What to Wear for Your Fall Family Photos
Styling Tips for a Picture-Perfect Photo Session
Fall is one of the most magical times of the year for family photos. With crisp air, stunning foliage, and cozy vibes all around, it's the perfect opportunity to capture memories you’ll treasure forever. As a photographer specializing in fall family photo sessions in Minneapolis and St. Paul, I know that one of the most common questions families ask is: "What should we wear?"
This guide will walk you through how to select outfits that coordinate well without being overly matchy-matchy, embrace the season’s colors, and most importantly—help you feel confident and comfortable in front of the camera. Whether you’re planning to include your dog, your kids, or your entire extended family, these styling tips will set you up for success. Keep reading for outfit inspiration, and be sure to visit my Pinterest board for visual ideas!
Why Outfit Choices Matter for Family Photos
Your outfits play a major role in the overall feel of your family photos. Fall naturally lends itself to rich, earthy tones and cozy textures, which make for stunning photos. When you wear colors and styles that not only complement each other but also fit the environment, you create a cohesive look that elevates the entire session.
How you feel in your outfit is equally important. You want to be comfortable and confident in front of the camera. That confidence will shine through in your photos, making them even more beautiful and memorable.
Key Color Palettes for Fall Family Photos
Fall is all about warm, muted, and natural tones. Some great color options to consider include:
Earth tones: Think soft browns, camel, olive green, rust, mustard yellow, and burnt orange. These colors echo the season’s foliage and photograph beautifully against nature.
Neutrals: Creams, taupes, and light grays are great for balancing out richer colors. Avoid stark white, as it can be too bright and distract from the overall harmony of the photo.
Deeper shades: If you’re looking for a more dramatic vibe, deeper jewel tones like burgundy, forest green, and navy are great options. They add a sense of richness without overpowering the scene.
When choosing your family’s outfits, aim for a cohesive palette. It doesn’t mean everyone has to wear the same color, but the tones should complement each other. For example, if Dad is wearing a rust sweater, Mom might wear a cream dress with subtle brown accents, and the kids can be in soft olive green and mustard yellow.
Coordinating Without Matching
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A successful family photo session is all about balance. You want your outfits to complement each other, but you don’t want to look like you’re wearing uniforms. Here’s how to strike the right balance:
Choose a color scheme and build the outfits around that. Pick 2-3 main colors (like mustard, olive, and cream) and have each family member wear a variation of those.
Patterns can be a great way to tie in your colors. For example, if one person is wearing a plaid shirt with multiple colors, pull one of those colors into another family member’s outfit. This helps the group look coordinated without being too matchy.
Layering can also add dimension and visual interest. Think of adding a cozy cardigan, scarf, or denim jacket to mix textures and tones without feeling repetitive.
The key is to coordinate while letting each person’s personality shine through. For more inspiration, check out my Pinterest board here for visual ideas on how to balance your family’s outfits for your fall photo session.
Patterns, Textures, and Accessories
To add depth and interest to your family’s outfits, consider incorporating patterns, textures, and accessories:
Patterns: Subtle patterns like plaid, gingham, and florals can be great for fall photos. Keep them to a minimum—usually, one person in a pattern is enough, with the rest wearing solids that pull from that pattern’s colors.
Textures: Knits, denim, corduroy, and even leather jackets bring a cozy, autumnal feel to your look. These textures look rich in photos, adding layers without needing bold colors.
Accessories: Hats, scarves, and belts can also add personality and a pop of color without overwhelming the ensemble. Just keep accessories to a minimum so they don’t distract from your faces or the natural scenery.
Outfit Ideas for Moms, Dads, and Kids
For Moms:
Comfort and style go hand-in-hand for moms. Long flowy dresses in soft fabrics (think cream, olive, or deep burgundy) are flattering and photograph beautifully. Layering with a cardigan or denim jacket can add warmth without sacrificing style. Feel free to add a subtle accessory, like a simple necklace or a cozy scarf.
For Dads:
Dads can keep it classic with a well-fitted sweater or button-down. Pair it with dark jeans or khakis for a casual yet put-together look. Rich colors like rust, navy, or olive green work perfectly for fall. Add a quilted vest or a simple jacket for some added texture and warmth.
For Kids:
Kids have the most flexibility! Go for playful yet practical outfits that allow them to move freely. For girls, a cute dress with tights and boots is always a winner, while boys can rock corduroy pants with a plaid shirt or a cozy sweater. Just remember to stick with the overall color scheme.
Including Your Dog in the Fall Family Photos
Pets are always welcome at fall family photo sessions, and they often add an extra layer of fun! When including your dog, consider these tips:
Coordinate with your family’s outfits: A neutral-colored bandana or collar can tie your dog’s look in with the rest of the family.
Groom ahead of time: Make sure your pup is looking their best with a bath and brushing before the session.
Bring treats and toys: Keeping your dog engaged and happy is key to capturing their best side in the photos.
Including your furry friend can make the session feel more relaxed and fun, plus you’ll have a keepsake of your entire family—pets included.
What to Avoid Wearing
While fall offers a wide range of great color choices and styles, there are a few things you’ll want to avoid:
Bright white: White can reflect too much light and become a distraction in photos. Stick with softer neutrals like cream or light gray.
Neon or overly bright colors: These can clash with the natural fall surroundings and take attention away from the family.
Clashing patterns: If one person is wearing a bold pattern, keep the rest of the family in solids or more muted prints to avoid competing designs.
Overly trendy clothing: Stick with timeless pieces you’ll still love in 10 years when you look back on these photos.
Where and When: Fall Photo Sessions in Minneapolis and St. Paul
If you're ready to book your fall family photo session in Minneapolis or St. Paul, there’s no better time than during the vibrant autumn months. I’ll be offering mini sessions from September 25th through October 12th at two gorgeous locations: Dodge Nature Center in St. Paul and Lake Harriet Peace and Rose Gardens in Minneapolis.
Dodge Nature Center offers wide-open spaces, beautiful fall colors, and a natural backdrop perfect for capturing candid moments.
Lake Harriet Peace and Rose Gardens is a picturesque location filled with rich greenery and floral accents that pop against the autumn scenery.
Both locations provide a relaxed, nature-filled environment for your family to enjoy the session while creating beautiful memories. Dogs are welcome at both sites, and kids will have plenty of space to explore, ensuring they have fun throughout the shoot.
With Minnesota’s changing fall colors as your backdrop, your family photos will be nothing short of magical. And remember—our fall mini sessions start at $350, making it easy to get high-quality family portraits without breaking the bank.
Final Tips: Confidence is Key
No matter what you choose to wear, the most important thing is that you and your family feel great. When everyone is comfortable and confident, it shows in the photos. These moments are about capturing your family’s love and connection—your outfits are just the icing on the cake.
For more inspiration and ideas on how to style your family for fall photos, head over to my Pinterest board where I’ve curated a selection of outfits that align with the natural beauty of the season. Whether you’re planning a cozy, casual look or something more formal, remember to choose pieces that reflect your family’s unique personality.
So, let’s make this fall unforgettable with a photo session that’s not only stylish but full of laughter, warmth, and memories that last a lifetime.