What to Wear for a Fall Photoshoot

In Northern Virginia, the best time for a fall photoshoot typically aligns with the peak of fall foliage, which generally occurs from mid-October to early November.

For a fall photoshoot, you'll want to choose outfits that complement the autumnal colors and vibes. I often recommend to my clients to select earthy tones like deep greens, burgundy, mustard yellow, burnt orange, and rich browns complement the fall foliage.

Autumn is such a rich season for colors and textures. Here are a few outfit ideas for family photos sorted by color palettes that will complement the autumn foliage and create a harmonious look:

Deep Greens

For women, a rich, earthy tones of green dress would be so gorgeous especially during the golden hour sunset. Deep emerald, olive green, moss green, or forest green are all excellent choices that evoke the autumn season.

For men, choosing a green shirt  can be a stylish and versatile option. Here are some suggestions on how to select and style a green shirt for the fall season. Since fall weather can fluctuate, layering options such as a sweater, cardigan, or jacket over the green shirt would be an excellent choice.  This not only adds warmth but also enhances the outfit's depth and visual interest.

 Dark denim jeans, khaki pants, or even corduroy trousers in neutral tones like brown, tan, or navy can complement the green shirt while keeping the overall look balanced.

For kids:

Kids can coordinate parents with wearing a green dress , flannel and khaki pants. By focusing on these simple styles, you can create a charming fall photoshoot outfit for kids that not only looks great but also captures the warmth and beauty of the autumn season.

Burnt orange & Burgundy

Women  A burnt orange dress for a fall photoshoot can be a stunning choice, perfectly capturing the warm and rich colors of autumn.

Men  Similarly, a Styling burgundy cardigan for men in a fall photoshoot can create a classic and rich look that complements the burnt orange shades.

Kids

Dressing Girls in burgundy or burnt orange  can create a warm and coordinating look that suits the season.

Similarly, boys can coordinate parents with a burgundy polo and khaki pants .

Rich Browns

Women 

A autumn brown dress can be another stunning choice for a fall photoshoot, exuding warmth and elegance that complements the autumn season.

Men  

Choosing an autumn brown shirt for men can create a stylish and seasonal look that fits well with fall aesthetics. It can be easily paired with jeans or khaki pants to complete the style. A flannel shirt in autumn shades is another great option for men.

Kids  

Girls  A floral brown dress for girls can be a charming and versatile choice for fall photoshoot. It’s best to not choose matching dresses with mom- rather choose a different shade of brown or texture.

Boys- there's a wide range of shades of autumn brown to select from. Boys can coordinate with parents wearing a slighting richer or lighter brown cardigan , paired with jeans or khaki pants to complete the look.

Mustard yellow

Women 

a mustard yellow dress that reflects the hues of autumn leaves can create a beautiful and seasonal look for a fall photoshoot.

Men

Men should opt for a shirt or sweater in a shade of autumn yellow that suits your skin tone and personal style. It could range from a muted mustard yellow to a richer golden hue. Another great options for men is a  flannel shirt in plaid patterns with autumn yellow tones.

Kids

Girls A mustard yellow jumper dress is  cute and comfortable option that captures the warmth of autumn colors. Pair with a long-sleeved shirt underneath and leggings for cooler days.

For boys, a flannel shirt in plaid or check patterns with warm mustard would be super stylish. Pair it with dark denim jeans and sturdy boots or sneakers.

 Ivory & Tan

Women

A ivory or tan dress is a versatile and autumn-appropriate for a fall outdoor photoshoot

Men

I have a wide array of options when it comes to selecting ivory tones. Pair tan chinos with a lightweight chambray shirt in a shade of blue or gray. Remember, the goal is to coordinate and not match!

Kids

Girls- Choose a tan dress (such as a shift dress or sweater dress) and layer with a cardigan in a contrasting color. Add tights or leggings and ankle boots or ballet flats for a polished look.

Boys -a tan crewneck sweater and layer it over a plain white or navy T-shirt. Pair with dark denim jeans and sturdy brown boots or sneakers for a comfortable and stylish outfit.

Styling Tips for a Family Fall Photoshoot:

A typical outdoor session will take about 1 hour . During the session , I guide my clients to the best locations in the parks. That means there will be some walking!! It's important to keep that in mind when deciding on the type of outfit and shoes to wear.

Here are some tips to keeping the outfits fun, stylish and most importantly comfortable!

• Coordinate, Don’t Match: Aim for outfits that coordinate in terms of color scheme and style rather than being too uniform. This allows each family member to express their individual style while looking cohesive in the photos.

• Consider the Location: Choose outfits that complement the outdoor setting where the photoshoot will take place. Earth tones and natural colors tend to blend well with fall foliage and rustic backgrounds.

• Comfort First: Prioritize comfort for all family members, especially children and elderly family members. Ensure outfits allow freedom of movement and are suitable for spending time outdoors.

• Plan Ahead: Coordinate outfits in advance to ensure everyone is comfortable with their clothing choices. This helps avoid last-minute stress and ensures everyone feels confident and relaxed during the photoshoot.

By focusing on comfort and coordination with these outfit ideas and tips, your family can enjoy a memorable and enjoyable fall outdoor photoshoot while looking stylish and feeling comfortable throughout the day.