Fall Photo Wardrobe Guide
Fall is such a gorgeous time for photos—the colors, the cozy layers, the soft light! Choosing the right outfits can help everything come together beautifully without feeling overly coordinated or stiff.
~~~~
Here’s where I’d like to add one major caveat: Wear what makes you feel good. Disregard every rule (except the one about neon, please) and dress in whatever speaks to you and feel truly authentic. Is it you in a leather jacket and partner in a tux? Awesome. Let’s find a backdrop that fits your vibe.
Kids live in their favorite sports team gear and will give you a hard time wearing anything else? Let them. They’ll be comfortable, they’ll look the way you remember them in this season of their life, and there will be waaay less stress.
~~~~
Start with a color palette that complements the season’s natural tones. Earthy hues, warm neutrals, and rich jewel shades all photograph beautifully this time of year. Then, build in texture and layers for depth and comfort. Think sweaters, scarves, denim, and knits—pieces that feel natural and relaxed.
Here are some ideas to get you started:
Color Palettes
Earth Tones: Sage, tan, cream, and other muted naturals always pair beautifully with fall scenery.
Warm Neutrals: Ivory, camel, or chocolate brown offer timeless warmth.
Jewel Tones: Deep colors like emerald, navy, or wine bring richness and depth.
Romantic Shades: Soft blush, mauve, and rose tones mixed with light grey create a dreamy, elegant look.
This company made a great post on Instagram to demonstrate these tips.
What to Avoid
Perfectly Matching Outfits: Instead, coordinate colors and textures for a cohesive but natural look.
Neon Colors: These can cast harsh tones on skin and distract from your faces.
Busy Patterns: Limit patterns to one or two people so your photos stay balanced.
Logos & Graphics: Keep the focus on you—not your T-shirt design!
Styling Tips
Layer Up: Fall sessions can get chilly, so bring sweaters, jackets, or wraps to stay cozy.
Play with Texture: Knits, corduroy, leather, and denim add beautiful depth to your images.
Accessorize with Intention: Hats, scarves, and boots can complete your look and add personality.
Keep It Comfortable: Choose clothes that make you feel confident and free to move.
Think About Your Setting: Warm, natural tones blend beautifully with fall landscapes, while cooler tones pop against colorful leaves.
Looking for a little more direct guidance?
Burgundy, Tan, Olive & Cream Deep burgundy for jackets or tops; olive pants or scarves; tan and cream neutrals. The richness of burgundy feels sophisticated; tan / cream tones soften it and complement different skin tones and clothing styles. (HPD Consult)
Navy, Mustard, Cream & Warm Neutrals Navy as a base (jackets, shirts, sweaters); mustard or rust as accent touches (scarves, hats, jewelry); cream & taupe as lighter neutrals. Navy gives a polished look that adults often like; accent colors allow adult children to pop a bit and still look “styled together.” (HPD Consult)
Sage, Dusty Pink / Mauve, Light Grey & Tan Sage green dresses/blouses; dusty pink/mauve tops; greys & tans in jackets or layers. These softer tones are elegant, flattering at different ages, and especially lovely with fall foliage. (Aspen and Sage Photography)
Rust, Forest Green, Chocolate Brown & Cream Forest green outerwear; rust sweaters; chocolate brown pants or boots; cream as a balancing neutral. Earth tones feel grounded and natural; darker hues are forgiving (e.g. on accessories/clothing), and cream helps avoid things getting too heavy. (Pink Lily)
Charcoal / Grey, Blush, Deep Rose & Camel Charcoal grey or black base pieces; blush or deep rose dresses/shirts; camel tones in coats / boots. The charcoal gives maturity, blush/deep rose adds warmth and variety, camel ties everything together with an autumn feel. (Pink Lily)
The sample images below are a collection from Google, and not my photos. Have tour through my website or Instagram to see real clients and real outfits.
