If you've typed "what to wear for fall family photos" into Google at 11pm with four browser tabs open and a pile of laundry you're pretending not to see — I get it. Outfit planning is the part of a session that many people ponder more than anything else, including the actual photos.
I'm Jennifer, an Ottawa family and maternity photographer, and this is the same guidance I send my own families before their session. It's what actually works in front of a camera, what to skip, and how to get everyone out the door without a meltdown (yours or theirs).
Save & Screenshot this page. Send it to your partner.
Let's get into it!
The short version, if you're in a hurry:
Keep scrolling for the full breakdown, or jump straight to what to avoid or the FAQ.
- Pick one dominant color, 1–2 supporting tones, and a neutral — skip full matching
- Add texture: knits, corduroy, layers over flat t-shirts
- Comfort over "cute" (for kids especially) — itchy or tight shows up on faces
- Neutral shoes, no bright white sneakers or logo athletic wear
- Do a trial run a week out, lay everything out the night before
Pick a Fall Color Palette in 10 seconds
The detailed edit
Start With One Person, Then Build Out
Don't try to plan five outfits at once — you'll lose your mind. Pick one person (usually mom) and choose their outfit first, or even just one piece — a sweater, a dress, a jacket. Everyone else's outfit gets pulled from there: colors, textures, and general vibe. Once you've got that anchor piece, dressing the rest of the family is just filling in around it instead of starting from a blank page.
Build a Fall Palette That Works Together
You don't need matching outfits. You need a coordinated palette: 2–3 colors, with a few shades of each mixed in. Pick one dominant color, one or two supporting colors, and a neutral to tie it together. Here are four fall directions to choose from. Pick whichever one feels most like you:
- Warm Rust — rust, olive, cream, charcoal The classic, high-contrast fall look. Great against changing leaves and golden-hour light.
- Deep Wine — burgundy, camel, charcoal, cream Richer and moodier. Works beautifully in overcast light or later in the day.
- Soft Neutral — sage, camel, cream, espresso Quieter and more editorial — a good fit if bright fall colors aren't really "you."
- Navy Frost — navy, camel, cream, slate Crisper and cooler-toned, for families who want fall layering without the orange-and-rust cliché.
Once you've picked a direction, stay inside that palette for every person in the photo — but let each outfit look different from the others within it. That's what makes a group of people photograph as a family instead of a matching set.
Skip: neon or highlighter colors, anything head-to-toe black, and busy graphic tees. They pull focus away from your faces and read as noise in photos.
Fabric and Textures Matter
A plain t-shirt reads flat in photos. Texture and slightly dressier fabric add depth and make outfits look pulled-together without looking overdone.
Reach for:
- Corduroy, chunky knits, and cardigans
- Flannel and soft plaid (in muted, not neon-bright, colors)
- Chiffon, rayon, or linen for dresses and tops
- Layers — a jacket over a sweater, a vest over a button-down
- Layering does double duty in the fall: it looks better in photos and it keeps everyone comfortable in crispy weather.
Dressing Everyone in the Family
- For her: Maxi/midi dresses, A-line skirts, or a fitted top with a cardigan or blazer layered on top with well fitted pants. Skip strapless, anything above the knee, and heels — grass and gravel don't mix well with either.
- For him: A collared shirt worn untucked under a sweater or light jacket, with chinos or slim-fit jeans. Skip graphic tees, cargo shorts, and big logos.
- For the kids: Comfort over cute — overalls, soft knits, and simple layers let them move and actually smile. Skip cartoon characters and sequins; they date the photos fast.
Shoes: The Detail Everyone Forgets.
Neutral tones win. Ankle boots, riding boots, and loafers all photograph well. Bright white sneakers, athletic shoes, and anything with a big visible logo tend to stand out in the wrong way. For kids, skip light-up sneakers and anything with cartoon characters — a simple boot or leather shoe holds up much better over time.
A Few Accessories Go a Long Way
A scarf, a hat, a simple layered necklace, or a headband for the girls can pull an outfit together without extra effort. The rule of thumb: accessories should support the outfit, not compete with it. If you're debating between two pieces, choose the simpler one.
Bonus Tip: Do a Trial Run Before Session Day
A week or so before your session, have everyone try their outfit on together. This is the single easiest way to catch an itchy tag, or a "this doesn't fit anymore" moment before it becomes a problem on the actual day. Lay everything out (ironed or steamed) the night before, so morning-of is just getting dressed — not searching for a missing sock.
One final tip for families with little ones...
Bring: snacks, water, jackets/cardigans, touch up kit (hairbrush, hair clips/pins, chapstick, makeup) and extra change of clothes. Avoid foods that may soil clothes or stain hands and faces.
Ready to Book Your Ottawa Fall Photo Session?
I'm currently booking fall mini sessions at the Arboretum and in the Kanata area for October 2026. Sessions fill up fast this time of year, so if a fall photo is on your list, now's the time to grab a spot.