How to Choose Outfits for Fall Family Photoshoots

Fall is the perfect season for capturing beautiful family memories. At Kelly Tareski Photography, we often get asked about fall family pics: what to wear?

Choosing the right outfits can make a significant difference in your photos. In this post, we’ll share our top tips for selecting stylish and coordinated ensembles that will make your autumn family photoshoot truly shine.

What Colors Work Best for Fall Family Photos?

Embrace the Warmth of Autumn

Fall family photoshoots capture the warmth and coziness of the season. The right color palette enhances your autumn portraits. Think of the colors you see in nature during fall. Rich browns, deep reds, warm oranges, forest greens and golden yellows complement the changing leaves. These warm hues look great in photos and evoke the cozy feeling of the season.

A rust-colored sweater paired with dark jeans creates a striking look against a backdrop of autumn trees. A deep burgundy dress for mom adds a touch of elegance to the overall family ensemble.

Earth Tones and Jewel Tones

Think rich browns, deep reds, warm oranges, forest greens and golden yellows for your fall photoshoots. These colors blend seamlessly with the natural environment and create a harmonious look in your photos. Jewel tones (such as emerald green, sapphire blue, or amethyst purple) add a pop of rich color that works wonderfully with the fall palette.

Try combining a few earth tones with one jewel tone for a balanced and visually appealing outfit combination. For instance, pair khaki pants and a forest green sweater with a deep purple scarf for a look that’s both grounded and eye-catching.

Balancing with Neutrals

While vibrant fall colors are beautiful, it’s important not to overdo it. Balancing your color choices with neutrals creates a cohesive look that doesn’t overwhelm the eye. Neutral colors include hues like ivory, bungalow brown, dusty sand, heather gray, pale wheat and pale orchid.

Choose one or two main colors and use neutrals to complement them. For example, if dad wears a burnt orange sweater, he could pair it with neutral gray pants. This creates a balanced look that allows the fall colors to shine without being too much.

Color Coordination Tips

1. Use a color wheel to find complementary colors (those opposite each other on the wheel).
2. Stick to a palette of 3-4 colors for the entire family.
3. Consider the location of your shoot and choose colors that will stand out (not blend in) with the background.

Avoiding Color Pitfalls

Steer clear of neon colors or overly bright hues, as they can clash with the natural fall palette. Also, avoid pure white, as it can appear too stark in outdoor fall settings. Instead, opt for softer shades like cream or ivory.

Now that we’ve covered color coordination, let’s explore how to add depth and interest to your fall family photos through textures and layering.

How to Add Texture and Depth to Fall Family Photos

Embrace Cozy Textures

Fall family photos capture the cozy, warm feeling of the season. Rich, tactile fabrics transform good photos into great ones. Chunky knit sweaters, soft flannel shirts, and corduroy pants photograph beautifully and add visual interest to images. These textures convey warmth and comfort perfect for the season.

A dad in a cable-knit sweater paired with mom in a soft wool cardigan creates visually appealing contrast. For kids, layer a flannel shirt over a simple tee or dress them in corduroy overalls for a cute, seasonal look.

Layer for Visual Interest

Layering creates depth in family photos. It allows for more outfit variety and gives each family member a unique look while maintaining a cohesive feel. Start with a base layer (like a simple t-shirt or long-sleeve top), then add a button-up shirt, sweater, or light jacket.

Pro tip: Choose layers that are easy to remove or add. This allows for quick outfit changes during the shoot, giving you more variety in your final photo selection. It’s also helpful if the weather changes unexpectedly during your session.

Incorporate different textures (such as chunky knit, suede, or plaid) and subtle patterns to add visual interest to your photos.

Accessorize Thoughtfully

Accessories elevate fall family photos from good to great. Scarves, hats, and boots are excellent choices for fall shoots. They add extra texture and color, and serve a practical purpose if your shoot is on a chilly day.

Try a colorful scarf for mom that picks up hues from dad’s sweater, or matching beanies for the kids that complement the overall color scheme. Boots are a fall staple and look great in photos – leather boots for adults and cute rain boots for little ones work well.

The key is to keep accessories balanced. Too many can distract, while too few might make the outfits feel incomplete. Try one or two key accessories per person to add that perfect finishing touch.

Mix and Match Textures

Combining different textures creates visual interest and depth in your photos. Pair smooth fabrics with rougher textures for contrast. For example, combine a sleek leather jacket with a chunky knit scarf, or a soft cotton dress with a textured cardigan.

This mix-and-match approach adds dimension to your family’s outfits and creates a more dynamic overall look in the photos. It also allows each family member to express their individual style while still coordinating with the group.

Now that we’ve covered how to add texture and depth to your fall family photos, let’s explore how to style different family members for a cohesive yet individual look.

How to Style Different Family Members for Fall Photos

Dressing the Parents

Parents establish the foundation for the family’s overall look. We recommend complementary outfits instead of matching ones. If mom selects a burgundy dress, dad could wear a navy blue shirt with khaki pants. This approach creates visual harmony without appearing overly coordinated.

Select outfits that flatter your body types. A-line dresses or wrap styles often complement many figures for women. Men look great in well-fitted button-downs or sweaters paired with comfortable slacks. Avoid clothing that’s too baggy or tight, as it can appear unflattering in photos.

Outfitting the Little Ones

Comfort takes priority when dressing children for photoshoots. Uncomfortable kids often result in unhappy expressions in photos. Select soft, breathable fabrics and avoid itchy materials or tight collars.

Choose age-appropriate clothing. For toddlers, consider adorable overalls or simple dresses with leggings. Older children might prefer jeans paired with cozy sweaters or button-up shirts. Let kids provide input on their outfits to ensure they feel confident and comfortable during the shoot.

Coordinating Siblings

While matching outfits for siblings might seem cute, they often result in a dated look. Try coordination instead. Select different outfits in the same color family or use complementary colors. For instance, one child could wear a mustard yellow sweater while another dons a deep green dress.

Mix patterns and solids among siblings. If one child wears a plaid shirt, dress another in a solid color that picks up one of the plaid hues. This strategy creates visual interest while maintaining a cohesive look.

Accessorizing the Family

Accessories can elevate your family’s fall photos from good to great. Scarves, hats, and boots make excellent choices for autumn shoots. They add extra texture and color, and serve a practical purpose if your shoot happens on a chilly day.

For women, long-sleeve dresses in fall colors such as mustard, burgundy, and dark green work nicely with boots when outfitted with a scarf or hat. Try a colorful scarf for mom that picks up hues from dad’s sweater, or matching beanies for the kids that complement the overall color scheme. Boots (a fall staple) look great in photos – leather boots for adults and cute rain boots for little ones work well.

Balancing Individual Style and Family Cohesion

The ultimate goal is to create a harmonious family portrait where everyone’s personality shines through. Allow each family member to express their individual style while maintaining a cohesive look. This approach results in photos that feel authentic and capture your family’s unique dynamic.

At Kelly Tareski Photography, we’ve seen countless families successfully style their fall photoshoots (using these guidelines). Our experience shows that when families feel comfortable and confident in their outfits, it translates into beautiful, natural-looking photos that you’ll treasure for years to come.

Final Thoughts

Choosing outfits for fall family pics requires a balance of color coordination, texture, and personal style. We recommend warm autumnal hues, earth tones, and jewel tones, complemented by neutrals. Cozy textures and thoughtful layering add depth to your photos, while comfort ensures natural-looking images.

Express your family’s unique personality through your clothing choices. The most memorable photos capture your authentic selves in a slightly polished version. Trust your instincts and have fun with your selections to create truly special fall family portraits.

At Kelly Tareski Photography, we specialize in capturing timeless and elegant family portraits. Our personalized approach (developed over years of experience) helps create beautiful, lasting memories that reflect your family’s warmth and love. Contact us today to schedule your fall family photoshoot and preserve your precious moments.