Fall Outfits for Fall Family Photos: What to Wear for Each Member of the Family | Advise from an Idaho Family Photographer

Fall in Southeast Idaho and Northern Utah is one of the most magical seasons for family photos. Between the golden leaves, cozy sweaters, and that crisp air, autumn gives us the dreamiest backdrop. And with that comes choosing locations, possibly battling some weather, and convincing your family to smile. But the big question that always comes up: What should we wear? To make planning easier, I’ve created this guide for outfits for fall family photos that breaks things down by family member. Whether you’re a mom trying to choose a flattering dress, a dad who just wants to keep it simple, or you’re dressing kids who need comfort first, this guide has you covered.

In this guide you will find a section for each family member where you will find tips and tricks for how to dress. There are some general bonus tips as well. And at the very end are some Outfit Inspo boards to see some visuals on what to wear for your fall family photos.

For Each Family Member:

Every family member plays an important part in creating a cohesive fall photo look. Here are my favorite tips for dressing each person in your family.

Mom: Set the Tone

Let’s be real—most family photo outfits start with mom’s look. You set the tone for the session, so it’s best to choose your outfit first and then build a beautiful look for the rest of your family. Once you’ve chosen your outfit, it’s much easier to build the rest of the family’s wardrobe around what you are wearing.

Tips for Moms:

• A Flowy dress with rich fall tones like rust red, olive green, mustard yellow, cream, or burgundy.
• A sweater dress or maxi skirt with a cozy cardigan make for a beautiful fall look.
• Add some layers with a cozy cardigan or denim jacket.
• Add boots, a felt hat, or textured scarf for extra cozy fall vibes.
• Don’t be afraid to dress up a little—if you feel confident, it shows in your photos!!

Dad: Keep It Simple & Neutral

Once mom’s outfit is chosen, dad’s role is to complement her look. Neutral and earthy tones look timeless and photograph beautifully. Plus a neutral look that complement’s what mom is wearing will look great for every photo that you are both in together.

Tips for Dads:

• Stick with earthy neutrals: navy blue, caramel brown, charcoal grey, olive green, or tan.
• Choose a henley, button-down, or lightweight sweater—easy but polished.
• Add a layer (vest, flannel, or casual jacket) for texture.
• Dark denim, chinos, or corduroy pants pair well with fall tones.
• Finish with boots or clean sneakers that fit the outdoorsy fall setting.

Teens & Tweens: Style Meets Comfort

This age can be tricky—your pre-teens and teens want to look stylish, not “kid-like,” but you still need their outfits to blend with the family’s look. The key is to give them options that feel age-appropriate, trendy, and comfortable.

Tips for Teens & Tweens:

• For girls: Sweater dresses, skirt + sweater combos, or wide-leg pants with a tucked-in blouse all look stylish and age-appropriate.
• For boys: Casual button-downs, henleys, or layered flannels work well. Pair with jeans or chinos for a polished but not overdressed look.
• Let them add one accessory that feels like them. Think something like a beanie, accent necklace, or, layered bracelets.
• Avoid logos or neon colors—stick to your family’s fall palette so the look stays cohesive. Plus they can be big distractions that take away from the main focus of the photos.
• Bonus tip: If they help pick their outfit, they’ll show up to the session much happier!

Kids: Cozy, Cute, & Comfortable

Kids bring the fun energy to your session, so their outfits should allow for play and movement. Also how cute and adorable do they look in something extra cozy!

Tips for Kids:

• Choose textures like corduroy overalls, knit sweaters, plaid shirts, or jumper dresses.
• Layer with tights, leggings, or long socks to help keep them warm for those autumn days with extra crisp air.
• Keep then comfortable—nothing itchy or stiff. If they are comfortable they are happier for photos.
• Add personality with a fun hat, bow, or suspenders (but skip anything that would be too distracting).
• Keep they colors they wear within your palette so they still coordinate with everyone else in the family.

Babies & Toddlers: Comfort Comes First

Little ones need outfits that are soft, warm, and easy to move in. Don’t stress too much about perfection—happy, cozy babies always make the sweetest photos.

Tips for Babies & Toddlers:

• Rompers, jumpers, or layered onesies in beautiful fall colors are adorable and very practical.
• You could add a or blanket wrap for warmth for young babies.
• If they’re not walking yet, skip the shoes—bare feet or socks are perfect. These feet coverings also work great as well! I used these for my kids in the colder months often and are such a great option, plus they come in many colors.
• Keep textures simple so they don’t look overwhelmed in photos.
• A simple accessory would be perfect to add as well. Something like a hair bow or cozy hat.

Family Pets

If you’re bringing your dog along, a small touch helps tie them in.

• A plaid bandana, neutral collar, or cozy sweater keeps them part of the look.
• Stick to your color palette so they blend seamlessly into your family photos.
• These dog collar bows are also such a cute option as well!

Bonus Tips for Fall Sessions

As a bonus here are some other tips to keep in mind when choosing Fall Outfits for Fall Family Photos.

• Layers & Textures! If you get nothing else from this, adding layers and textures makes for a really great look for fall family photos. Plus fall weather changes quickly, so bring jackets or blankets so no one gets chilly is always a great idea.
• Stick to 3–4 colors: Choose a palette and spread it across everyone’s outfits. This keeps your photos cohesive but not too “matchy, matchy.”
• Skip out on the bright whites/ and neons: Creams, taupes, and muted tones look stunning in fall colors.
• Think about shoes: Boots or closed-toe shoes are both practical and stylish for a fall setting.
• Whatever you decide to wear, Please make sure it is comfy and you are confident in it! Confidence shows in photos. 🙂

Outfit Inspiration Boards

I am a very visual person, so to help you visualize everything we’ve talked about, I’ve created Fall Outfit Inspo Boards (with direct shopping links included incase you find something you just love). Each board shows how you can mix and match colors, layers, and textures for a coordinated family look.

Western / Rustic Charm

This palette leans into classic western vibes with denim, leather, flannel, and warm neutrals. Think cozy plaid layers, cowboy boots & hats, and textures like suede or corduroy.

Autumn Pink

This is for the families who want a softer, feminine touch to their fall photos. This palette uses dusty pinks, blush tones, and muted mauves paired with warm creams. It feels romantic, cozy, and timeless against golden leaves.

Boho Layers

Laid-back and free-spirited is the vibe of this boho fall outfits for fall family photos. This palette mixes warm rust, terracotta, cream, and olive with flowy silhouettes and textured layers. Think flowy maxi skirts, wide-brim hats, and chunky knits—perfect for families who love warm boho look.

Mustard & Denim Classics

This is a very traditional fall palette with pops of Mustard yellow and denim blue with creams/whites and black to complement it. Easy to pull together, flattering for everyone, and perfect for a casual fall vibe.

Neutral Cozy Layers

For a timeless, minimal look, stick to soft neutrals like beige, tan, cream, black, and grey. Add interest with textures—knit sweaters, jean pants, and leather shoes. This palette feels high-end and classic, and it’s perfect if you want photos that won’t ever feel dated.

Earthy Forest Tones

Deep greens, browns, and warm creams make this palette perfect for outdoor sessions in the woods or among colorful leaves. Think olive sweaters, brown leather shoes, and cozy scarves. A natural, grounded option that blends beautifully with fall scenery.

Moody Blues

This palette balances classic navy, slate, and lighter blues with warm fall tones like caramel and cream. The mix of cool and warm keeps it feeling seasonal while still giving that familiar “blue” comfort zone. Perfect if dad or the kids feel most natural in blue, but mom wants the fall vibe to still shine through.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, your fall family photos should feel like you. So make sure you love what you are wearing and you feel comfortable and confidant in it. Choosing outfits in cozy fall colors, layering for warmth, and dressing each family member in something they feel good in will make your photos look even more beautiful in the fall colors.

If you found this fall outfits for fall family photos guide helpful let me know! I loved putting this together for you so you can feel prepared and ready for you fall family photos this year!!

If you’re ready to book your fall family photo session in the southeast Idaho, Western Wyoming, or Northern Utah area, I’d love to capture these special moments for you!!

You can reach out for booking your fall family session HERE! I can’t wait to create beautiful fall memoires with you and your family.