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What to Wear for Your Fall Photos

Nov 3, 2025 | By: Derek B. Photography

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Planning your family photo outfits can feel like a puzzle — everyone wants to look good, feel comfortable, and still coordinate as a group. The secret is to aim for cohesion, not matching. Think of your family’s outfits like pieces of the same color story — they should complement one another without blending into a single tone.

Below, you’ll find some general tips to make outfit planning easier, followed by three curated color palettes you can use for fall outfit inspiration. Each one photographs beautifully in different settings and suits a range of skin tones and styles.

General Tips for Planning Outfits

1. Coordinate Colors, Don’t Match Exactly.
Choose two or three main tones and one or two accent shades. This gives everyone flexibility while still creating a balanced look. Avoid identical shirts or perfectly matching colors — subtle variation looks much more natural on camera.

2. Keep Comfort First.
If you or your kids feel stiff or uncomfortable, it shows. Choose breathable fabrics, flexible shoes, and layers that move easily. Cozy sweaters, soft knits, and linen pieces photograph best because they have texture and flow.

3. Think About Your Location.

  • Nature settings (fields, parks, or wooded trails): warmer earthy tones, soft neutrals, or greens tend to blend beautifully.

  • Urban backdrops (downtown streets, stone buildings, or modern settings): cool neutrals, blues, and grays create contrast and sophistication.

  • Studio sessions: lighter palettes like creams and soft pastels make everything feel clean and timeless.

4. Dress for the Season.
Fall and winter photos look great with cozy, layered textures — knits, corduroy, boots, and warm tones. If it’s warmer outside, lean toward lighter fabrics and colors that reflect soft light well.

5. Consider Skin Tones.

  • Warm skin tones glow in rust, camel, cream, olive, and brown.

  • Cool skin tones shine in soft blues, grays, and muted blush tones.

  • Neutral tones (like ivory, taupe, and beige) flatter everyone.

6. Limit Patterns and Logos.
A subtle plaid or texture can add interest, but avoid busy patterns, bold stripes, or logos — they draw attention away from the faces and can clash under bright light.

Color Palette 1: Cool Neutrals + Blue

(Perfect for classic, timeless sessions — great in studio or city settings.)

This palette mixes whites, creams, blues, and taupes for a clean, calm look that photographs beautifully in bright or neutral light. It’s ideal for studio shoots, open fields, or modern spaces where you want your family to stand out softly against the background.

Why it works:

  • Light blue and cream flatter most skin tones.

  • Keeps photos bright and airy without feeling cold.

  • Complements both light and dark hair tones equally.

Outfit ideas: Soft knit sweaters, collared shirts, flowy neutral dresses, tan shoes, and brown or beige boots. Denim jeans or chambray shirts add texture without overpowering the frame.

Color Palette 2: Earthy Greens + Neutrals

(Great for outdoor or nature sessions — grounded, organic, and warm.)

This palette pulls from nature: sage greens, olive, tan, and warm beige tones. It blends effortlessly with the natural environment — trees, grass, or fall leaves — giving your photos a soft, earthy and relaxed tone.

Why it works:

  • Olive and khaki complement the warm tones in golden-hour lighting.

  • Great for outdoor backgrounds with foliage or wood textures.

  • Works well for medium to deeper skin tones, giving warmth and depth to the frame.

Outfit ideas: Layered cardigans, knit sweaters, long-sleeve dresses, chinos, and boots. Add touches of leather or brown suede for a natural, finished look.

Color Palette 3: Warm Honey + Autumn Tones

(Perfect for cozy fall family sessions — classic, rich, and timeless.)

This palette features caramel, rust, tan, and cream — warm, inviting tones that feel nostalgic and comforting. These colors photograph especially well during golden hour when the sun adds a warm glow that matches the palette perfectly.

Why it works:

  • Enhances warm skin tones and adds richness to lighter ones.

  • Looks beautiful in wooded or open-field locations.

  • Has that classic “fall postcard” feel without being overpowering.

Outfit ideas: Chunky sweaters, corduroy pants, long knit dresses, leather boots, and camel jackets. Layer textures — think wool and denim — to bring visual depth and warmth to every photo.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, the best outfit is one that makes your family feel comfortable and confident. Choose a color story that feels like you and fits the tone of your shoot — whether that’s cozy, classic, modern, or earthy.

These guides are meant to simplify the process so you can focus on what really matters: capturing your family’s connection and personality.

If you’re ready to start planning your next session, reach out below!

Shoot with Derek!

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