What to Wear for Your Fall Photography Session
Fall is one of my favorite times of year for photographs. The warm colors, golden light, and cozy atmosphere create the perfect setting for capturing memories you'll treasure for years to come. But if there's one question that comes up before a session, it's usually, "What are we supposed to wear?"
First, take a deep breath! You don't need a brand-new wardrobe or perfectly matching outfits to create beautiful photographs. The goal is to choose clothing that feels like you, complements the season, and lets your family's connection shine through.
I've put together a little inspiration to help you plan your outfits without the stress.
1. Start With a Color Palette
One of the easiest ways to coordinate everyone's outfits is to choose a color palette before picking out individual pieces. For fall sessions, I love earthy tones, warm neutrals, and muted colors that complement the natural surroundings. Think creamy whites, rich browns, soft greens, and subtle pops of color. You don't need everyone wearing the same shade! Instead, choose three to five complementary colors and incorporate them throughout everyone's outfits.
2. Coordinate, Don't Match
Remember when family pictures meant everyone wore the same white shirt and jeans? That can be cute, but for Fall, we're taking a slightly different approach! Coordinating outfits creates a more natural, visually interesting look while still making everyone feel like part of the same picture. Start with one outfit you absolutely love. Maybe it's a dress you feel beautiful in, your little one's favorite sweater, or a shirt that makes your partner look extra handsome. Use that outfit as your starting point, then pull colors from it to build the rest of the family's looks.
For example:
- Mom wears a rust-colored dress.
- Dad wears a cream sweater with dark denim.
- One child wears an olive-green top with neutral trousers.
- Another child wears a cream dress with brown boots.
Everyone looks connected without looking identical!
3. Embrace Layers & Textures
One of my favorite things about fall outfits is the opportunity to layer!
Cardigans, knit sweaters, denim jackets, corduroy, and lightweight coats add dimension to your photographs while keeping everyone comfortable.
A few pieces worth considering:
- Chunky knit sweaters
- Flowy dresses with long sleeves
- Corduroy pants or overalls
- Denim or neutral-colored jackets
- Knit cardigans
- Scarves in complementary colors
- Simple leather belts and accessories
Textures photograph beautifully, especially when paired with a simple color palette. Mixing different fabrics adds interest without making outfits feel too busy. You don't need elaborate outfits. Sometimes a simple sweater, well-fitting jeans, and a great pair of boots are all you need.
4. Outfit Inspiration for Everyone
For Mom
If you love dresses, fall is the perfect time for a flowy midi or maxi dress with long sleeves. Look for soft movement, comfortable fabrics, and colors that complement your chosen palette. Other great options include wide-leg trousers with a fitted top, a cozy knit dress, or a simple blouse paired with denim. Choose something you can comfortably sit, walk, and move around in. You deserve to feel beautiful and comfortable!
For Dad
Keep it simple and polished without feeling overly dressed up. A textured sweater, Henley, button-down shirt, or casual jacket paired with chinos or dark denim is a great starting point. Neutral sneakers, loafers, or brown boots can finish the look nicely. If you prefer a more relaxed style, that's perfectly fine, too. The goal is to look like yourself on a really good day.
For Little Ones
Comfort is especially important for children! Soft sweaters, corduroy overalls, simple dresses, neutral leggings, and classic boots are all lovely choices. Choose clothing that allows them to run, play, explore, and be themselves. Some of my favorite photographs happen when little ones forget they're even being photographed. Avoid anything too itchy, restrictive, or uncomfortable. Happy kiddos make for much more enjoyable sessions!
For Couples
You don't need elaborate outfits to create beautiful photographs together. Try pairing a neutral sweater with dark denim, a flowy dress with a textured jacket, or complementary earth tones with simple accessories. The trick is to coordinate the overall feel of your outfits. If one person is dressed formally, the other should have a similarly polished look. If one person is dressed casually, the other can follow suit. A little thoughtfulness goes a long way!
5. A Few Things to Avoid
There aren't many hard rules when it comes to personal style, but a few things can help your photographs feel more cohesive.
Neon and overly bright colors: These can compete with the natural surroundings and draw attention away from faces.
Horizontal stripes: Stripes can be a great addition, but he wary of the direction they run across the garment. Horizontal can make us look wider and shorter than we are.
Large logos and graphics: Bold branding and lettering can become distracting, especially in close-up photographs.
Too many competing patterns: A subtle floral, plaid, or stripe can look wonderful. Just try to avoid having everyone wear a different bold pattern at the same time.
Everyone wearing the exact same outfit: Coordinating colors and textures creates more visual interest.
Uncomfortable clothing or shoes: If you're constantly adjusting a dress or worrying about your shoes, it can be harder to relax. Choose pieces that allow you to move naturally.
And please don't feel like you need to follow every suggestion perfectly! These are simply guidelines to help you feel prepared.
6. Don't Forget the Little Details
Once you've chosen your outfits, take a few minutes to think about the finishing touches.
Shoes: Boots, loafers, and simple neutral sneakers are all great options. Choose footwear that suits your outfits and the location. Stay away from bright colors and for the kids, don't use caricature shoes or light-ups. Keep this part super simple.
Accessories: Keep jewelry simple and intentional. A few delicate pieces can complement an outfit without overpowering it.
Hair and makeup: Wear whatever makes you feel most like yourself. If you enjoy getting dressed up, go for it! If your everyday look is more natural, that works beautifully, too.
Layers: Bring a jacket or cardigan for warmth between photographs. You can always take it off for a few shots if the weather cooperates.
Nails: If your hands will be featured in close-up photographs, a neutral or coordinated nail color can be a great finishing touch.
7. My Favorite Styling Trick
Before your session, lay everyone's complete outfits on a bed. Include shoes, jackets, accessories, and anything else you plan to wear. Take a picture of everything together in natural light. This makes it much easier to see whether the colors work together and whether one outfit stands out more than the others.
Ask yourself:
- Do the colors complement one another?
- Is there a good balance of light and dark shades?
- Are there too many competing patterns?
- Does everyone's outfit feel appropriate for the same occasion?
- Can everyone move comfortably in what they're wearing?
If everything looks cohesive laid out together, you're already off to a great start!
You can always send me the photo as well!
8. The Most Important Thing? Be Yourself.
At the end of the day, these photographs are about you and the people you love.
They're about the way your little one reaches for your hand, the laughter you share with your partner, and the moments you might not even realize you'll miss someday.
Your outfits help set the scene, but they aren't what makes your photographs meaningful.
Choose clothing that makes you feel comfortable, confident, and like yourself. Don't worry about recreating a Pinterest photo perfectly. Use the inspiration, make it your own, and let your family's personality shine through.
And if you still have questions about what to wear, don't hesitate to reach out! I'm always happy to help you plan for your session.
I can't wait to capture these memories for you.
Let's make some beautiful memories this fall!
-Ixba Foto
