2026 Fall Style Guide

What to Wear for Fall Family Photos:

The Ultimate Style Guide

Fall in New England is pure magic. The golden light, the crisp autumn air, and the rich foliage make a beautiful transition from the beach for family sessions. But as the weather shifts and we head into fields of tall grass rather than open summer beaches, styling your family requires a slightly different game plan!

To help you feel confident, comfortable, and camera-ready, I’ve put together my go-to tips for planning your family’s fall wardrobe.

1. Embrace Layers & Rich Textures

Fall fashion is all about depth! Adding varied textures gives your photos a warm, elevated feel without cluttering the frame.

• Texture, Texture, Texture: Look for chunky knits, ribbed sweaters, corduroy, velvet, suede,  satin, or waffle weaves.
• Layer It Up: Vests, cardigans, and stylish light jackets allow us to easily adjust outfits as the temperature drops during golden hour.
• The Sweetest Details: Little girls’ tights are a gorgeous way to introduce a pop of warm autumn color while keeping tiny legs comfortable.

2. Smart Patterns for Field Backdrops

While beach settings offer a simple, flat horizon, field locations naturally have a lot going on—tall grasses, trees, and colorful leaves.

• Keep Patterns Subtle: Stick to simple, understated patterns like micro-prints, soft muted florals, or gentle plaids. High-contrast, bold graphics will fight with the scenery.
• Balance Is Key: Choose one or two subtle patterns for the whole family, then pull solid colors from those prints to build out everyone else’s outfits using textured neutrals.

3. Think Footwear (And Don't Forget the Kids!)

We’ll be walking through fields, uneven terrain, and potentially damp ground, so footwear needs to be both stylish and practical.

• For Women: Leave thin stilettos at home! Chunky block heels, flat leather boots, or low-heeled booties give you stability on uneven ground and won't sink into the soil.
• Expect a Little Dirt: Choose shoes you don’t mind getting slightly dusty or damp in the grass.
• Kid Shoe Checklist: It’s easy to focus so much on the outfits that kids' shoes get forgotten until you're walking out the door! If you don't want bright Spider-Man sneakers or neon trainers making a surprise appearance in your gallery, plan ahead with neutral leather boots, simple loafers, or cute dress shoes.

4. Prioritize Warmth (Cold Kids = Unhappy Photos!)

New England fall weather can flip from a warm afternoon to a chilling breeze in minutes. Comfort always shows on camera, especially with little ones!

• Plan Warm Outerwear Ahead: Don’t let a last-minute bulky winter coat disrupt a carefully styled look. Build cozy knit sweaters, fleece-lined denim jackets, or cute wool coats right into their wardrobe plan.
• Secret Base Layers: Thermal undershirts hidden beneath sweaters go a long way in keeping kids cozy without adding extra bulk.

5. A Few Final Fall Tips

• Test for Movement: Fall sessions involve walking, snuggling, and picking up your kiddos. Test outfits beforehand to make sure everyone can sit, bend, and move freely.
• If you're brining your dog, don't forget to bring some treats and poop bags to clean up after them!

Other things to think about...

• Styling Your Hair: If your session is outdoors, be sure to check the weather, especially the wind. The last thing we want is hair flying all over the place! Your hair doesn’t have to be down for the photos. Consider braiding it, using a clip to pull it back, or styling it in a cute bun—anything that keeps it in place and adds to the overall look.
• Diapers: If your little one is wearing a dress and diapers, I suggest adding bloomers or plain underwear underneath. Unfortunately, I can’t fully edit diapers out of photos, so this helps keep things looking smooth and neat.

Gone are the days of everyone in matching outfits. Instead, focus on coordinating colors and textures. Aim for a palette of at least three colors to help create balance in your photos while keeping everything cohesive. Mix and match shades of neutrals and accent tones to complement each other and add depth to your family’s look. The coordination makes your photos feel more natural and timeless, without looking like a throwback to those JCPenney family photos from the ’90s 😉 I suggest choosing your outfit first and then styling the family around you so that you know you are comfortable with what you are wearing!

One last tip: if you're planning on hanging these photos in your home, it’s worth considering how your outfits choices will complement (or clash with) your home decor. A little thought about how the colors fit in with the spaces where you’ll display these portraits can make a big difference in how they’ll feel in your home.