One of the biggest questions I get from families before their session is:
“What should we wear?”
If you’re feeling overwhelmed trying to coordinate outfits for everyone, you’re definitely not alone. In fact, I’d guess that choosing what to wear is one of the biggest reasons families put off scheduling photos altogether.
The good news? It doesn’t have to be complicated.
My goal isn’t to create a perfectly styled family that looks like they belong in a magazine. My goal is to help your family look and feel like yourselves, so you can relax, connect, and enjoy your time together.
Here are my favorite tips for choosing outfits for your fall family photos.
1. Start with One Outfit
Instead of trying to coordinate everyone at once, choose one outfit first.
Most parents find it easiest to start with mom’s outfit because it’s often the most difficult to choose. Once you’ve found something you love, build everyone else’s outfits around it.
This creates a natural, cohesive look without feeling forced.
2. Coordinate, Don’t Match
Gone are the days of everyone wearing matching white shirts and blue jeans.
Instead, choose colors that complement one another.
Think warm earth tones, soft neutrals, muted greens, dusty blues, rust, cream, camel, olive, or burgundy. These colors photograph beautifully against the rich colors of fall while allowing your family’s personalities to shine.
Not everyone needs to wear the same color—in fact, it’s usually better if they don’t.
3. Add Layers and Texture
One of my favorite things about fall sessions is all the cozy textures.
Chunky knit sweaters, flowing dresses, corduroy, denim jackets, scarves, boots, and cozy cardigans all add depth and interest to your images.
Layers also give your outfits movement and help create a timeless look. They also help keep your little ones warm.
4. Dress for the Weather
This might be my biggest piece of advice.
Cold kids rarely have fun.
If everyone is shivering, it’s much harder to relax, cuddle, explore, and play together.
Bring layers if it’s chilly, and don’t be afraid to dress a little warmer than you think you need. Wool base layers area. great way to add in warmth and not loose style. Comfortable children are happy children, and happy children make for joyful photographs.
5. Choose Comfortable Shoes
We’ll likely be walking through fields, trails, beaches, or parks.
Choose shoes that you’re comfortable walking in and that fit the style of your outfits.
If your little ones are comfortable, they’ll be much more interested in exploring than asking to be carried five minutes into the session.
6. Avoid Clothing You’ll Constantly Adjust
If something feels too tight, keeps slipping, wrinkles easily, or makes you self-conscious, you’ll probably be thinking about it during your session.
Choose clothing that lets you move freely.
You’ll be hugging your kids, picking them up, sitting on the ground, walking, playing, and snuggling.
The more comfortable you feel, the more relaxed your photos will be.
7. Don’t Stress About Being Perfect
This might be my favorite tip of all.
Your family doesn’t have to look perfect.
Your kids don’t have to keep their sweaters spotless.
Your toddler doesn’t have to leave every leaf on the ground.
Some of my favorite photographs happen after little shoes get muddy, hair gets windswept, and everyone forgets they’re having their picture taken.
Those real moments are what make your gallery feel like your family.
Need Help? I’m Here.
One of my favorite parts of preparing families for their session is helping with styling.
If you’re torn between two dresses, wondering which color palette works best, or trying to coordinate outfits for your whole family, I’m always happy to help. You don’t have to figure it out on your own.
I want you to feel confident long before your session begins.
At the End of the Day…
At the end of the day, your children won’t remember what color sweater you wore.
They’ll remember running through crunchy leaves, being wrapped up in your arms, laughing together, and spending an evening simply enjoying one another.
Those are the moments we’re really trying to preserve.
The outfits are just the finishing touch.
If you’ve been thinking about scheduling family photos this fall, I’d love to help you capture this season exactly as it is—beautiful, imperfect, joyful, and uniquely yours.
Ready to Plan Your Fall Family Photos?
If you’ve been thinking about updating your family photos this fall, I’d love to help make the experience feel simple, relaxed, and genuinely enjoyable.
From choosing the perfect location to helping you coordinate outfits, I’ll guide you through each step so you can spend less time worrying about the details and more time making memories with the people you love most.
My goal isn’t just to give you beautiful photographs—it’s to create an evening where your family can slow down, laugh together, and preserve this season exactly as it is.
If that sounds like the kind of family photo experience you’ve been looking for, I’d love to hear from you.
Ready to get started? I can’t wait to meet your family and create something meaningful together.
