Fall Family Photo Outfits: 10 Styling Tips You’ll Be Glad You Knew

Fall is one of the most popular times for family photos, and for good reason: the scenery is gorgeous, the weather is cozy, and people are starting to think about their holiday cards. Another great thing about fall photo sessions? The outfit options. It’s the season to ditch the shorts and flip flops in favor of comfy sweaters, cute boots, and knit scarves.

Outfits are one of the most important parts of fall photos. They help set the tone and create a cohesive, timeless look. In this guide, I’ll be sharing a few easy, photographer-approved tips to help your family look and feel their best for the fall photos you’ll treasure for years to come.

With just a few thoughtful outfit choices, you can make your fall photo session feel easy, fun, and true to your family’s style.

How to Choose the Perfect Fall Family Photo Outfits

Ready to start planning your perfect fall look? Here are 10 easy outfit tips to help you get started:

1. Choose Earthy, Muted Colors

When you’re picking out fall family photo outfits, think rich, earthy tones—the kind that make you want to curl up with a blanket and a mug of cider. Warm, natural colors like burnt orange, deep burgundy, navy, cream, and taupe not only fit right in with the fall scenery but also create a cozy, timeless feel in your photos.

2. Coordinate, Don’t Match

It can be tempting to buy the same outfits and patterns for everyone in the family, but this can make your photos look flat and a little outdated. Instead, pick two to three colors and spread them across different pieces to create a natural, coordinated look. By coordinating instead of matching, you let everyone’s unique style shine through while still keeping the overall vibe cohesive.

3. Layer Up for a Cozy Vibe

Fall outfits are all about the layers—think scarves, cardigans, jackets, and boots. Layering not only creates a warm, cozy vibe, but also adds depth and texture to your photos, making them feel more natural and visually interesting. A few examples to consider: a dress with tights and booties for young girls, a blazer or jacket for dad, and a chunky knit sweater for mom. Don’t be afraid to mix and match different layers, it gives your photos that effortless, cozy look that feels true to the season.

4. Mix Textures for Visual Interest

Try to incorporate different textures and materials in your outfits to create a more interesting look. Think knit cardigans, denim jackets, suede boots or corduroy pants. Adding different patterns—like flannel or subtle florals—can also create a layered, cozy feel that photographs beautifully without feeling too busy.

5. Say No to Neon and Logos

Avoid neon colors and clothing with prominent logos, as they can distract from the beautiful fall backdrop. You want the focus to stay on the cozy scenery and the people in the photo, not get pulled away by visual clutter or unnatural colors. Instead, stick to soft, solid colors or subtle patterns that create a calm, charming feel.

6. Dress for the Location

It’s important to dress for the location, both for comfort and aesthetics. If your fall photo session is in the mountains, woods, or fields, lean into a rustic, natural look. If your photos are in a bustling urban setting, you can add a bit of edge with sleek boots or leather jackets. Choosing outfits that fit the setting helps your photos feel natural, effortless, and true to your story.

📍 Not sure where to go? Check out my favorite Salt Lake City photoshoot locations for a mix of cozy, scenic, and urban backdrops.

7. Accessorize Smartly

Accessories can make or break an outfit, so it’s important to add them intentionally without going overboard. Once you have your core look, consider adding a wool hat, cozy scarf, or layered jewelry to complete your outfit without making it feel too busy. Thoughtful accessories help your outfit feel more polished while leaning into the cozy, natural vibe of the season.

8. Comfort Over Everything

The last thing you want is to be uncomfortable during your fall family photo session. If you’re fidgeting with your outfit or feeling stiff, your expressions won’t be as natural, and it’ll be harder to stay engaged with the photographer and the people around you. Choose outfits that make you feel relaxed and confident, and stick with soft, breathable fabrics that aren’t too tight or restrictive.

This is especially important for kids, too—scratchy or uncomfortable outfits can quickly lead to tears, tantrums, and distractions.

9. Think About Shoes Too

Don’t forget that your shoes will show in the photos, so it’s important to choose footwear that matches both your outfit and the setting. Avoid anything overly worn out or sporty. Instead, opt for clean boots, classy flats, casual heels, or stylish sneakers.

It’s also important to think about the terrain. If you’ll be hiking or walking to a remote spot, make sure to wear something comfortable—or at least bring shoes you can easily walk in until you reach your photo location.

10. Bring a Blanket for Bonus Shots

If you’re looking for a fun prop for fall photos, consider bringing a blanket. You can’t go wrong with a good flannel or knit blanket. It adds texture and depth to your photos, creates sweet, cuddly moments, and can help keep you warm between takes.

Final Tip: Relax and Have Fun!

Picking the perfect family photo outfits not only creates cohesive, natural-looking photos, it also helps everyone feel confident and relaxed, which will shine through during your session. Opt for earthy, muted colors, cozy textures, layers, and outfits that feel comfortable—but most importantly, don’t forget to have fun with it! And if you’re planning engagement photos too, don’t miss my guide on what to expect during your engagement session.

Ready to book your fall family photo session? Get in touch today to reserve your spot! I can’t wait to capture some cozy, colorful memories with you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should we bring a second outfit for our fall photo session?

I recommend sticking with one outfit to keep the session flowing smoothly. However, if you want a second look, keep it simple. Swapping a jacket, shoes, or accessories is an easy way to change up the vibe without adding extra fuss or slowing things down.

What is the best color for fall family photos?

Warm, neutral colors are the best choice because they match the natural scenery and create a relaxed, cozy vibe. Think shades of brown, black, beige, cream, gray, navy, olive green, burnt orange, and plum. Sticking to this color family helps your outfits feel coordinated without looking too matchy-matchy.

How to coordinate outfits for fall family photos?

The best way to coordinate outfits is to stick with warm, neutral colors, simple patterns, and cozy textures. Choose one main color that everyone incorporates into their outfit, then build the rest of the look around a cohesive color palette. This keeps the group looking naturally coordinated without feeling overly matched.

What not to wear for fall family photo shoot?

Avoid anything that’s uncomfortable or restrictive, as it can affect your posture and natural expressions. Skip neon colors, large logos, and overly busy patterns, as they can distract from the cozy, relaxed feel of the photos. Stick with warm, neutral tones and simple textures for the best results.