With autumn comes one of my favorite traditions: family photos! Whether you’re planning an afternoon at the pumpkin patch, wandering through a field of sunflowers, or simply gathering beneath the changing leaves, there’s something so special about capturing your family during this beautiful season. Of course, deciding what everyone should wear can be a little less magical. Coordinating outfits for the entire family is no small feat, but with a few thoughtful styling choices, you can create a look that feels both effortless and timeless. I’m sharing four simple tips to help you pull it all together and create photographs you’ll cherish for years to come.
Consider the Location
Before you begin pulling pieces from everyone’s closets, take a moment to consider your backdrop. Will you be surrounded by golden sunflowers, the rich reds and yellows of autumn leaves, the rustic charm of a pumpkin patch, or the lingering greenery of your favorite park? Your setting plays an important role in determining your color palette, so let the natural beauty of your surroundings offer a little inspiration before settling on everyone’s outfits.
Crafting the Color Scheme
Once you’ve chosen your location, take note of the three or four colors that stand out most. For example, the dominant colors of the orchard are warm browns, oranges, and greens. Rather than competing with the scenery, especially somewhere filled with vibrant autumn hues, choose a few of the softer, more muted shades to incorporate into your family’s wardrobe.
I like to keep things simple by selecting a handful of complementary colors and distributing them throughout everyone’s outfits. Think one color for a top and another for a bottom, mixing and matching as you go. This is especially helpful with larger families, as it creates a sense of cohesion without everyone blending together into one monochromatic group. The goal is to coordinate, not necessarily to match!
Prints or Solids
When it comes to creating family photographs that feel timeless, solid colors are always a lovely place to start. Unless you’re embracing a particular theme, like nautical stripes or cozy autumn flannels, a mix of thoughtfully chosen solids will help create a beautifully cohesive look.
Of course, if you’re a lover of prints like myself, there’s no need to shy away from them entirely. The trick is to choose patterns that complement rather than compete with one another. A delicate floral paired with a classic gingham check, for example, can add just the right amount of interest. Keep a few family members in solids, as I’ve done with Freddie and my skirt, to give the eye a place to rest. As with most things in styling, it’s all about finding the right balance.
Consider Comfort
Perhaps the most important thing to consider when planning everyone’s outfits is comfort. Is your family happiest in casual, everyday pieces, or do you enjoy an occasion to dress up a little? While it’s tempting to put everyone in their picture-perfect best, uncomfortable clothing has a way of making itself known, especially when little ones are involved!
Family photo sessions can come with their fair share of wrangling, so choose pieces that allow everyone to move freely and feel like themselves. If your family leans toward a more relaxed style, embrace it. And if you’re unsure where to begin, I always suggest considering the preferences of your significant other. Finding that happy middle ground will make the experience that much more enjoyable for everyone.
At the end of the day, the most beautiful family photographs are the ones that capture a little of the love, laughter, and personality that make your family yours. Don’t worry too much about perfectly placed collars or getting everyone to smile at precisely the same moment. Enjoy the experience, embrace a bit of the unexpected, and let the memories unfold naturally.
Whether you’re gathering for a yearly family portrait or hoping to capture a few special moments for this season’s holiday cards, I’ve rounded up some family picture outfit ideas to offer a little inspiration as you plan your own autumn photoshoot. Happy styling!
