What to Wear for Fall Family Photo Session: Fall Family Picture Colors
Ah, Fall! Summer activities have wound down, and the kids are heading back to school. Change is in the air. Is there any better season to stop time and preserve it by investing in a family photo session?
The seasonal changes that come with fall offer great backdrops for your family photo session. The fall colors are popping with oranges and yellows that will beautifully frame your family. So, let’s talk about fall family picture colors and what to wear for your fall family photo session.
Selecting Outfits for a Fall Family Photo Session
Let’s start with a color scheme when deciding what to wear for a fall family photo session. We’ve included a helpful fall color combinations list for your reference.
Fall Family Picture Colors
Earthy Base: Rich brown, deep burgundy, and forest green as a base.
Accents: Pops of burnt orange, mustard yellow, or gold for a touch of warmth.
Neutrals: Cream, beige, and khaki for a timeless elegance.
Choose 3-4 complementary fall family picture colors to create a palette for your photo session. Think of that palette as your base, then play with variations of it by introducing a lighter shade, a neutral, or an accent color.
Colors to Avoid
When deciding what to wear for a family photo shoot, avoid bright or neon colors and incorporate lots of dark colors. They don’t photograph well against a fall backdrop.
A Word About Patterns
If you use patterns, make sure only one or two family members are wearing them. Too many will make your fall family photos look busy!
Accent Your Ensembles
Warm plaids with a touch of fall-inspired colors in them are great accents for a fall family photo session. They provide a touch of rustic charm against that golden autumn scenery. The same point we made about patterns applies here: don’t overdo it. Too much plaid will be distracting and busy.
Another great way to accent what you wear for a fall family photo session is by playing with textures. A chunky knit sweater, a cardigan, a vest, or even a fur can add interest and dimension to family outfits.
Styling Tips for a Fall Family Photo Session
You have your fall family photo session palette. You’ve noted some patterns and accents to level up the family style dynamic. Now, let’s go through some styling tips specific to each family member. Keep in mind that you want to coordinate your outfits instead of matching them.
Sorry Dad, but I think even you’ll agree that it all begins and ends with Mom when it comes to deciding what to wear for a fall family photo session. Everything else will fall into place once Mom’s outfit is decided on.
There’s a reason behind this thinking that has nothing to do with palettes and accents. Mom usually drives the photo session mood. If she arrives feeling gorgeous and happy, it comes through in the resulting portraits even as she takes care of everyone else on session day.
Tips for Mom for Fall Family Photos
Let’s start with some basic suggestions: Get your nails done (neutral colors are the best), style your hair, and consider neutral makeup as it will complement the fall scenery, and more importantly your face.
Say Yes to a Dress! We love dresses at Upma Sharma Photography! They photograph really well and are flattering on almost everyone. Dresses add movement to a family photo and give you something to do with your hands. Just make sure you can move around in your dress of choice without your bra showing.
Jeans, T-shirt and blazer: If you prefer jeans, pair them with a simple white or graphic tee paired with a blazer that can elevate your look. Try patterns or neutral colors and wear leather ankle boots or Ankle booties with heels for feminine and chic touch to your fall family photos.
Flatter what you love, cover what you don’t: If your arms are not your favorite feature, consider wearing long sleeves or a light jacket, sweater or cardigan. Love your legs? Wear a shorter dress!
When it comes to accessories, you know what you love. It can be a hat, a scarf, a headband, a unique necklace, or a gorgeous pair of earrings.
Tips for Kids
Remember we’re deciding what to wear for a fall family photo session. The temperatures can be chilly so you’ll want the kiddos to be comfortable and cozy. Start with layers because warm kids are happy kids. Should the weather warm up during your session layers should be easy to shed. You’ll also want to avoid itchy textures, clothes that are difficult to move in, and tight shoes.
Dressing Dad
When deciding what to wear for a fall family photo session, dads should try to strike a nice balance with mom’s overall look. Slacks and khakis in tones of gray, tan or blue are always a good choice. Jeans are also a fashionable choice for dad. Just be sure to pair them with a nice shirt, or you run the risk of looking too casual next to mom and the rest of the brood.
Don’t Forget Footwear
This is an easily overlooked part of the outfit. When selecting your footwear, consider the photo session location. As part of our planning process at Upma Sharma Photography locations are planned in advance of your session. This allows you to properly prepare as you decide what to wear during your fall family photo session.
Tall or ankle leather boots are a great fall look for Mom. Heels are a nice choice, too, as they elongate your legs. Boots also fit the fall theme for Dad! Comfortable slip-on Chelsea boots look great with jeans. Dress shoes look best with trousers.
Comfortable shoes are a great choice for the kids. If the kids are active and you want them to be at ease during the photo shoot, have them wear comfortable shoes in fall family picture colors.
Whatever you choose, make sure the shoe colors are neutral. Neutrals are timeless. Avoid shoes that are bright white or include neon or bright colors, as they will make your family portrait look dated. Sparkly and light-up shoes and athletic shoes are also not good to wear for a fall family photo session. They don’t photograph well.
Dress the Pup!
Is there a pup in your family? Don’t leave them out of the family photo! We have a few ideas on what they should wear for a fall family photo session. You can have your pup’s bandana complement your dress. Your four-legged family member also provides the perfect opportunity to play with accents. A little flannel doggie shirt or a snuggly scarf on your dog could provide the perfect sweet seasonal touch! Choose a neutral color leash for your dog: A brown or black leash is less noticeable.
Plan Ahead for Your Fall Family Photo Session
It is important to plan in advance when deciding what to wear for a fall family photo session. Each family should try on everything in their outfit ahead of time. Family photo sessions involve a lot of movement, like walking and picking up kids, so it’s vital that you are able to move comfortably.
Test clothes outside in the sun to ensure they aren’t see-through. Check for errant bra straps and figure out how to conceal them. Thin fabric can be problematic when backlit.
Where to Shop
Should you not find inspiration in your closet, there are plenty of places to shop for new looks for your fall family photo session.
For Mom: Joyfolie, Free People, Vici , Baltic Born, and Anthropologie feature a beautiful selection of unique feminine dresses that add texture and movement to your fall family photo session.
For Dad: The men’s collection at Faherty, Buck Mason, Gap, and Banana Republic include many sharp casual pieces that include trousers, sweaters, and crisp shirts dad will find comfortable.
For the Kids: Zara, Rylee + Cru, H&M are known for comfortable, affordable stylish clothes that your kids will love wearing.
For the Pup: Chewy.com has a great selection of plaid shirts for pooches for fall family photos and forever!
Or try Amazon for easy shipping and free returns for the entire family.
At Upma Sharma Photography, we love helping families create lasting keepsakes with family photo shoots. Check out our Ultimate Guide to Commonly Asked Questions for Family Photo Shoots.