What to Wear for Fall Family Photos
As the leaves change and the weather cools, fall is the perfect time to gather your family for cozy, memorable photos. But figuring out what everyone should wear can feel a little overwhelming. The right outfits not only help your photos feel cohesive, but they also allow your family’s personality to shine. In this post, I’m sharing 7 tips to help you style your family for fall sessions, from color palettes to layering tricks. And if you want even more guidance, be sure to subscribe to my email list for a complete styling guide, including specific outfit ideas and links to shop directly!
EVERYONE’S CLOTHES SHOULD FIT WELL AND BE COMFORTABLE
When your clothes fit well, you look and feel your best, no matter your body type. You'll also be able to move easily for poses and enjoy time with your family, especially outdoors. Make sure your kids wear comfortable clothes too. Kids often dislike itchy materials or socks that don't fit right, and their discomfort will show in the photos.
DRESS FOR THE WEATHER
In Maryland, each season brings its own vibe for your portrait sessions. Along with the beauty, there are also some things to keep in mind to make sure your family, especially the little ones, stay comfortable.
As Fall and Winter roll in, layering up is key. One trick I love for chilly days is using hand, toe, and body warmers. These little air-activated packets work wonders for keeping kids cozy during outdoor sessions, so we can focus on what really matters—enjoying the time together instead of worrying about the cold.
When everyone’s comfortable, the photos just feel more real. No matter the season, we’ll make sure the experience is relaxed and fun.
COLORS MATTER
The colors your family wears in photos really set the tone for how your pictures will feel. Start by choosing a general color palette, like neutrals, pastels, earth tones, or even something bold. A lot of times, your photographer will have a preference based on their shooting and editing style. Instead of matching everyone in the same color, go for outfits in colors that complement each other. If you're unsure which colors work well together, a quick online search for 'complementary neutral (or earth tones, bold, pastels, etc.) colors' can give you plenty of ideas. Patterns can be fun too, but it’s usually best to keep them subtle—maybe just one person in the group wearing a pattern that fits the palette.
AVOID LOGOS AND GRAPHIC TEES
I know. We all love to wear our comfy t-shirts with our favorite team, band or movie on them (or the inside joke that only you and your best friends get!). And you may have a photographer whose vibe welcomes graphic Tees. But in general, they can be a distraction and don’t look great in family portraits.
AVOID SPORTSWEAR AND WORKOUT CLOTHES
Skip the sportswear and workout clothes for your photos. You don’t want to look like you just came from the gym, and honestly, a lot of athletic gear doesn’t photograph well. This goes for shoes too. While your gym sneakers might be super comfy, they’re probably not the most flattering choice for your portraits.
DON’T WEAR SHORT SKIRTS OR DRESSES
At some point, your photographer will likely have you sitting on a blanket or bed, and wearing a longer dress or skirt can give you a lot more flexibility for posing. Plus, it’s super helpful if you’ve got kids sitting on your lap. This isn’t about modesty—it’s just that the extra fabric makes it easier to move around and look great in the photos."
ASK YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER WHAT TO WEAR
Most photographers are happy to help with outfit ideas, and some even have a client closet you can borrow from. You picked your photographer because you love their work, and a big part of their style comes from the clothing they suggest to clients. So don’t hesitate to ask them for advice on what to wear—they’ll be more than happy to guide you!