Family photos are a treasure. Looking back at years of our family portraits, the effort of coordinating schedules, choosing outfits, and hoping everyone would cooperate (smile at the camera, please!) fades away, replaced by the joy of captured memories. If you’re like me, the most stressful part is definitely figuring out what everyone should wear. Let’s take that stress away together and dive into some fantastic fall family photo outfit ideas!
Before we jump into specific outfit ideas, let’s consider a crucial element that’s often overlooked: your photographer’s editing style. I learned this the hard way. I prefer natural, true-to-color photos. Imagine my disappointment when our beach family photos, taken by a different photographer, came back heavily edited with a yellow tint! Even the cutest outfits and perfect poses can be overshadowed if the editing style doesn’t align with your vision. So, talk to your photographer beforehand about their editing approach to ensure your fall family photos turn out exactly as you dream.
Now, let’s get to the fun part – outfit inspiration! For fall family photos, especially when surrounded by the gorgeous changing leaves, certain color palettes truly shine. Here are several fall family photo outfit ideas, broken down by color scheme, to help you plan your perfect photoshoot.
Key Considerations for Fall Family Photo Outfits
Choosing the right outfits involves more than just picking pretty clothes. Here are a few key aspects to keep in mind as you plan:
Location and Setting
Think about where your photos will be taken. A park with vibrant fall foliage calls for different colors than a beach or a studio setting. Outdoor locations with natural fall colors often look best with outfits that complement or softly contrast with the environment. For example, if you’re shooting amidst fiery red and orange leaves, consider outfits with cooler tones or neutral palettes to create a beautiful visual balance.
Color Palette: Cohesion, Not Matching
The goal is coordinated, not identical. Avoid everyone wearing the exact same color. Instead, choose a color palette of 3-4 colors that harmonize well together. Vary textures and shades within that palette to add depth and visual interest. For example, if you choose a palette of blues and creams, incorporate different shades of blue (navy, light blue, denim) and textures like cable knit sweaters, corduroy, and soft cotton.
Comfort and Practicality
Fall weather can be unpredictable. Layers are your best friend! Think sweaters, cardigans, jackets, and scarves. Not only do layers add visual appeal, but they also allow for easy adjustments if the temperature fluctuates. Comfort is also key, especially if you have young children. Choose outfits that allow for movement and won’t be restrictive or itchy. Happy kids (and adults!) make for better photos.
Photographer’s Editing Style
As mentioned earlier, understanding your photographer’s editing style is crucial. If they lean towards warm, golden edits, outfits in cooler tones might be a great contrast. If their style is more true-to-life, then your color palette choices become more flexible. Discussing this beforehand ensures your outfits and the final photos work in perfect harmony.
Outfit Ideas by Color Palette for Fall Family Photos
Here are some color palette inspirations perfect for your fall family photoshoot:
Neutral and Earthy Tones: Tan, Cream, Soft Pink, and Sea Green
This palette is beautifully versatile. It works wonderfully in various settings, from beaches to open fields, and even studios. The neutral base allows for subtle pops of color to stand out without being overwhelming. Think tan corduroys, cream sweaters, soft pink blouses for girls, and sea green accents in accessories or a baby’s outfit.
Neutral fall family photo outfit ideas with tan, cream, soft pink and sea green color palette for beach or open field photoshoot.
Sage Green, Blush Pink, Cream, and Grey
This soft and elegant color scheme is perfect for fall. Sage green evokes the natural world, while blush pink adds a touch of sweetness. Cream and grey act as beautiful neutrals to ground the palette. Imagine a sage green dress for mom, blush pink sweaters for girls, cream pants for dad, and grey accents for the boys.
Sage green, blush pink, cream and grey coordinated outfits inspiration for fall family photos. Family picture outfit inspiration for options for women
Soft Brown, Khaki, Cream, Powder Blue, and Camel
For a classic fall feel, this palette is a winner. The warm browns and khakis are inherently autumnal, while powder blue adds a refreshing and unexpected touch. Camel sweaters, cream blouses, khaki pants, and powder blue shirts create a sophisticated and timeless look.
Family photo outfit ideas in soft brown, khaki, cream, powder blue, and camel color scheme suitable for fall. Family picture outfit inspiration for options for women
Olive Green, Camel, Forest Green
Embrace the rich tones of fall foliage with this deep and earthy palette. Olive green, camel, and forest green are reminiscent of changing leaves and create a stunning backdrop for outdoor fall photos. Think olive green dresses, camel sweaters, and forest green accents in scarves or vests.
Olive green, camel and forest green color palette idea for fall family photos in nature. Family picture outfit inspiration for options for women
Red, Brown, Brick Red, Beige, Tan, Rust, and Camel
For a truly autumnal and vibrant feel, consider this warm and inviting palette. The various shades of red, brown, and beige capture the essence of fall. Brick red sweaters, tan pants, rust-colored dresses, and camel jackets create a cozy and visually rich ensemble.
Red, brown, brick red and beige fall family photo outfits color combination. Family picture outfit inspiration for options for women
Cream, Black, Rust, and Camel
This palette offers a touch of sophistication and edge while still being perfect for fall. Cream and camel provide warmth, while black and rust add depth and visual interest. Cream sweaters, black pants or skirts, rust-colored accents in accessories, and camel coats create a stylish and modern fall look.
Cream, black, rust and camel color scheme inspiration for stylish fall family photo outfits. Family picture outfit inspiration for options for women
Beige, Tan, Rust, and Camel
For a monochromatic and effortlessly chic look, this palette of warm neutrals is ideal. Sticking to shades within the beige, tan, rust, and camel family creates a cohesive and elegant feel. Vary textures to add dimension – think cable knit sweaters, suede boots, and corduroy pants.
Beige, tan, rust and camel toned family photo outfits perfect for fall season. Family picture outfit inspiration for options for women
Burgundy, Mauve, Rose Pink, and Navy
If you prefer deeper, richer tones, this palette is a beautiful choice. Burgundy and navy are classic fall colors, while mauve and rose pink add a touch of femininity and softness. Burgundy dresses, navy sweaters, mauve cardigans, and rose pink accessories create a sophisticated and elegant ensemble.
Burgundy, mauve, rose pink and navy family photo outfit palette for fall photoshoot. Family picture outfit inspiration for options for women
Soft Blues, Bright Berry Pink, Raspberry Purple, and White
For a more vibrant and playful fall palette, consider this unexpected combination. Soft blues provide a calming base, while bright berry pink and raspberry purple add pops of fun and energy. White acts as a clean and crisp neutral. Denim shirts, berry pink sweaters for girls, raspberry purple accents, and white pants create a cheerful and unique fall look.
Soft blues, bright berry pink, raspberry purple and white coordinated family outfits inspiration. Family picture outfit inspiration for options for women
These color palettes are just starting points! Feel free to adapt them to your family’s style and preferences. The most important thing is that everyone feels comfortable and confident in their outfits.
Bonus Tips for a Successful Fall Family Photoshoot
Beyond outfits, here are a few extra tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable photoshoot:
- Bring snacks and drinks: Especially if you have kids! Pack easy, non-messy snacks (like Smarties or Cheerios) to keep everyone happy and energized. Bribery with treats can work wonders!
- Take individual photos: While you’re at it, ask your photographer to take individual portraits of each family member. These are great for work headshots, school photos, or just having nice individual pictures.
- Embrace imperfection and have fun! Family photoshoots can be unpredictable, especially with young children. Meltdowns happen, and that’s okay! Sometimes, those candid, imperfect moments end up being the most cherished. Relax, go with the flow, and focus on enjoying the experience together.
And remember, even a toddler meltdown can become a funny and memorable part of your family photo story!
Humorous behind the scenes moment from family photoshoot showing a toddler having a meltdown, highlighting the reality of family photos.
Choosing outfits for fall family photos doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With a little planning and inspiration, you can create a cohesive and stylish look that captures your family’s personality and the beauty of the season. So, gather your family, pick your favorite color palette, and get ready to create some lasting memories! Start planning your Fall Family Photo Outfits today!
