What to Wear for Your Outdoor Fall Family Photography Session

Fall is one of the most beautiful times of the year for family photography. With crisp air, golden leaves, and warm light, it’s the perfect backdrop to capture timeless memories. Choosing the right outfits can elevate your photos, creating a cohesive and visually appealing look. Here are some helpful tips on what to wear for your fall family session!

1. Embrace Warm, Earthy Tones

Fall is all about rich and warm colors, so opt for tones that complement the season. Think deep burgundy, mustard yellow, burnt orange, forest green, navy, and warm neutrals like cream, beige, and brown. These shades harmonize beautifully with the autumn landscape and add warmth to your images.

2. Coordinate, Don’t Match

Gone are the days of everyone wearing identical outfits! Instead, choose a color palette of 3-4 complementary colors and mix them throughout your family’s outfits. For example, if mom wears a mustard yellow dress, dad could wear a forest green sweater, and the kids could have coordinating colors in their outfits. This approach creates a balanced yet natural look.

3. Layer Up for Texture and Comfort

Fall weather can be unpredictable, so layering is key! Textured pieces like knit sweaters, scarves, flannels, and vests not only keep you warm but also add depth and visual interest to your photos. Layers also allow for easy outfit changes by simply removing or adding pieces.

4. Avoid Distracting Patterns & Logos

Stick to subtle patterns like plaids, florals, or simple stripes, but avoid anything too bold or busy. Large logos, graphics, or neon colors can be distracting and take away from the timeless feel of your photos.

5. Choose Comfortable & Season-Appropriate Shoes

Since outdoor fall sessions often involve walking on grass, trails, or even crunchy leaves, make sure your footwear is both stylish and practical. Boots, loafers, and closed-toe shoes in neutral tones work well for the season. Avoid sneakers with bright colors that might stand out too much.

6. Accessorize Thoughtfully

Accessories like hats, scarves, or statement earrings can add personality to your photos. However, keep them minimal to avoid overwhelming your look. If you have young children, consider cozy beanies or small bows for an extra adorable touch!

7. Consider the Location

Think about where your session will take place. If it’s a forested area with lots of green and brown tones, warmer colors like mustard and burgundy will pop beautifully. If you’re taking photos in an open field or by a lake, neutrals and soft earthy tones will blend seamlessly with the surroundings.

8. Plan Ahead & Try Everything On

Don’t wait until the last minute to put outfits together! Lay everything out ahead of time to ensure a cohesive look, and have everyone try on their outfits to make sure they feel comfortable and confident.

9. Keep It True to Your Family’s Style

While coordinating is important, the most essential thing is that everyone feels like themselves. Choose outfits that reflect your family’s personality and style so that your photos feel authentic and timeless.

Final Thoughts

Your fall family session should be a fun and memorable experience, and the right outfit choices can make a big difference in your final images. By sticking to warm tones, coordinating without matching, and layering for comfort, you’ll create a beautifully cohesive look that enhances the beauty of the season. I can’t wait to capture these special moments for your family!