What to Wear for Fall Family Photos in Chicago
Every fall, one of the first messages I get after a family books their session is:
“What are we going to wear?!”
I get it.
You want everyone to look put together, but not too put together. You want your photos to feel beautiful and timeless, but you also don't want to spend three weeks ordering outfits, returning half of them and trying to convince your husband that yes, there really is a difference between cream and bright white.
The good news? It doesn't need to be complicated.
Start With Mom
This is always my favorite place to start.
Choose something you feel genuinely beautiful and comfortable in first, and then build everyone else's outfits around yours.
For fall, I love dresses, long skirts, soft sweaters, beautiful denim, boots and pieces with movement or texture.
Most importantly, don't save yourself for last.
You shouldn't spend all your energy making everyone else look amazing and then grab whatever happens to be left in your closet.
Coordinate. Don't Match.
We don't need everyone in jeans and matching white shirts.
Instead, think of your family's outfits as one color palette.
Cream, camel, brown, muted olive, rust, dusty blue, warm gray and deeper neutral tones can all photograph beautifully against fall scenery.
Choose two or three colors and repeat them subtly throughout everyone's outfits.
That creates connection without making everyone look like they're wearing a uniform.
Texture Is Your Friend
Fall is probably my favorite season for texture.
Think chunky knits, corduroy, linen, wool, denim, soft sweaters and long flowing dresses.
Texture gives photographs depth without needing lots of patterns.
Layers are also perfect for Chicago fall weather, when a beautiful warm afternoon can suddenly turn chilly as soon as the sun starts going down.
What Should You Avoid?
I generally recommend skipping very bright or neon colors, giant logos, extremely busy patterns and anything uncomfortable or fussy.
I also wouldn't introduce five completely different patterns into one family.
The goal isn't for your clothes to be the first thing you notice.
I want you to notice your people.
The way your daughter holds your hand.
Your son's ridiculous little grin.
The way your kids pile onto Dad.
Your clothes should help create the feeling of the photograph—not compete with it.
Dress Your Kids Like Kids
If your toddler can't move in his adorable little outfit, we're going to have a problem.
I want your kids running, cuddling, climbing into your arms and being themselves.
Comfortable children photograph better.
And if your daughter wants to twirl?
Give me a dress that twirls.
You Don't Need to Look Like a Pinterest Family
Please don't feel like you need to show up perfectly styled.
Some of my favorite photographs happen five minutes after someone's hair has gotten messy and the kids have stopped worrying about the camera.
That's when it starts feeling like you.
And that's what I want to photograph.
Want More Help Planning Your Session?
I created a complete Fall Session Guide with outfit inspiration, color ideas, session tips and everything you need to feel ready for family photo day.
[GET MY FREE FALL SESSION GUIDE]
Already ready for your fall pictures?
20 minutes · 8 beautifully edited images · $400