What to Wear for Fall Family Photos
Stress-Free Wardrobe Planning for Fall Family Photos
Fall in Minnesota is one of the most popular times of year for family portraits. The colors, golden light, and crisp air make every backdrop beautiful, whether you are booking a full-length custom session or one of our fall mini sessions across the Twin Cities. The question almost every family asks is: What should we wear for fall family photos?
The good news is that it does not need to be stressful. Outfits should feel comfortable and natural while enhancing your family’s images. With a little planning, your wardrobe will look coordinated and effortless—helping you feel confident in front of the camera.
Why Outfits Matter
Your family’s love and connection are the focus of every photo, but clothing choices make a big difference in how polished your images look. The right outfits complement the season, help you stand out in the scenery, and create a timeless look that will still feel beautiful years from now.
Last year, I was so impressed. Family after family arrived in outfits that worked perfectly—not identical, but coordinated in ways that made every photo shine. I think it comes from years of doing fall sessions and clients learning what photographs best. The results were stunning.
What Should I Wear for Fall Family Photos?
Here are simple, practical guidelines to take the stress out of wardrobe planning:
Start with a color palette. Neutrals and earth tones such as cream, beige, dark red, or soft pastels photograph beautifully in the fall. Add warmth with seasonal shades like rust, mustard, olive, or burgundy.
Mix textures and layers. Knit sweaters, corduroy, denim jackets, or scarves create depth and interest. Layers also give you flexibility during the session.
Coordinate, don’t compete. If one person is wearing plaid, pull a color from their plaid shirt to use for another person’s sweater, dress, or scarf. If someone else wears a pattern, choose something that complements (like a soft floral or smaller check) rather than competing with the plaid.
Choose one approach. Some families prefer coordinated variety, while others love the look of everyone matching exactly. Either works beautifully—but try not to land somewhere in between. Go for harmony or go for matchy-matchy, not a mix of both.
Think about shoes. Shoes are often overlooked, but they do appear in full-body photos. Neutral boots, flats, or dress shoes always look more polished than bright sneakers or flip-flops.
What to Avoid
Stark white. It can wash out skin tones and appear harsh in photographs. Soft ivory or cream is a better choice.
Neon or very bright colors. These tend to overpower the scene.
Too many competing patterns. Plaid, floral, and bold stripes can feel overwhelming. Keep the balance simple.
Distracting shoes. Make sure footwear complements the rest of the outfit.
Inspiration from Our Twin Cities Mini Session Locations
Our fall mini sessions are available at some of the most scenic spots across the Twin Cities metro area:
Maple Grove Arboretum
Arneson Acres in Edina
Dodge Nature Center in St. Paul
Hidden Falls Regional Park in St. Paul
Lake Minnewashta in Chanhassen
Noerenberg Memorial Gardens in Wayzata
Schultz Lake Park in Eagan
Gateway Regional Park in Brooklyn Park
Each of these beautiful locations offers a unique backdrop. A well-coordinated wardrobe ensures your family looks at home in the scenery.
I’m Here to Help
Most of my clients send me photos of their planned outfits via text or email before thier session. I love offering feedback so that everything feels cohesive and well-organized. My goal is always to make this part of the process seamless, so you arrive at your custom session or fall mini session confident in what your family is wearing.
For even more inspiration, I’ve put together a Pinterest board with outfit ideas. Browsing through it will give you plenty of visual examples of colors, textures, and combinations that work beautifully in fall portraits.
Final Thoughts
Wardrobe planning should never take the joy out of family photos. When you feel good in what you are wearing, it shows in your images. Outfits are just one piece of the puzzle, but they are an easy way to elevate your portraits and let your family shine.
So the next time you ask, “What should I wear for fall family photos?”, know that with a simple palette, thoughtful coordination, and the right setting, your session will feel effortless—and the results will be stunning.