What to Wear Styling Guide for 2022 Outdoor Fall Family Photos
It’s officially time to start thinking about outdoor fall family photos for 2022. Which also means it’s time to start thinking about what to wear! Every year I have parents asking me for advice on what to wear for these outdoor fall photos. And I can totally understand the struggle! But the good news is, there are tons of right answers and very, very few wrong ones. And also–I’m here to help! Whether you like clean and classic, a little boho twist, or something totally unique I can help you. Fall might be synonymous with knits, flannels, and corduroy but the most important thing to keep in mind is comfort is key!
Clothing Options for Outdoor Fall Family Photos
When it comes to fall photos, layers are absolutely the way to go. This is for parents as well as for kiddos. For little girls tights are a great way to make sure they will be warm in a dress. And of course, vests are a tried and true option for fall weather. Classic button downs work for both dads and sons. While maxi dresses or pants and blouses work equally well for moms. And don’t feel the need to be too formal for these photos. Jeans are absolutely a perfect option.
And like I already mentioned, comfort is key. If your little one hates the feeling of sweaters, it’s better to let them wear something they’re comfortable in than try to force them into a chunky knit just for the sake of the aesthetic. Your little one will be uncomfortable and it will show on their face!
Neutral Color Styling Options
Coming up with a color scheme for your photos is always a great starting point. And the first thing to decide is if you prefer a neutral styling, or a more colorful option. When you hear the word neutral when it comes to styling options for fall outdoor family photos, you might think that means lacking in options. But the truth is, there can still be so much variety when it comes to neutral clothing. Fall is the perfect time for shades of beige and brown. But grays, whites, blacks and even navy blues can still work wonderfully in the fall. Keep in mind that there is going to be an abundance of color behind you, so neutrals can actually be the perfect way to pop!
Choosing Colors For Your Fall Family Photos
If neutrals aren’t your thing, that is a-ok! There are numerous fall color options that work perfectly. This year it looks like green is going to be a big hit. Shades of emerald, forest, and sage are already popping up in blouses, dresses, and sweaters. Burgundy is another beautiful option. Berry, mustard yellow, and burnt orange are other ones you really can’t go wrong with. A great option is to choose a neutral to offset the brighter color. Whether that means having every family member wear a pop of the chosen color, or even having one member be the pop of color while the rest of the family is in neutrals. Keep scrolling for inspiration from past sessions and to get some clothing recommendations!
Clothing Ideas for Fall 2022 Family Photos
When it comes to choosing actual pieces to wear, every family is different in terms of favorite places to shop, budget, and accessibility. Below I have some pieces I have found from stores such as Old Navy, Gap, and Janie & Jack that I think are great inspiration pieces to give you an idea of what to wear for fall family photos. For dresses, add a pair of tights (especially cable knit) for the perfect touch of fall coziness. And don’t forget to layer!
These little capes are beyond adorable for little girls and are the perfect layering piece. You can find the plaid one here, and the cable knit one here.
So often we think of tops and not bottoms. Either of these Janie & Jack bottoms would be perfect with a plain top or sweater. The riding pants are such a great alternative to leggings. And this plaid skirt is what autumnal dreams are made of.
These dresses are all from Janie and Jack. I love the colors and the prints! Pair with a cardigan or a long sleeve shirt underneath. Going clockwise starting from the top left find the dresses here: Golden Puff Sleeve, Yellow Paisley, Brown Butterfly Floral, Rust Corduroy Ruffle Jumper.
Green definitely looks to be the color of Fall 22 and I am loving it. This green plaid dress would look adorable with a blazer or cardigan. And I really love the green-on-green look of the shaker-stitch cardigan sweater and top.
Burgundy is always a winner in my book! These slightly ruffled tops also have the perfect amount of movement and interest. Whether you like solid burgundy, or this windowpane plaid, these tops are great options.
Brown is the perfect neutral shade for fall. I love the white floral print on the left. And the shape of the dress on the right is gorgeous. Find the printed dress here, and the solid dress here.
These matching mommy-and-me dresses from Old Navy might be a lot from a print standpoint. But I love them too much not to share! You can find the women’s pink floral dress here, and the girls one here.
Plaid tops are always a great option for boys. I also think sweatshirts in fall shades with simple graphics like this one is perfect. Find the blue plaid shirt here, the yellow shirt here (this comes in many different colors as well), and the tiger sweatshirt here.
Since layering is key, having sweaters and jackets to fit the aesthetic is a great idea. And hear me out, I think the goldenrod velour sweatshirt could be a perfect pop of color! Clockwise from top left find these options here: Quilted Barn Jacket, Yellow Velour Sweatshirt, Gray Cable Knit Cardigan, Gray Cable Knit Pullover Sweater.
For dad–simple tops are often the way to go. These are all from Old Navy, will fit in with just about any vibe, and they all come in multiple colors! Clockwise from top left find these options here: Fleece Pullover, Yellow Plaid, Brown Buffalo Plaid Flannel, Green Plaid Button Up, Chambray Button Up.
Are you looking for fall family photos and wondering what to wear? Crabapple Photography is located in Andover MA and serves clients from around the area including Melrose, Boston, Sudbury, Salem NH and beyond. Kate McKenna has been photographing babies, children, and families of all ages since 2009. Contact Kate today to book your session!
