What to Wear for Fall Family Photos
Planning your outfits for fall family photos
Fall is nearly here, and you know what that means: it’s time for those yearly family photos! Every year, I meet new families and revisit past ones in fall-inspired locations. One of the most popular questions I get asked is, “What should we wear?”
Living in the Bay Area offers a unique challenge when it comes to fall family photos. The weather doesn’t typically cool down until November, and October often stays comfortably above 65°F. The farther inland you go, the warmer it gets, meaning we often have to pretend it’s cooler than it is—fake it till we make it!
But the beauty of our warm fall means you can still plan fall photoshoots at the beach or in lush gardens without freezing. Whether you’re going for a cozy forest vibe or a more urban feel, there’s a perfect fall location for your shoot.
So, let’s talk about what to wear to make your fall family photos unforgettable.
Step 1: Pick Your Location
The first step in deciding what to wear is picking your location. Are you dreaming of beachside photos, or perhaps among towering redwoods? Would you prefer an urban downtown setting, or maybe a rolling hillside? Your location can significantly influence your outfit choices.
For example, a beach photoshoot might encourage more casual or even barefoot looks, while a city session calls for shoes that are a bit more polished. In the redwoods, you can embrace moodier outfits to match the darker, mysterious atmosphere, while a light-filled hillside invites softer, more airy clothing.
The key is to select outfits that complement your surroundings. You don’t want to wear all black to a beach—while you might look sharp, it can be visually distracting and clash with the setting.
Step 2: Coordinate, Don’t Match
Now that you’ve chosen your location, it’s time to plan your outfits. I know matching can seem like the easiest option—just throw everyone in blue jeans and white shirts, and you’re good to go. But if you want photos that feel timeless and elevated, skip the matching and aim for coordination instead.
So, what does coordination look like? Start by picking 2-3 colors that complement both each other and the location. If you’re at the beach, think of softer tones like pale pink, light blue, or a gentle brown that contrasts just enough with the sand and ocean. Wearing all white might make you blend in too much, so adding subtle pops of color will help create that balanced look.
Once you’ve decided on your color palette, have each family member wear one color or a combination of those shades. For example, one person could wear a light pink top, another could wear a pale blue sweater, and someone else could go for soft browns or khakis. The idea is to blend the colors throughout the family, rather than having everyone wear the exact same thing.
One more tip: Start with the hardest person to dress! Pick their outfit first and then build the rest of the family’s wardrobe around that.
Step 3: Match the Level of Formality
This one is huge! Make sure everyone in the family is dressed at the same level of formality. If one person shows up in sneakers while the rest of the family is dressed up, those sneakers are going to be the first thing you notice in the photos—and likely the first thing you’ll ask me to crop out! Whether you go casual or formal, make sure the whole group is on the same page.
Step 4: Personalize with Patterns and Textures
Now that the basics are covered, it’s time to have some fun with personal touches. Adding accessories like scarves, hats, or jewelry can make your outfits feel more “you.” Don’t be afraid of patterns and textures—just use them thoughtfully.
Contrary to what some might say, I love patterns! As long as the pattern fits into your overall color scheme, it can add character to the photos. The only pattern I recommend avoiding is anything overly bold or distracting, like giant flowers, which can dominate the frame.
Textures are another great way to add depth and uniqueness. Tulle, lace, fur, or even a chunky knit sweater can help elevate your look and make the photos feel more dynamic.
Location-Specific Outfit Ideas
Let’s put these tips into action with some location-specific outfit ideas:
The Beach
The Beach: The beach is a classic spot for family photos, and it works just as well in the fall as it does in the summer. While summer might call for shorts and sundresses, fall means transitioning to longer dresses, sweaters, and pants.
Colors to consider:
- Navy blue (jeans), white, and a pop of color like blush pink, sage green, or yellow.
- Khaki, cream, and navy blue.
- Light blue, olive green, and off-white.
The Forest
Forest locations, especially in the redwoods, tend to be darker and moodier, and your outfits can reflect that. Deep, jewel tones work beautifully against the earthy backdrop. While dark colors like black are welcome in the woods, remember to wear something that sets you apart from the background.
Popular palettes for the forest:
- Jewel tones, like deep emerald or burgundy.
- Burnt oranges, tans, and jeans.
- Mustard yellow, browns, and creams.
Open Spaces
Open spaces, like grassy fields or rolling hills, provide a neutral backdrop, so your outfits can really shine here. Avoid stark whites or blacks, as they can clash with the natural lighting.
Great color combos:
- Navy and cream.
- Coral and light blue.
- Soft earth tones like tan, blush, and pale green.
Gardens
Gardens can offer a lot of variety depending on their color scheme. If it’s primarily greens and yellows, opt for muted shades like cream, tan, and light blue. If you’re in a garden full of colorful flowers, keep your outfits neutral to stand out against the vibrant blooms.
Final Tips on Color Coordination
Colors are crucial, so here are a few rules of thumb:
- Avoid neon colors. They reflect off your skin and can tint your complexion.
- Skip bright red. It can make everyone look red in photos.
- Stick to neutral versions of colors. Neutrals don’t just mean beige—there are neutral versions of every color!
At the end of the day, fall family photos are meant to capture your family’s unique personality. Use these tips as a guideline, but don’t be afraid to add your own flair. If you have any questions or need help planning your outfits, don’t hesitate to reach out. And if you haven’t booked your fall family photos yet, let’s chat!
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Photographer, dog mom, book hoarder, and Trader Joe’s loyalist. I’m a Pisces, an ENFJ, and an Enneagram 3, which basically means I feel everything, care deeply, and always have a running to-do list (with color coding).
These days, I’m also figuring out life as a new mom — balancing baby snuggles with camera gear and reminding myself to slow down and soak it all in. I’ve built a career out of noticing the details, chasing the light, and turning everyday moments into art.
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