Fall Photoshoot Family Outfit Ideas
Fall is such a great time for family photos, but what in the world do you wear? If you’re looking for the perfect fall photoshoot family outfit ideas, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite tips, tricks, stores and of course, examples, to help you pick the perfect wardrobe.
So many families choose fall for their annual family photos, and for good reason. It’s the perfect time of year for layers and gorgeous natural backdrops without having to worry about it being too hot or too cold for little ones.
When it comes to choosing your family’s wardrobe, it can feel a little overwhelming coordinating so many outfits. As a mom of 2 toddlers who gets photos taken every year, I feel your pain! With different personalities and comfort levels in every family, finding the right outfit for each family member can sometimes be a challenge.
Luckily I’ve asked two of our favorite local Atlanta professional photographers to help: Hannah Jimerson of Rosethorn Studio and Dedria McClure of Mommy&Co Photography.
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Coordinating Fall Photoshoot Family Outfits
When it comes to fall photoshoot family outfit ideas, where should you start? Color scheme? The perfect outfit? Location? I always recommend families start with the weather, as that’s the one thing none of us can control
Start with The Weather
While fall weather can vary from place to place, it’s always a good idea to think about the weather. It’s usually a little bit cooler, so layers might be a good idea to incorporate into your outfit plans.
If your littles are extra sensitive to cold weather, be sure that you think about planning your fall family photos in early fall versus late for warmer weather. The weather in September and early October is much milder than November.
“I recommend October for the perfect weather, and it gives you plenty of time to make holiday cards (out of the family portraits) and have them sent out,” says Hannah. “Don’t be afraid to adventure around to different location options for the Fall. From pumpkin patches to apple orchids, you can really have some fun, making a day of it.”
It’s also a good idea to come up with a plan for wet weather, as many families choose to do fall family photos outdoors. Raincoats and umbrellas are easy to incorporate into outdoor photos, and little kids love them too.
Perfect Fall Shades
One of the best things about the fall season for photoshoots is that so many colors work great for this time of year! With the beautiful fall colors making up the natural backdrop, it’s easy to choose shades that compliment every member of the family.
Soft, neutral tones work great for a variety of skin tones and backgrounds. Muted pallets, like soft pinks and blues, light neutral colors like cream, heather gray and light brown, are a great place to start.
Earthy tones and rustic shades (browns, greens and oranges) are also a great choice. Keep in mind the colors where you’re shooting. If your backdrop is full of orange and red during an outdoor family photoshoot, you might want to avoid wearing orange so that you don’t blend in.
Try to avoid bold colors, busy graphics and bright colors for a fall photoshoot. They are distracting and don’t fit the feel of the time of year.
Fall Photoshoot Outfit Ideas for Him & Her
Family photoshoots are also a great excuse to get some new photos of you and your partner! A great place to start when it comes to coordinating your whole family is starting with the two of you.
“Dress accordingly,” says Deidria. “Try to wear the rust and the dark browns in the fall which goes really great with the falling leaves.”
What to Wear for Mom
While it can be tempting to pick adorable outfits for your little ones first, the odds are that depending on the child, they might end up hating the outfit!
A safe place to start is with what YOU want to wear. What do you feel most comfortable in? What makes you feel like a goddess? When it comes to capturing the perfect shots of your family, it comes down a lot to confidence and comfort.
Start by thinking about your favorite body parts, as well as the ones you’re most self-conscious about. For me, I have hated my arms for as long as I can remember! So I always look for something with sleeves.
Don’t try to force yourself to wear an outfit you don’t feel comfortable in just because it looks cute online. Every single woman has a part of her body that she’s not wild about, and that’s ok. Choose flattering silhouettes and colors you love.
Dresses and skirts are an easy place to start. There are options that truly flatter every woman’s body! Trying to decide on length? Factor in if there will be little ones in your photos or not. With small children the odds are that you’ll be crouching down or sitting on the ground with them, so a cute, short dress is probably not the way to go.
Long, flowy maxi dresses and skirts look great on camera for nearly every woman no matter her height, and also work great for a variety of positions on camera.
Expecting? Floor length dresses are a fantastic way to highlight that bump in a flattering way, too!
Three-quarter length sleeves are flattering on all arms. Layers like a cardigan or cute jacket are also an easy option. Avoid strapless dresses or skinny spaghetti strap tops for a fall family photoshoot.
When it comes to shoes, consider closed-toe heels. They look really good on camera and heels in general elongate legs. If you’re rocking a peep-toe heel, be sure that your toes are camera ready!
Not sure how to stand? Here are some cute pose ideas.
Dressing Up Dad
Guys truly have it so easy, but sometimes need a little extra push in the right direction when it comes to styling your man.
Our photographers agree that long, fitted pants paired with closed-toe shoes are the best bet for men. They keep the attention exactly where you want it: on his face!
For a fall photoshoot, leave the sandals, shorts and distressed jeans at home. Fitted pants look best on camera, especially in neutral shades (like navy and gray) which compliment many outfit choices.
Layers on men look great on camera, even when it’s hot out. Want to add a layer? Think about a sport coat, blazer, vest or men’s cardigan to add some extra visual interest.
V-neck sweaters are also a great option for adding a pop of color with a long-sleeved collared shirt underneath (and a tie if that fits his personality). They also look great dressed up with dress pants or down with a good pair of jeans.
For fancier photos, consider adding accessories like belts, tie clips, pocket squares, bowties/ties, vests and watches. Solid colors also look great, especially combined in layers.
Fall Photoshoot Outfit Ideas for Kids
As you’re figuring out how to coordinate your outfits, keep in mind that you want your family to look cohesive but not matchy matchy. Think about what fits together and looks natural, keeping in mind a color palette or certain wardrobe pieces as you choose you fall family photo outfit ideas.
By letting each family member wear an outfit they truly love and feel comfortable in, it will also shine through in the final photos.
Many family photographers recommend that you start with a color palette with a few dominant colors and a few accent colors. Find outfits that use some but not all of these shades.
If you have multiple children, they don’t all need to be wearing the same outfit! Letting them choose their own that fit the color palette is a great way to give them some ownership over their choices for the photoshoot too.
Fall Photoshoot Outfits for Little Boys
In the photo below, one of my sons is wearing a navy blue sweater while the other is wearing a dark gray one. They coordinate and fit together as the shades are complimentary.
You can also can mix it up with suspenders, bow ties, vests, jackets and shoes. Little boys look handsome in layers, and it’s an easy way to keep them warm while outside too.
Baby boys and toddler boys are the perfect age to dress up in the outfits the bigger boys don’t want to wear. Sweaters and one pieces are great for a variety of personalities, and also are easy for them to crawl and toddle around in.
Fall Photoshoot Outfits for Little Girls
As most moms will tell you, little girls have a greater variety of outfit choices because there’s so many great places to source pieces from. Think about mixing it up with skirts and dresses layered with sweaters, jackets and hats. Coordinate the outfits with one little girl wearing a dress while the other wears a skirt!
Baby girls and toddlers are so much fun to dress for family photos. It’s the perfect time to whip out those classic stockings and maryjane shoes for a timeless look.
Fall Photoshoot Outfits for Babies
When it comes to children under a year old, you want to approach their outfits from a different perspective. While layered outfits look great on older children, for babies and young toddlers who struggle to sit still or even hold their head up, they won’t photograph well.
Think instead about simple, comfy knits. This is a great casual look or a dressier one. Those types of outfits are easy to accessorize with a bow, cute pair of socks or a beanie.
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Feeling Festive? Christmas Family Photoshoot Outfits
Many families choose to use the fall as the perfect time to snap those photos for Christmas cards. If you’re wanting to take advantage of the easy weather for a Christmas family photoshoot, here are a few ideas for how to incorporate that:
Choose a mainly neutral color palette with pops of holiday colors, or darker holiday colors (dark red, evergreen, navy blue). This will allow you to look festive without overshadowing your beautiful family’s faces. These shades also look great on the front of holiday cards, too.
Fall Family Photoshoot Outfits Can Be Easy
I hope this article was helpful as you work to choose the perfect family outfits for your fall family photo shoot.
What’s best way to help ensure a fantastic final product from your next family photoshoot? Pick outfits that your family is truly comfortable in. “The most important thing for families to remember when planning their perfect photoshoot outfit- is to be yourself,” says Hannah. “Wear something that makes YOU feel confident. The better you feel, the better your photos will turn out!”
Dedria agrees, adding “Make sure you feel confident in whatever you are wearing. I have experienced a few clients that bought a new outfit without trying it on and they felt really uncomfortable throughout the session.”
A big thank you to Hannah of Rosethorn Studio and Dedria of Mommy&Co Photography. You can follow and connect with Hannah on Instagram here, and Dedria on Instagram here.
