Styling & Wardrobe
Autumn Photo Sessions
Hello friends! The leaves have begun to change and I'm getting really excited for my fall sessions, I hope you are as well! So let's talk wardrobe. I know putting together the right outfits can feel a bit daunting , but trust me, it's worth the effort. Your clothing selections can really be the icing on the cake for your beautiful seasonal photos.
I have created this style guide to help. Remember, the most important thing is that you feel great (and comfortable!) in what you're wearing. So let's capture the beauty of autumn with a little outfit planning so that you and your family look absolutely amazing in your fall photos!
Step 1 CHOOSE YOUR OUTFIT FIRST!
When it comes to planning your family's outfits for the fall photography session, I always recommend that mom chooses her look first. After all, your outfit is going to be the foundation for the whole family's style. And let me tell you, picking the right pieces for yourself can make all the difference.
For the most flattering and visually interesting photos, I suggest gravitating towards flowing dresses and skirts. The gentle movement of flowy fabrics adds such a lovely, ethereal quality to the shots. Pair those feminine pieces with some layering - a cozy cardigan or denim jacket can take your look to the next level. Texture is key too, so don't be afraid to mix in cable knits, velvet, or even a bit of lace.
A few of my favorite brands for this type of autumn-inspired clothing are Anthropologie, LuLus, and Madewell. They consistently nail that perfect blend of comfort, style, and seasonality. And with so many gorgeous options, you're sure to find pieces that make you feel like the beautiful, confident mama that you are.
Once you've nailed down your own outfit, you can start coordinating the rest of the family. But trust me, setting that foundation with your personal look will make the whole process so much easier!
Step 2 CHOOSE YOUR COLORS.
When it comes to planning your family's outfits for the fall photo session, one of the most important elements to consider is your overall color scheme. Trust me, choosing a cohesive palette can make all the difference in creating those timeless, magazine-worthy images.
I always recommend selecting two "hero" colors that you want to feature prominently. These should be shades that you and your family love wearing, and they don't have to be typical fall hues. Maybe it's a rich, jewel-toned burgundy and a vibrant mustard yellow. Or perhaps you're drawn to a soft lavender and a deep forest green. The key is making sure those two signature colors are represented across at least two family members' outfits.
Once you have your main colors locked in, you can start building out the rest of the looks with complementary neutrals. Think creamy whites, soft tans, warm browns, and gentle ivories. These background shades will help your pops of color really shine, creating a beautifully cohesive aesthetic.
The great thing about this approach is that it allows for both unity and individuality within your family's style. Everyone can express their personal flair while still feeling cohesively styled. Plus, those thoughtful color choices are going to look absolutely stunning against the rich autumn backdrops.
So don't be afraid to get a little adventurous with your palette! Below are sample color palettes to help inspire you.
Step 3 IT'S TIME TO SHOP!
For the little ones:
Crewcuts by J.Crew-wonderful selection of classic, high quality pieces
Zara Kids-trendy, yet timeless
Mini Boden-whimsical prints with a great selection of sweaters and patterned tights
Janie and Jack-elevated heirloom-quality aesthetic
Hanna Anderson-natural fibers and vibrant, playful prints
The Children's Place-budget friendly, stylish pieces
Rylee + Cru-beautiful bohemian-inspired aesthetic
Ever Eden-Elevated yet playful designs
Hazel Village-small, woman owned biz with organic earthy clothing
Little Bipsy-boho-chic vibes with twirl worthy dresses
For the parents:
Anthropologie-boho-chic
Madewell-classic American style with a twist
Nordstrom-one-stop-shop, impressive selection for all members of the family
LuLus-the latest fashion trends, not too expensive, with a great assortment of dresses
And let's not forget, Amazon & Target can be the perfect choice if looking for outfits that are budget friendly & on trend.
Top Tip Checklist!
There are certain wardrobe choices that I have found through my years of photographing families that can take your photos from blah to beautiful! Read through this handy checklist to make sure you have most covered.
☐ Is there a pop of color on at least two members of your family?
Neutrals are great, but I have found the best photos include the bolder hues on at least 2 of the family members. Think mustard yellow, burnt red & burgundy.
☐ Are there combinations of textures?
Cable knit, suede, velvet, wool (not to be confused with patterns-keep those to a minimum!)-the more layers & textures the better!
☐ Have I avoided solid white and solid black tops?
I won't get into too much technical detail. But solid pure white (not cream or ivory) tends to pick up the color of the environment (green leaves, orange blanket) and can cast non flattering colors on the skin. Black tops tend to wash skin tones out, unless paired with a jewel or earthy hued scarf/accessory.
☐ Did I accessorize?
Nothing rounds out an outfit like statement jewelry, a wonderfully textured scarf, even a beautiful hat. For girls, an understated headband or bow can really pull the look together!
Final notes....
I don't want you to be overwhelmed! I want this to be a fun and exciting process. If you'd love to see my style boards, head on over to my Pinterest page! It's fun, helpful and inspirational! There are also tons of examples on my Facebook page and website. Feel free to send me photos of ideas when deciding on online or even shopping in the store!