Raising little ones is no easy feat, but those early years will be some of the happiest years of your life. When your kids are all grown up, you’ll long for the days when their small, inexplicably sticky hands would find their way into yours, when only the comfort of your embrace could quiet their tears, and when your home echoed with the pitter-patter of little feet. Be sure to take plenty of family photos while your kids are still little, so you can look back on every precious age and stage of their childhood.
When it comes to the best time of year to take family photos, each season has its own benefits and drawbacks. However, fall is one of the most popular times for family photoshoots and it’s not hard to see why. As fall foliage blankets the outdoors in fiery reds, warm oranges, and golden yellows, the changing of the leaves creates a stunning natural backdrop for your family photos. The cooler air and rich color palette of fall also mean layered and textured outfits that all add depth to your photos. Here’s how to choose fall family picture outfits that will make this year’s holiday cards the best ones yet.
Consider Your Fall Family Photos Location
The location you choose for your photoshoot can also help you pick your style and color scheme for your fall family picture outfits. A woodsy outdoor location works well with casual dress and earthy colors. If you’re taking your photos in a grassy area with plenty of greenery, you may want to shy away from dressing your family in green to avoid blending in with the scenery.
Best Outfit Colors for Fall Family Photos
One of the best things about fall is its color palette—warm, earthy hues, rich jewel tones, and everything in between. While traditional fall colors, like burgundy and ochre, are tried-and-true, muted pastels, like rose and mauve, also can add elegant color to your family photos.
Choose colors that complement your location. Rich reds, dark yellows, and browns work beautifully in a woodsy environment, but creams and other neutrals are always a reliable choice for any season. Fall is also the best time to bring out classic seasonal patterns like plaid and houndstooth.
Earthy Colors:
- Olive green
- Burgundy
- Sienna
- Ochre
- Sage green
Muted Pastels:
- Rose
- Mauve
- Dusty blue
- Blush
- Violet
Neutrals:
- Black
- Beige
- Brown
- Cream
- Tan
- Grey
Top Tips for your Fall Family Photos
Although fall is a favorite season for many, the weather around this time of year can be a bit unpredictable. Even on a chilly day, the sun coming out from behind the clouds can quickly cause little ones to become hot. To ensure that your photoshoot goes off without a hitch, incorporate these tips when choosing your fall family picture outfits:
Dress in Layers
Layers, layers, layers! The changing of the seasons brings a chill in the air, which means you have an opportunity to create layered looks that add depth and interest to your family photos. Plus, it’s important to bundle the little ones up to keep them warm and content for a successful photoshoot. Prepare for all sorts of weather by dressing in clothes that are breathable for easy layering. Bamboo rayon is a naturally thermoregulating fabric that wicks away moisture to keep the whole family comfortable in fluctuating temperatures.
Incorporate Textures
While certain fabrics, like corduroy, chunky knit, suede, and leather, are far too warm for summer, they’re perfect for the cooler weather of fall. These different textures look great on you, add visual interest to your photos, and create a cozy feeling that is well-suited for the season.
Add Accessories
Hats, scarves, and gloves aren’t just the perfect touch to your outfit, but also add visual interest and depth to your photos. Beanies are an adorable and practical accessory for little ones, and a pair of leather gloves can really add chic elegance to Mom’s outfit. A scarf thrown over the shoulder can create just as much movement as throwing leaves into the air for a natural and candid feel.
Coordinating in Family Photos
When in doubt, choose coordinating outfits over perfectly matching ones. Matching pajamas is a favorite holiday tradition, but outdoor family portraits call for something a little more candid and natural. Colors that complement each other add depth, dimension, and visual interest to create a frame-worthy family portrait that’s cohesive and timeless.
To figure out coordinating outfits for the whole family, decide on your color palette first. You can use one outfit—usually Mom’s—as the focal point for the whole ensemble. If Mom’s dress is sage green for an earthy palette, coordinate the rest of the family’s looks with other colors within that color palette. Dad might opt for a burgundy colored sweater or shirt with brown pants, while your toddler can wear a mustard yellow dress to balance the look. When everyone’s outfits are decided, you can really tie it all together with the right accessories. A brown hat or belt for Mom and brown boots for the toddler will match Dad’s pants for a look that’s well-coordinated and visually appealing.
Fall Family Photo Outfit Inspiration for Mom
- Chunky knit cardigan
- Boho style dress
- Long skirt
- Sweater dress
- V-neck tee
- Plaid shirt jacket
- Shearling coat
- Jeans
- Corduroy skirt
- Biker Short Set
- Suede skirt
Essentials for Dad for Fall Family Photos
- Chunky knit beanie
- Flannel shirt
- Quilted vest
- Crew neck tee
- Jeans
- Corduroy pants
- Long Sleeve Henley Tee
Baby Outfit Ideas for Fall Family Photos
Fall Family Photo Clothes for Your Toddler
- Chunky knit pom beanie
- Chunky knit cardigan
- Long sleeve twirl dress
- Long sleeve tiered dress
- Jersey overalls
- Jeans
- Long sleeve crew neck tee
With your fall family picture outfits ready to go and the warm glow of autumnal colors all around, this is the perfect time to capture those special moments that will last a lifetime. This time of year brings family togetherness and renewed gratitude that reminds you to slow down and enjoy just what matters in life.
