What to Wear for Fall Family Photos: Outfit Ideas for Timeless Images

One of the most common questions I get as a Maine family photographer is: “What should we wear for fall family photos?” The good news is that fall is the easiest season to dress for—it’s all about cozy layers, warm colors, and textures that pop against the autumn backdrop. Here are my go-to tips and outfit ideas:

🍂 Stick with a Fall Color Palette

Think rich, earthy tones that complement the foliage. Deep greens, burnt orange, maroon, mustard yellow, and warm browns photograph beautifully. Neutrals like cream, gray, and tan balance these bolder tones.

Pro tip: Avoid neon or overly bright colors—they can clash with the natural fall setting.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Mix Neutrals with Pops of Color

Start with neutrals (cream sweaters, tan pants, gray cardigans) and let one or two family members add a pop of color. This makes the whole group look coordinated without feeling too “matchy-matchy.”

Example: Everyone in creams and browns, with mom in a burgundy dress or a child in a mustard sweater.

🧶 Play with Textures

Fall photos look best when your outfits have visual interest. Knits, corduroy, flannel, denim, suede, and lace all bring dimension. These textures catch the light and photograph beautifully.

🧥 Layer Up

Not only does layering keep you warm during your session, but it also adds depth to your photos. Think scarves, vests, cardigans, or a cozy blanket wrap. Layers allow you to swap looks mid-session without needing a full outfit change.

👟 Shoes Matter, Too

Choose footwear that makes sense for the location. Neutral boots, loafers, or simple sneakers look great. Skip neon sneakers or flip-flops—they’ll stand out in the worst way.

🎨 Avoid Over-Matching

Coordinating is better than matching. Instead of everyone wearing jeans and white shirts, choose a color palette (like earthy neutrals + one accent color) and let each family member’s outfit reflect it in a slightly different way.

Final Tip: Keep Comfort in Mind

If you’re tugging at a sweater or your kids are miserable in stiff shoes, it will show in the photos. Go for outfits that are stylish and comfortable so everyone can relax and enjoy the session.