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Fall family photos are one of my favorite things to photograph. The light is beautiful, the colors are changing, and there’s just something about everyone getting together for photos that feels like fall.

But figuring out what everyone should wear? That part can feel a little overwhelming.

The good news is that you don’t need everyone in matching outfits—or even perfectly coordinated outfits. The best family photos usually come from outfits that feel like you, while still working together as a group.

Here are my favorite tips for styling your family photos this fall.

Start With a Color Palette, Not Matching

Instead of choosing one color for everyone, pick a small palette of 3–5 colors that work well together.

For fall, I love:

• Cream, oatmeal and warm beige
• Denim with soft blue
• Olive and sage
• Rust, terracotta and muted orange
• Brown and camel
• Burgundy and dusty rose
• Navy with cream and warm neutrals

Think about colors that complement each other rather than everyone wearing the exact same shade.

A family might have one person in a soft blue dress, another in cream, someone in olive, and someone in jeans and a tan sweater. The outfits don’t match, but they look like they belong together.

Neutrals Are Your

If you’re unsure where to start, you really can’t go wrong with neutrals.

Cream, ivory, beige, tan, brown, denim, soft gray and muted greens photograph beautifully and allow the focus to stay on your family rather than on the clothing.

And don’t be afraid of a little color! One person wearing a deeper fall color—like rust, burgundy or olive—can be the perfect accent.

Add Texture

This is one of my favorite ways to make a family’s outfits feel more interesting without making them feel busy.

Think:

• Chunky sweaters
• Linen
• Corduroy
• Denim
• Quilted jackets
• Knits
• Suede
• Gauzy or flowy dresses
• Simple textured skirts

Different textures add dimension to photos, especially when everyone is wearing relatively simple colors.

Mix Patterns Carefully

You don’t have to avoid patterns completely. In fact, a subtle pattern can be beautiful.

The trick is to mix patterns with solids.

For example, if your daughter wears a small floral dress, keep the rest of the family in mostly solid colors. If someone is wearing plaid, choose simple coordinating pieces for everyone else.

I generally recommend staying away from large, loud patterns, very bold stripes and anything with a big logo. Those things tend to draw attention away from the people in the photograph.

Dresses and Skirts Photograph Beautifully

For moms and girls, dresses and skirts are always a favorite of mine because they create movement in photos.

A midi or maxi dress with a little movement can look especially beautiful when we’re walking, playing or moving through a location.

And you don’t have to dress everyone up! A dress paired with a simple sweater or jeans on another family member can create a really natural combination.

Think About the Location

Your outfits should work with the location where we’re photographing.

For an outdoor fall session in Birmingham, think about the colors and surroundings you’ll be photographed against.

At a location with lots of green, neutral tones, denim, cream, brown and muted colors look beautiful.

If we’re somewhere with lots of warm fall foliage, softer neutrals and deeper colors can help keep the overall look from becoming too orange.

The goal is for your family to stand out from the background—not disappear into it.

What About Shoes?

Shoes matter more than you might think because they show up in full-body photos.

Simple boots, loafers, leather sandals, neutral sneakers or classic flats can all work beautifully depending on the season and outfit.

I would skip athletic shoes unless they are an intentional part of the outfit, and I usually recommend avoiding shoes with bright colors or large logos.

Don’t Forget the Little Details

A few small accessories can pull everything together.

Think:

• Simple jewelry
• Bows or hair ribbons
• A neutral hat
• A cardigan
• A pretty belt
• Simple boots
• A textured blanket for cozy shots

You don’t need a lot. A few intentional details are enough.

Let Your Kids Be Comfortable

This might be the most important tip.

If your child absolutely hates what they’re wearing, we’re probably going to see that in the photos.

Choose clothing that allows them to move, sit, run, snuggle and play. Especially with younger kids, comfort is going to make a much bigger difference than having the “perfect” outfit.

And please don’t worry if someone’s outfit gets a little messy during the session. We’re photographing your family—not a clothing catalog.

One More Thing: Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute

Give yourself a little time to put everyone’s outfits together.

I recommend choosing one outfit first—usually mom’s or the child’s—and then building everyone else’s outfits around it.

Lay everything out together before the session. Take a quick photo of the outfits side by side. If one piece feels too bright, too dark or too similar to another, you’ll catch it before you’re standing in front of the camera.

My Favorite Fall Formula

If you’re completely stuck, here’s an easy place to start:

1 statement piece + 2–3 coordinating neutrals + denim or texture.

For example:

Mom: flowy cream or rust dress
Dad: jeans + neutral button-down or sweater
Daughter: muted floral or solid dress
Son: jeans + olive or tan shirt
Little one: cream sweater + neutral pants

Simple, comfortable and coordinated without looking like everyone is wearing a uniform.

Most Importantly—Come As You Are

Your family photos don’t need to look like anyone else’s.

The goal isn’t to create the most perfectly styled family on Pinterest. It’s to photograph your family in a way that feels natural and timeless.

Wear clothes that make you feel good. Choose colors you love. Let your kids be themselves. And leave the rest to me.

I’ll take care of the light, the location and helping everyone feel comfortable in front of the camera.

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