What to Wear for Fall Family Photos (and What to Avoid)

Fall is hands down one of the most popular times for family photoshoots, and for good reason. The colors are stunning, the light is golden, and everyone loves an excuse to break out their cozy sweaters. But if you’re wondering what to wear for fall family photos and feeling a little stuck, you’re definitely not alone. Outfits come up in almost every pre-session conversation I have, and the right choices really do make a difference in how your images look and how comfortable you feel in front of the camera.

In this post, I’ll walk you through the best colors to wear for fall photos, from rich earth tones to soft neutrals that won’t clash with the foliage. I’ll cover which color schemes photograph beautifully and which ones to skip, plus what to avoid entirely (the title promised). You’ll also find tips on how to coordinate without going too matchy, how layering works in your favor, and how to dress little ones comfortably for an outdoor fall family session in Connecticut.

So if you’re standing in front of your closet feeling overwhelmed, don’t worry, I’ve got you.

What is the Best Color to Wear for Fall Photos?

Stick to earthy and muted tones. Fall colors are already doing a lot of work, so your outfits should complement, not compete. Think cozy neutrals, warm rusts, soft olives, golden mustards, dusty blues, and creamy whites. These tones play beautifully with Connecticut’s fall foliage and look timeless in photos.

Avoid neon, bold patterns, or anything with logos, as those can be distracting.

What is the Best Color Scheme for Fall Family Photos?

Honestly, there’s no single right answer. The best color scheme for your family depends a lot on where you’re shooting and what’s behind you. A session in an open field with golden grasses is going to call for different colors than one under a canopy of red and orange maple trees. Warm earthy tones tend to work almost anywhere in a fall setting, but cooler tones like dusty blues or sage can be really striking against bright foliage if the location has enough contrast.

The main thing: coordinate, don’t match. You want your family to look pulled-together, not like you all got dressed in different sizes of the same outfit. Choose 2-3 main colors and mix them throughout everyone’s outfits. If mom’s in a warm rust dress, dad could wear a cream sweater and the kids in olive and soft denim. Layers and textures, like knits, linen, and corduroy, add interest and dimension.

One thing most people don’t think about ahead of time: where are these photos going to live? If you’re planning to print and display images in your home, it’s worth considering your wall colors and existing decor. A photo with a lot of deep burgundy and rust is going to land differently in a room with warm wood tones and neutral walls than it will in a space with cool grays and blues. It doesn’t have to be a perfect match, but a little forethought goes a long way toward making sure the photos actually look good where they hang.

What to Avoid for Fall Family Photos

The earlier sections covered neon and logos, but it’s worth spelling the full list out.

Orange and black together is the big one. Even in fall, that color combination reads Halloween before it reads family portrait. It seems seasonally appropriate until you see it in photos.

Head-to-toe matching outfits across the whole family tend to look more rigid and formal than intended. A coordinated palette is more visually interesting and feels more relaxed.

All-over black on everyone is also tricky outdoors. Black loses detail in shadows, especially under tree cover. A few black pieces in an outfit are completely fine. Just avoid going all-in across the board.

Trendy graphic items and oversized branding can date photos faster than you’d expect. The goal is something timeless, not tied to a specific season of fashion. And finally, too many accessories. A simple necklace, a cozy hat, or a headband on a little one looks great. Five competing accessories in one outfit becomes visual noise.

Layering and Texture: What They Do for Your Photos

Layering adds visual depth that flat, single-layer outfits just don’t have. An open knit cardigan over a dress, a flannel shirt under a sweater vest, a corduroy jacket on a toddler. These kinds of pieces give photos dimension and make everyone look more put-together.

Fall in Connecticut is also unpredictable. You might start a session in warm afternoon light and end it in the shade with a breeze. Dressing in layers means everyone stays comfortable throughout, and you don’t have to cut the session short.

Textures that photograph well: chunky knits, corduroy, linen, flannel, and velvet for cooler days. Textures that compete with the environment: anything shiny, metallic, or with an obvious sheen. Save those for studio sessions. If you want a broader guide to planning what your family wears, the what to wear for photos page on the site is a good place to start.

Dress for Comfort

You’ll be walking, sitting, and snuggling, so make sure everyone feels good in what they’re wearing, especially the kids. Fussy clothes or itchy fabrics are a recipe for cranky faces.

And if you’re wondering about shoes, go for something neutral, comfy, and close-toed (especially for outdoor sessions in leaf-covered fields). Tall boots coordinate beautifully with dresses, and a nice Oxford or lace-up boot is great for the boys. Avoid heels (you’ll sink into the ground) and athletic shoes.

Bonus Tip: Lay It All Out

Try laying everyone’s outfit out on the bed ahead of time. This gives you a chance to spot anything that clashes or feels out of place before the morning of your session (when you definitely don’t have time to fix it). If you’re working with me, you can always send a quick photo my way for feedback. I’m happy to help.

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