Top 8 Chic Ideas for Fall Family Photo Outfits

Fall is arguably the most beautiful time of year to capture stunning family memories. As the horizon settles into golden hour earlier and the air turns crisp, planning the perfect look for your session becomes essential.

These treasured photos often become Christmas cards or beautiful wall art, so you want to feel comfortable and look cohesive. We’ve enlisted expert guidance to share the best, modern chic fall fashion ideas to help you decide what clothing to wear for your upcoming session.

Forest Green & Cream

This combination is sophisticated and beautifully contrasts with the warm backdrop of autumn leaves. Deep forest green offers a refined, luxurious anchor color. Pair a lovely green dress or sweater for one parent with cream-colored pieces for the children and the other parent. This palette is timeless and works well for both casual and formal settings.

Camel, Plaid, and Black

For a modern, slightly edgier vibe, integrate camel, black, and subtle plaid. The richness of camel (or light brown) keeps the look warm, while black grounds the ensemble. Plaid works best as an accent—a scarf, a child’s jacket, or a button-up shirt peeking out from under a solid sweater. This trio creates a classic, balanced, and elegant aesthetic.

Ivory and Soft Florals

Don’t assume all fall photos must be dark! Choosing light, airy ivory and beige can provide a stunning contrast against a darker, warm horizon. If you love prints, incorporate soft, muted florals, ideally in a dress for mom or a delicate blouse for a daughter. The key is to ensure the background colors of the floral print match the solid colors worn by the rest of the family.

Caramel and Earthy Greens

Obsessed with warm tones? Caramel, rich brown, and soft, sage greens create a wonderfully earthy and fun aesthetic. This palette feels uniquely autumnal without relying solely on red or orange. Try pairing a caramel knit sweater or leather pants with a dark green blouse. For the children, simple cream jumpers with green accents tie the look together flawlessly.

Cozy Knit Sweaters

Nothing screams fall comfort quite like a chunky knit. Cozy knit sweaters add immediate texture and warmth to your portraits, capturing that relaxed, snug feeling of the season. This look works especially well for a Pacific Northwest vibe. Opt for soft grey knits, beige trousers, and comfortable ankle boots. Prioritize ultimate comfort here, as it translates beautifully to natural, relaxed poses.

Light Denim Looks

For a truly approachable and laid-back session, incorporating light denim is a simple and effective choice. Denim and browns are a classic coupling that never goes out of style. Pair light wash jeans with autumn portrait clothes like soft beige turtlenecks or cream knit cardigans. This aesthetic is simple, fun-loving, and perfect for early fall when the weather is still mild.

Western Flair & Gold

Inject some personality into your shoot with a touch of western flair. This trend is fun and can look incredibly sophisticated when done subtly. This might mean adding a gold-accented belt, simple feminine dresses paired with cowboy boots, or metallic details in a daughter’s outfit. The metallic touch elevates the look and adds a gorgeous, celebratory feel.

Indoor Session Vibes

If you opt for a studio or cozy-at-home session, you still want intentional outfits. Indoor sessions allow you to focus on tactile fabrics like velvet, silk, or cashmere without worrying about coats. For a relaxed, minimalist look, choose soft, light colors and skip the shoes. For a studio, try a sophisticated monochromatic ensemble, like various shades of brown or all black, for an elevated effect.

Comfort should always be your highest priority. As professional photographer Tracey Jazmin advises, choosing styles that make you feel good is paramount, because the memories you make while taking these images are just as precious as the final photos themselves. Try on your entire look a week ahead of time to ensure a great fit.