As we approach the wonderful season of family photos during the fall, it’s time to revisit the age-old challenge of coordinating outfits for the entire fam. Whether you’re planning a trip to the pumpkin patch or a sunflower field photoshoot, these moments will culminate in memories that last for a lifetime. To ensure your family pictures stand the test of time, I’m here to offer some styling suggestions to get you started in the right direction.

Consider the Location

Before diving into outfit choices, take a moment to contemplate your chosen backdrop. Will your photos be set in a sunflower field, surrounded by the changing leaves in hues of red and yellow, at a rustic pumpkin patch, or amidst the lush greenery of a park? Your location will dictate your color palette so consider it carefully.

Crafting the Color Scheme

Once you’ve settled on the setting, identify the first four dominant colors you see. For example, the colors of our stoop setting are brown, orange and green. To avoid being too overpowering in a sea of bright yellows, opt for a combination of the more muted colors and distribute them among your family members. Keep it simple with a few colors, one for the top and one for the bottom. This way, if you have a larger family, you’ll avoid looking like a single monochrome entity, as the outfit colors will add variety.

Prints or Solids

Unless you’re going for a specific theme like nautical or flannel prints, a timeless look is best achieved with solid colors. They provide a sense of cohesion to your family’s appearance in the photos. if you’re a print lover like myself, carefully consider print variations that complement each other, like a gingham check (like what Lucy is wearing) and a floral (like I’m wearing). Keep a few family members in solid like Freddie and Mia are, it’s all about balance.

Consider Comfort

When planning your family’s outfits, take into account their comfort level. Is your family more laid back or inclined to dress up? Family photoshoots can be a bit challenging, so ensuring everyone is comfortable in their attire is essential. Fussy clothing can easily show in the images, so if a casual theme is your preference, embrace it. To gauge your family’s comfort level, look to the preferences of your significant other.

No matter where you decide to have your photos taken or what you choose to wear, remember that the most important aspect of the day is to have fun! This is an opportunity to create lasting memories, so share some laughter and don’t take it too seriously. Here are a few family picture outfit ideas to spark your creativity and get you started on your holiday card journey!