Fall Family Photo Outfit Ideas for Every Family Member
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Let’s face it, fall is the perfect time of the year for family photo sessions. Whether you’re a family with a baby or older kiddos, it’s simply the best. Between the crisp cool fall weather and the stunning backdrop of changing leaves, it’s no wonder so many families choose this season for their photoshoots.
Whether you’re planning your fall family pictures for holiday cards, a maternity session, or to capture yearly memories, choosing the right fall family photo outfits can feel like a big task. But don’t worry, we’ve rounded up the best fall family photo outfit ideas to help you have stunning photos each and every year!
Choosing the Right Color Scheme for Fall Family Photos
When my husband and I took our first ever family photos, I remember googling left and right “what are the best colors to wear in family photos“. The results were relatively the same, however, I noticed some color schemes were season-dependent. Meaning, that you won’t be wearing bright, vibrant colors in fall photos the same way you would if you had photos during summer.
That’s why I have this entire section dedicated to helping you pick your ideal color scheme along with specific outfits below. I’m a keep-it-simple girl, so once you narrow down your colors, the outfits are basically a breeze. And chances are, you have something in your closet that can be dressed up or down to fit the style of your photos!
Start with a Neutral Palette
When it comes to fall family photo outfit ideas, the most important thing is to start with a neutral palette. Why? Neutrals and light colors photograph beautifully, especially against the fall colors in nature.
Think about soft beige, warm taupe, or creamy whites as the foundation for your outfits. Neutral tones work well because they don’t compete with the background or each other, giving your whole family a cohesive, timeless look.
Neutral shades will help to create balance in your photos and also allow the little details, like chunky knits, leather shoes, or a floral dress, to stand out without overwhelming the picture. It’s a top tip from many professional photographers.
Once you have your neutral palette in mind, you can build out your color scheme. Here are a few color scheme ideas below, along with some outfits that complement these colors a little further down.
Coordinating Color Palette Ideas
The best colors for fall family pictures are those that coordinate without being too matchy-matchy. A good idea is to choose a dominant color or core color and then build the rest of the family’s outfits around it. For example, if mom’s dress is a rich rust or maroon, you can dress dad in a navy blue sweater, and your little boy in a cute outfit with hints of that core color—maybe a patterned shirt with a pop of color.
The key is to stick with complementary tones, like warm neutrals paired with soft muted colors. If your favorite colors are neon and bright, aim to choose muted versions of those tones. These color choices are easy to work with and allow each family member to express their style without overpowering the group.
Bonus Tip: Light-Colored Layers Photograph Well
Fall weather can be unpredictable, so layering is both practical and stylish. Layers photograph well because they add depth and visual interest to your outfits. Think of a neutral-colored long sleeve with a cozy cardigan or vest. For dad, adding a jacket over dad’s shirt or a scarf around mom’s outfit can create that effortless fall look. You can also add things like a vest or a beanie to your little one’s outfit.
Fall Family Photo Outfit Ideas for Everyone
Now that you’ve decided on your color scheme, let’s talk about specific fall family outfit ideas for each family member.
Outfit Ideas for Mom
Moms often set the tone for family photos, so you’ll want to find a piece that feels special but still comfortable. A long maxi dress in a neutral or warm tone, like a rust dress or even an off-white dress paired with knee-high boots, can create a beautiful, flowing silhouette. Floral print dresses can be a great way to add some pattern while still keeping the look soft.
(you can click on the image below to shop those looks)
Layers like chunky knits, scarves, or a cozy cardigan can help keep mom warm during fall sessions while adding texture to your fall outfits. Just make sure to avoid bright colors or neon colors, as they tend to distract from the natural scenery and the rest of the family’s outfits.
Once mom’s outfit is decided, the rest of the outfits will come together.
Outfit Ideas for Dad
Dads can keep it simple with a well-fitted sweater, plaid shirt, or even a neutral-colored jacket. Think about classic colors like navy blue, gray, or warm shades of brown. Leather shoes, some casual vans or casual boots are a great way to finish off dad’s look, giving him a cleaned-up, yet relaxed vibe. Just be sure to avoid athletic shoes or bright white shoes, as they can draw too much attention.
(you can click on the image below to shop those looks)
Outfit Ideas for Kids
When dressing kids for fall family photos, comfort is key, but you can still have fun with textures and layers if they’re up for it. For a little girl, consider a cute floral dress or a neutral-toned sweater dress paired with tights and boots. A hint of color, like a soft pink or warm mustard, adds personality while still coordinating with the family. You could add the color via a headband or dress with some accent colors on it.
For a baby boy or little boy, classic fall staples like blue jeans, a cozy knit sweater, or a plaid shirt will look adorable and keep him comfortable. Leather boots or even bare feet (if your shoot is in an open field) can make for cute, relaxed photos. Take a look at some of our family photos over the years for some ideas!
Fall Family Photos: Makeup Looks
In regards to makeup, I prefer to keep hair and makeup natural and in line with your everyday look. You want to look and feel like yourselves, so while it’s a great idea to spruce up for the photos, staying true to your usual style will help the pictures feel authentic.
My favorite foundation for photos is Haus Labs — you can use minimal product for a natural look and add more for a full-coverage look.
With professional photos, I do like to use a setting powder or finishing spray to ensure my look lasts. I also love using these glue-on eyelashes to amplify my look without actually applying a bunch of products to my face. I love my photos to look natural as if my skin is glowing, so you’ll love the products I mentioned above if that’s your vibe too!
Tips from Expert Family Photographers
To make sure all of your family members have the best outfits for your fall family photos, we’ve gathered some tips from some of our favorite family photographers there are.
Erinn Mae, a Southern California & Travel Photographer who owns Erinn Mae Photography suggests families try to wear “beige and neutral colors, without patterns, but stick with trendy outfits“. You can view her beautiful photos on her Instagram page @erinnmaephotography.
Sarahi P, a motherhood content creator, and family photographer from Colorado, shared the following: “I always recommend my clients opt for neutrals and earthy tones—something timeless that works in every season.” Did I mention she creates the most hilarious and relatable motherhood content on Instagram, too, over at @itssarahip. So be sure to give her a follow!
At the end of the day, the best thing you can do is choose outfits that make your whole family feel comfortable and confident. With kids, it can be hard to accomplish this, so don’t be too hard on yourself if someone ends up wearing bright shoes or a sweater that throws off the color scheme a bit, most photographers can always work with it if it comes down to it.
If you can stick to a neutral palette with complementary fall colors, cozy layers, and outfits that help you feel most comfortable, it will give you a timeless look that photographs beautifully. Fall is truly the perfect time for family photoshoots, so enjoy the process, have fun with your fall outfit inspiration, and trust that the little details—like dad’s shirt, mom’s dress, and those cute outfits for your kids—will come together for the best experience.
