Planning Outfits for Timeless, Cozy, and Picture-Perfect Family Sessions
Let’s be honest, figuring out what to wear for family photos can feel a little overwhelming. You want everyone to look great, feel comfortable, and coordinate without being too matchy. Add fall colors into the mix, and it’s a lot to think about.
But here’s the good news: fall is one of the easiest seasons to style because the natural colors already give you such a gorgeous head start. Golden leaves, rich warm light, and earthy tones do a lot of the work for you. All you need is the right color palette to complement it all. That’s where I come in!
In this post, I’ll walk you through my favorite fall color schemes that photograph beautifully here in Connecticut or elsewhere. Whether you’re planning a cozy session with your kids or an extended family shoot with lots of moving parts, I’ll help you choose tones that work well on camera and feel like you. I’ll also share what to avoid, how to layer and mix textures, and tips for dressing everyone without overthinking it.
Let’s jump in.
What Colors Look Best for Fall Family Photos?
Here in Connecticut, fall is full of golden leaves, deep greens, and soft grasses. That means your outfits don’t have to compete. Instead, they should complement. Here are three tried-and-true color palettes that always look amazing for fall photos:
1. Warm Neutrals and Earth Tones
This palette is a fan favorite for a reason. Warm neutrals blend effortlessly with nature and create a clean, classic look that never feels trendy or overdone. Think soft beige, ivory, camel, taupe, tan, cream, rust, and olive.
These tones photograph beautifully at golden hour and flatter every skin tone. You can keep it simple with all neutrals, or add one pop of earthy color, like a rust dress or olive jacket, to add visual interest without overwhelming the frame.
Pair with: Leather boots, cozy knits, subtle patterns like gingham or floral, and layered textures like corduroy and wool.
2. Dusty Jewel Tones
Want a bit more color without going too bold? Dusty jewel tones are rich, seasonal, and surprisingly easy to coordinate. Try burgundy, mustard, forest green, or navy in slightly muted shades.
The key is to avoid bright or saturated versions of these colors. Muted tones blend better with fall foliage and photograph much more softly.
Pair with: Denim, soft gray, or warm neutrals to ground the look. Add cozy scarves or layers in similar shades to bring it all together.
3. Mix and Match with Texture
Sometimes it’s not just about color, it’s about how everything works together. Using a mix of textures in your family’s outfits adds depth and dimension to your photos, especially in the soft golden light of autumn.
Think chunky knit sweaters, linen dresses, denim jackets, corduroy pants, and even faux fur vests for the little ones. Texture creates visual interest even when everyone is wearing similar tones.
What Colors to Avoid in Fall Photos
Now that we’ve covered what works, let’s talk about what to skip. While there’s no hard rule, some colors and patterns tend to clash with the natural fall backdrop or photograph poorly.
Avoid:
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Bright red or hot pink (they can clash with the leaves)
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Neon colors of any kind
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Bold logos or text on shirts
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Large or loud prints that steal the focus
These elements can distract from your family’s connection and take away from the natural, timeless feel we’re going for.
What About Elegant Color Schemes?
If you’re looking for something a little more elevated, you can absolutely create a fall color palette that feels refined and elegant. Try soft creams paired with navy, slate blue, or a hint of deep plum. These tones are still warm and seasonal, but they give a more polished, editorial feel to your images.
Add texture with knits, velvet, or wool coats, and keep accessories simple and timeless—think minimal jewelry, neutral shoes, and soft layers.
Tips for Styling the Whole Family
Here are a few quick tips to make coordinating outfits easier for families of all sizes:
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Start with one outfit you love—often mom’s! Build around it with complementary tones.
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Stick to 2–3 main colors and layer in neutrals like cream, denim, or soft gray.
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Lay everything out together before the session to make sure the colors and textures work.
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Comfort matters—if your kids feel good, they’ll be happier and more cooperative.
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Ask for help! I provide all of my clients with a styling guide and am happy to help with outfit selections or custom suggestions.
Still Unsure What to Wear?
Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Outfits are one of the biggest stress points when planning a family session, but it doesn’t have to be hard. When you book a fall family photo session at my Farmington, CT studio or on location, I’ll walk you through wardrobe planning from start to finish.
Whether you’re going for cozy and casual or elevated and elegant, we’ll make sure your family looks great and feels confident.
Final Thoughts
Choosing your fall photo outfits doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right color palette, a little planning, and maybe a few text messages with me to get it just right, you’ll be all set for beautiful, timeless images you’ll love for years.
Want to see these colors in action? Browse the fall family photo gallery on my website for real-life examples of families styled in warm neutrals, jewel tones, and cozy layers.
And if you’re thinking about booking your own fall session in Connecticut, now’s the time to get on the schedule. Spots fill up fast once the leaves start to change!
Book your outdoor fall family photoshoot in Connecticut here or contact the studio for additional details and availability.
