October is here, can you believe it? Even though fall is a highly anticipated season around here, it still feels like the cooler weather snuck up on us! October means that my fall shoots are in full swing, which makes me so happy. There are so many things to love about taking pictures this time of year.

We talk a lot about family photo wardrobes on the blog, and that’s because it’s one of the number one questions that come up after booking photos. It’s tough to find ‘the perfect outfit’ for multiple people! While there are lots of general tips I like to share when outfit questions come up, one thing I always recommend is to dress for the season.

What does it mean to dress for the season? It’s about aligning your wardrobe with clothing that is appropriate for the weather and time of year. In the summer, wearing a strappy floral sundress may be the right choice, but it might look out of place in December when there’s snow on the ground. Dressing for the season will set the tone for your session and help everyone feel comfortable and at ease.

I’d like to break down four tips that will help you understand how to adjust your outfits to feel right at home in the fall. Let’s get started!

Focus on Fabrics

The structure of your clothing can communicate the weather and time of year of your photos. For example, we typically see a lot of loose, flowy materials like linen, cotton, and silk in the spring and summer. In the fall, opt for more structured fabrics like wool, velvet, or flannel. These heavier fabrics will emphasize the season and help you feel more comfortable in cooler weather.

Select a Festive Color Palette

Color plays a huge part in the overall vibe of your photos, especially when it comes to differentiating the seasons. Neutrals and muted tones are always good choices. It’s important to remember that dressing for the season doesn’t mean that you need to be overly festive in your color choices. A dusty mustard orange is going to be a better option than a bright pumpkin orange.

Add Layers

After you’ve established an outline for the color and material of your clothing, it’s time for one of the key steps that really make your outfits feel like fall: layers! This includes things like sweaters, jackets, scarves, vests, boots, and even socks. Layers are a great way to add interest to your wardrobe, just try not to use the same formula for every person so there will still be some variety within your outfits.

Plan a trial run

The secret to a successful family session is dressing in clothing that your family likes. Nobody’s going to have their best smiles on if their clothing is stiff or itchy. Fall clothing can sometimes feel a little stifling, so as you’re putting outfits together, have each member of the family try things on. Test if they can move and if they feel comfortable. The same goes for Mom and Dad too! Dressing in something that makes you feel beautiful and confident will bring out the best in you. 

When you dress your family for the season, you’re creating timeless photos that will look beautiful in your home year-round. As you look back on them, you can focus on your interactions and smiles instead of being distracted by what you’re wearing and whether or not it looks out of place. I can’t wait to see what you come up with!