shirt
Women’s Dress / Teen Brown Dress / Toddler Green Dress / Mens Shirt / Child’s shoes
Women’s Coat / Women’s Hat / Teen Girl Flower Sweater / Girls blue dress / Boys Vest / Mens pull over / Womens Sweater / Girls plaid dress.
Like this post? Check out a few other helpful ones!
Where to shop for family photo outfits
7 tips for dressing your toddler for family photos
Are you looking for a lifestyle family photographer in Edmond OK or the metro OKC area? Charis Elisabeth Photography serves families through family and newborn photography in the OKC area. If you want a session with joy and laughter and also able to relax, contact me today and let’s get your photo session scheduled!
