Fall Family Photoshoots: How to Nail Outfits That Look Cohesive, Not Matchy

Fall is a perfect time to capture family memories, with the backdrop of vibrant leaves and the crisp, golden glow of autumn. However, one of the biggest challenges families face when planning their photoshoot is coordinating outfits. The current trend? It’s all about looking cohesive without being overly matchy. Gone are the days of identical plaid shirts or everyone wearing the same color. Instead, families are opting for outfits that blend harmoniously, while still allowing each person to express their individuality.

If you’re planning your fall family photoshoot and want to strike that perfect balance, here are some essential steps to help you choose outfits that suit your whole family and ensure your photos come out timeless and beautiful.

Step 1: Choose a Color Palette

The first step in planning your family’s outfits is to settle on a color palette. You don’t need everyone in identical shades, but selecting a cohesive color scheme will tie everything together beautifully in the final photos.

For fall, earthy tones and muted shades are trending. Think soft browns, burnt oranges, deep greens, rich maroons, and mustard yellows. Neutral colors like cream, beige, or charcoal can help ground the palette. Select two to three dominant colors and one or two accent colors. This will give you a range of options without feeling overwhelming or disconnected.

Pro tip: Use nature for inspiration. Look to the fall leaves or the sunset hues of the season as a guide for your palette. These tones will naturally blend into the autumnal backdrop of your photoshoot.

Step 2: Mix Textures and Patterns

One of the best ways to avoid the “matchy-matchy” look is by playing with textures and patterns. This year, trends show a rise in mixing fabrics like knits, corduroy, denim, and linen. These textures add depth and interest to your photos without overwhelming the eye.

When it comes to patterns, the key is subtlety and balance. Plaids, florals, and stripes can work well together as long as they share a similar color family. For example, a floral dress for mom, a plaid button-up for dad, and solid sweaters for the kids would create a dynamic, visually interesting ensemble.

Pro tip: Keep patterns to a minimum—only one or two people should wear a patterned piece, while the others wear solid colors or minimal prints. This way, the patterns don’t compete with one another but instead enhance the overall look.

Step 3: Coordinate, Don’t Match

This is where things get fun. Instead of dressing everyone in the same outfit, focus on creating harmony through coordination. For example, if you’ve chosen burgundy and mustard as your main colors, perhaps dad wears a burgundy sweater, mom has a mustard scarf, and the kids wear outfits with hints of both colors.

It’s also important to keep everyone’s personality in mind. Your kids may not want to wear the same style of clothing as you, and that’s okay! The idea is to let their individual style shine while still keeping within the broader theme of your color palette and aesthetic.

Pro tip: Avoid overly trendy pieces that could look dated in a few years. Opt for classic, timeless clothing that will keep your photos looking fresh for years to come.

Step 4: Consider Layers for Depth

Layering is not only practical for fall weather but also adds visual interest to your photos. Jackets, scarves, cardigans, and hats can provide texture and dimension to your outfits. Plus, if you find that one outfit color or texture feels too bold, a simple layer (like a neutral jacket or sweater) can tone it down and balance the entire look.

Pro tip: Stick to layering pieces that complement your overall color scheme. Neutral layers like cream or tan tend to work well without overpowering the main outfit colors.

Step 5: Pay Attention to Footwear and Accessories

Footwear and accessories are often overlooked when planning photoshoot outfits, but they can make or break the look. For fall family photos, opt for boots, loafers, or other seasonally appropriate shoes in neutral tones. This ensures they don’t draw attention away from the rest of the outfit but still look cohesive with the theme.

Scarves, hats, and jewelry should be simple and complement the overall palette. When it comes to accessories, less is more. Focus on pieces that add to the look without becoming a distraction.

Pro tip: Avoid sneakers or flip-flops, as they can look too casual or out of place in fall photos. Sticking to classic, polished shoes will elevate your entire ensemble.

Step 6: Plan Ahead and Involve the Family

The key to successful family photoshoots is planning in advance. Once you have your color palette and style direction set, start laying out outfits early. Involving the whole family in this process can make it more fun and ensure everyone is comfortable in what they’re wearing.

Make sure to try on the outfits ahead of time to ensure everything fits well and looks good together. Sometimes colors or patterns that seem like they’ll work may clash, so it’s essential to do a trial run. Also, if possible, take photos of the outfits together in natural light to see how they look before the actual photoshoot.

Pro tip: Avoid buying all outfits in one place. Shopping from different stores or even mixing new items with pieces already in your wardrobe will help create a more authentic, personalized look.

By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to creating a cohesive, stylish family look that captures the essence of fall without feeling too forced or overly coordinated. Planning ahead and being mindful of colors, textures, and layers will not only make the process easier but also ensure you have stunning, timeless photos you’ll treasure for years to come.

To make the process even easier, shop our shoppable guides curated with family fall photoshoots in mind.