What To Wear for a Fall Family Photo Session | Arlington Heights Fall Family Photographer

Jessica M. Photography's Guide to Fall Outfits You'll Love

Fall is the most popular season for family photos - and it's no surprise why!

The colorful trees, cozy sweaters, apple cider, and cool weather. Bring it on!

I know picking outfits for your whole family can feel overwhelming - I totally get it.

I love helping clients feel confident and coordinated without feel stiff or matchy-matchy. These tips will help you choose outfits that look great on camera, feel comfortable, and stand the test of time.

As your photographer, I always tell families this -super "matchy matchy" outfits are not the goal. We are going for coordinated, comfort, and timeless style.

Start With a Color Palette - It's More Important than Matching

This is one of my top outfit tips: choose a color palette instead of matching outfits. This creates cohesiveness in your photos and gives each person's personality room to shine.

Here's my formula for how to build a fall friendly palette:

• Pick 1-2 neutral base colors - think cream, camel, navy, soft grey

• Add 2-3 accent colors - rust, burgundy, mustard, olive, muted blue

• Mix textures and shades within your palette instead of matching

Fall tones like cream, warm browns, deep greens, and soft rusts photograph well and compliment outdoor settings without distracting from your faces.

Here are some Fall Color Palette Suggestions:

• Cream, camel, rust and sage

• Burgundy, blush, grey, and navy

• Olive, denim, and white

• Brown, blush, and blue

• Mustard, burgundy, and navy

Earth tones, gem tones, and muted colors photograph well in fall landscapes. Avoid neon colors, bright whites or a lot of black. This can draw attention away from faces and look harsh on camera.

Use Layers and Textures for Visual Interest

Fall is all about layers and getting cozy! Think cardigans, scarves, denim, knit fabrics, soft wools, and corduroy (love love love!). These add depth to your photos and make outfits look intentional.

Dress for the Location

You should take the location of where the photo session is taking place into consideration when it comes to choosing your outfit. Some locations may be more casual and some would work with a more sophisticated look. For example:

• Woods / Forest - warm neutrals, rusts, creams, and earth tones

• On the farm - Plaid, denim, boots, cozy knits

• Urban / downtown suburbs - Gem colors, structured layers, classic denims

Matching your outfits to the setting helps your family feel like a natural part of the location.

Don't Forget About the Shoes!

During your session, you'll be standing, walking, and maybe even jumping, so choose shoes that are stylish and practical.

Here are some shoes that work well with fall outfits:

• Neutral tone boots and ankle booties

• Loafers

• Ballet flats

• Clean, gym shoes for a more casual look

• Avoid bright colors, bold logos, or worn out footwear

Another quick consideration with shoes is also the location. Boots with heels may sink into the grass in a field or forest. Ground conditions may also be wet or a little muddy. That's nature for ya!

Accessories

This is where personality and flair can really shine. You can use accessories to individualize outfits and elevate them as well add a bolder statement compared to the coordinated outfits.

Some fun accessories include:

• Neutral hats

• Hair bows

• Jewelry

• Belts

• Suspenders

• Scarves

What Not to Wear for Fall Family Photos

Take into consideration items that don't photograph as well as the ones mentioned earlier. These listed below can distract from your faces and we want you and your family to be the showcase of the photos without competing. To keep your images timeless and sleek, try to avoid:

• Large logos

• Bold graphics

• Neon or ultra bright colors

• Busy, high contrast patterns

• Stiff or uncomfortable clothes

• Athletic wear (hoodies, bright sneakers, etc)

Final Fall Photo Outfit Considerations

Now that you've chosen all your outfits, shoes, and accessories, lay all the outfits out together. This makes it easy to see how colors and textures work together. Make sure everyone tries on the outfits and that they aren't too big or small and fit well. For infant and toddler girls, make sure any dresses are long enough to full cover the diaper when she is picked up / carried.

When your family feels good in what they're wearing - that confidence shines in the photos.

Fall family sessions are about connection, comfort, and capturing authentic moments together. I can't wait to see you at your next fall family session!

Jessica M. Photography is an Arlington Heights, IL family photographer. She services the Northwest Suburbs including Mount Prospect, Palatine, Long Grove, Northbrook, Glenview, Northbrook, Buffalo Grove, Park Ridge, Schaumburg, and more!

Contact Jessica