What to Wear for Fall Photos and How the Warden Family Did It Perfectly | Salt Lake City Photographer
What to Wear for Fall Photos and How the Warden Family Did It Perfectly
There is something so beautiful about fall family photos. The warm colors, the changing leaves, and the cozy feeling in the air make fall one of my favorite times of year for family pictures. But if there is one question I hear again and again before a session, it is, “What should we wear?”
Choosing outfits for the whole family can feel a little overwhelming. You want everyone to look coordinated without looking too matchy-matchy, and you want colors that complement the beautiful fall scenery without taking attention away from the people who matter most.
The Warden family absolutely nailed it! Their combination of golds, browns, burgundies, and creams created the perfect fall color palette. Their outfits worked beautifully together, giving their photos a warm, timeless look that feels just right for the season.
If you are planning your own fall family photos, here are a few things you can learn from the Warden family!
1. Choose a Fall Color Palette That Works Together
One of the best ways to start planning your family photo outfits is to choose three to five colors that complement one another.
The Warden family chose a beautiful combination of gold, brown, burgundy, and cream. These colors are perfect for fall because they bring warmth and richness to the photos while still feeling soft and natural.
Here is why this combination works so well:
Golds and mustard tones add warmth and pick up the beautiful golden hues found in fall leaves and grasses.
Browns and warm neutrals create a natural, earthy foundation that blends beautifully with the outdoor scenery.
Burgundy and deep wine tones add a rich pop of color and a little depth without being too bold.
Creams and ivory shades soften the overall look and keep the darker colors from feeling too heavy.
Together, these colors create a balanced palette that looks beautiful in photographs. Each person can wear a different color while still looking like part of the same family.
My tip: Choose your favorite outfit first, then build the rest of the family's clothing around it. This is often much easier than trying to coordinate everyone's outfits at the same time.
It is helpful that the Warden family has such beautiful red hair that matches the background so perfectly!
2. Coordinate Instead of Matching
Remember when everyone wore the exact same white shirt and blue jeans for family pictures? There is nothing wrong with that look, but mixing complementary colors gives your photos a little more personality and dimension.
The Warden family did a wonderful job of coordinating without making everyone look identical. The golds, browns, burgundies, and creams worked together while allowing each family member to have their own look.
When planning your outfits, think about spreading your colors throughout the group. For example, one person might wear burgundy, another cream, and someone else a warm brown or gold. This creates a natural flow when everyone comes together in a photograph.
You do not need every color represented in every outfit. In fact, keeping things a little different from person to person is what makes a coordinated family look feel relaxed and effortless.
3. Add Texture and Layers for a Cozy Fall Look
Fall is the perfect time to bring out those cozy fabrics and layers!
Even when the colors are coordinated beautifully, different textures help make a photograph more interesting. Think sweaters, corduroy, denim, knit dresses, soft scarves, and textured cardigans.
Layers are also practical for fall sessions in Utah, when temperatures can change quickly. A cardigan, jacket, or sweater can add another dimension to an outfit while keeping everyone comfortable.
When choosing fabrics, try combining a few different textures rather than dressing everyone in the same material. The result is a collection of outfits that feels thoughtfully put together without looking overly styled.
4. Keep Patterns Simple
Patterns can look wonderful in family photos, but a little goes a long way.
If you love plaid for fall, this is a great season to wear it! A subtle plaid in burgundy, brown, gold, or cream can tie a color palette together beautifully. Small florals, understated stripes, and other simple patterns can also work well.
The key is to avoid having everyone wear a busy pattern. Too many competing patterns can make a photograph feel visually crowded and distract from the connections between family members.
A good rule of thumb is to let one or two outfits include a pattern while the others feature solid colors and interesting textures.
5. Choose Colors That Complement the Location
Your location matters when choosing what to wear.
If your session takes place among golden grasses and colorful autumn leaves, warm earthy tones like those worn by the Warden family are a beautiful choice. Burgundy adds contrast, while cream creates a soft, light element that keeps the overall palette balanced.
For a location with lots of evergreen trees or darker backgrounds, creams, warm golds, and rich browns can provide lovely contrast.
Think about the scenery as part of your overall color palette. You want your clothing to complement the surroundings, not disappear into them or compete with them.
This is one reason I love helping families plan their outfits before their session. A little preparation can make such a difference in the final images!
6. Don't Forget the Little Details
Once you have chosen everyone's main outfits, take a few minutes to think about the finishing touches.
Shoes, belts, jewelry, and accessories can help complete the look. For fall sessions, boots, simple leather accessories, and understated jewelry can work especially well.
Pay attention to the little things, too. Make sure clothing fits comfortably, shirts are neatly tucked if that is the intended look, and everyone feels good in what they are wearing.
Most importantly, choose outfits that allow you to move, hug, laugh, and interact naturally. Some of the most meaningful family photographs happen in those in-between moments when everyone is relaxed and enjoying being together.
7. Let Your Family's Personality Shine Through
Beautifully coordinated clothing is wonderful, but the most important part of your family photos is still your family!
You do not need to buy an entirely new wardrobe for your session. Start by looking through your closets for pieces in complementary colors. You may already have the perfect sweater, dress, or pair of pants.
Choose clothing that feels like you, fits comfortably, and allows everyone to feel confident. When people feel comfortable in what they are wearing, it is much easier to relax in front of the camera.
The goal is not to create a picture-perfect version of your family. It is to capture the real connections, personalities, and love that make your family yours.
The Warden Family's Fall Color Palette: A Perfect Example
The Warden family is such a wonderful example of how beautiful fall family photos can be when the clothing colors work together.
Their combination of golds, browns, burgundies, and creams brought warmth, depth, and variety to their session. The colors complemented the fall setting without overpowering it, and the different shades helped create a cohesive look across the family.
It is a color palette I would absolutely recommend to families planning their own autumn portraits!
If you are stuck trying to decide what everyone should wear, start with this simple combination:
Gold or mustard for a touch of autumn warmth.
Brown for a natural, earthy neutral.
Burgundy for richness and contrast.
Cream or ivory to soften the palette and brighten the overall look.
You can adjust the shades to suit your family, your personal style, and your session location. The result can be just as beautiful with lighter, softer tones or deeper, richer colors.
Ready for Your Own Fall Family Photos?
Fall is a beautiful time to slow down, spend time together, and preserve the memories of the people you love most. The right outfits can help your images feel polished and timeless, but you do not have to make the process complicated.
Choose a complementary color palette, mix textures, keep patterns simple, and make sure everyone feels comfortable. The Warden family shows just how beautifully those choices can come together!
If you are looking for a Salt Lake City family photographer, I would love to help you create beautiful, timeless photographs of your own family. Whether you are planning an annual family portrait or gathering everyone together for an extended family session, we can choose a location and wardrobe that reflect your family and make your images something you will treasure for years to come.
Let's create something beautiful together!
I would LOVE to work with you and your Utah family! Please contact me to book your Utah family session today! To view more of my work, follow me on Instagram or check out my Family page.
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