What To Wear For Your Autumn Photoshoot
You’ve booked your autumn photoshoot, and now comes the question:
“What are we all going to wear?”
Choosing outfits for family photos can feel surprisingly tricky. You want everyone to look like they belong together without looking like you’ve all been dressed in the same outfit. You want it to feel like your family, but with a little extra thought behind it.
So, if you’re currently standing in front of the wardrobe wondering whether everyone can get away with wearing beige, here are a few simple tips for choosing outfits that work beautifully for autumn photos.
Start With Your Colours
September and October are perfect for warmer, richer tones, which, if I’m honest, I’ve been looking forward to since last autumn!
Think:
- Rust and terracotta
- Chocolate and warm brown
- Caramel
- Cream and oatmeal
- Olive and muted green
- Muted mustard
- Burgundy
- Soft taupe and deeper neutrals
You don’t need everyone wearing the same colour. Choose a small palette that works together and build your outfits around it.
A great place to start is with one outfit you really love, then choose everyone else’s clothing to complement it.
And yes, beige is absolutely allowed! In fact, soft neutrals work beautifully for autumn photos and can be mixed with warmer shades and different textures to create a really timeless look.
Match Or Coordinate?
You can do either!
If you love the look of matching outfits for siblings, go for it. Matching jumpers or dresses can look gorgeous in photographs.
Alternatively, choose colours that complement each other without being identical. Different textures, layers and shades can add lots of interest while still making everyone look like they belong together.
There really isn’t a right or wrong way to do it. Think about what feels like your family.
Keep It Comfortable
This is especially important when you’re photographing little ones.
Knitted jumpers, cardigans, dungarees, cord trousers, simple dresses and soft layers are all lovely choices for autumn. They’re comfortable, photograph well and give you plenty of texture.
For adults, dresses, jeans, chinos, trousers, jumpers and simple shirts can all work beautifully. You don’t need to dress formally unless that’s your style.
The main thing is to choose something you feel comfortable and confident in. If you’re constantly pulling at it, adjusting it or wishing you’d worn something else, it probably isn’t the outfit for you.
I’d also avoid large logos, characters and very bold patterns, as they can quickly draw attention away from the people in the photograph.
Think About Texture
Autumn is the perfect time to layer.
Knits, corduroy, wool, linen and soft cotton can add depth to your photographs without needing lots of different colours.
A chunky cardigan, knitted jumper, scarf or pair of cord trousers can make an outfit feel much more autumnal without looking overly themed.
What About Newborns And Maternity Sessions?
If you’re coming to the studio for a newborn session, you really don’t need to worry about bringing lots of outfits for your baby. Simple sleepsuits, knitted pieces or a plain bodysuit work beautifully, and I have plenty of wraps and knitted items at the studio that we can use during your session.
For maternity sessions, I also have a selection of beautiful maternity dresses available for you to choose from. Fitted dresses can show off your bump beautifully, while flowing fabrics and soft knits create a more relaxed look.
One Last Tip
Once you’ve chosen everyone’s outfits, lay them all out together and take a quick photo on your phone.
It’s a really easy way to see whether all the colours and patterns work together.
And if you’re still unsure, send it to me! I’m always happy to have a look and give you a little guidance before your session.
Most importantly, these are suggestions, not rules.
Your photographs should feel like your family. Whether you’re all matching, coordinating beautifully or embracing your love of beige, choose clothes that feel like you and let yourself enjoy the experience.
