The Easiest Way to Dress Your Family for Photos

Fall sessions are approaching faster than you think! The number one question I get is how to style everyone for photos.

One of the most common pieces of advice in the industry is to choose an outfit for mom and style everyone else around her outfit choice. When I went to plan outfits for my own family, I found this piece of advice to be really frustrating. It wasn’t helpful, and it didn’t keep me from overthinking the outfit choices for the rest of my family. I’m a photographer! It shouldn’t be that complicated.

And there it was- the truth of the matter. It SHOULDN’T BE THAT COMPLICATED. This year, I took a different approach for my family photos. I decided right away that I wanted to use these photos to create a gallery wall in my dining room. The colors in that space are shades of blue and butter yellow. That became the jumping-off point for my color palette. Then I just chose outfits for my family that fell within that color palette. Just like that, a seamless aesthetic came together.

To create a balanced color palette, I recommend picking 2-3 colors and 2-3 complementary neutrals. Here are some outfit ideas for fall photos that showcase what I’m talking about. In each case, I started with the color palette, then hunted down pieces that worked.

For families who prefer a softer, more understated look, sage green paired with warm neutrals is a timeless choice. Cream, oatmeal, soft tan, and muted terracotta create a calming palette that feels natural in any outdoor setting. These colors photograph beautifully together and keep the focus where it belongs—on your family's connection rather than bright or distracting clothing.

This palette is especially flattering because it mixes warm and cool tones in a balanced way. A sage button-down, cream knit sweater, soft denim, and warm brown accessories create plenty of contrast while maintaining a light, airy feel. It's an excellent option for families who love a classic style that won't feel dated years from now.

If you're looking for a color palette that feels rich and elegant without being overly bold, this combination is one of my favorites. Deep burgundy and navy provide beautiful contrast while warm neutrals like cream, camel, and chocolate brown soften the overall look. Together, they create outfits that feel cozy, sophisticated, and perfectly at home against changing leaves.

This palette works especially well because everyone doesn't have to wear the same color. Mom might wear a burgundy dress with a camel cardigan, Dad could wear a navy sweater with brown trousers, while little ones mix creams, browns, and subtle patterns. The result feels coordinated without looking overly matched, allowing each person's personality to shine through while still creating a cohesive family portrait.

Nothing says fall quite like warm golden tones. Mustard, cinnamon, rich browns, and creamy neutrals pair beautifully with classic denim to create a palette that's vibrant without overpowering your photos. These colors naturally complement autumn foliage, making them an excellent choice for pumpkin patches, wooded trails, or golden-hour sessions.

One of the biggest advantages of this palette is its versatility. Dark denim provides a timeless foundation, while pops of mustard and burnt orange add warmth and depth. Mixing in cream sweaters, brown leather boots, and textured knits creates visual interest without relying on busy prints. The finished look feels relaxed, inviting, and effortlessly seasonal.

I hope this small shift makes it easier to plan your outfits for this fall. Just in case you’d like more tips, I have an updated and simplified outfit guide that all my clients have access to after booking. For those who like a little more guidance, I am always available via email leading up to your session!