Figuring out what to wear for fall family photos is the question I hear most from parents, and it’s often the most stressful part of planning a session. The good news: you don’t need matching outfits or a shopping spree. You need a simple color plan, a little texture, and clothes your kids can actually play in.
After more than 30 years photographing people, including 15 years as a staff photojournalist at the San Francisco Chronicle, I’ve learned that the best photos happen when everyone feels comfortable and like themselves. Here’s my guide to dressing your family for Bay Area fall sessions, from the redwoods to the beach.
Start with your location when deciding what to wear for fall family photos
The easiest way to decide what to wear for fall family photos is to choose colors that complement your backdrop. Here are palettes that work beautifully at my favorite Bay Area family photo locations:
- Redwoods (Oakland, Tilden Park): cream, rust, mustard and denim. Warm tones glow against deep green trees. Avoid head-to-toe dark green, which can blend into the forest.
- Golden hills (Mount Diablo, Walnut Creek): soft blue, white, sage and dusty rose. Cool colors pop against golden grass. Skip tan and gold, which disappear into the hills.
- Beaches (Crissy Field, Baker Beach, Marin): white, oatmeal, soft blue and sand. Light, airy tones match the coast, and they look great with the Golden Gate Bridge behind you.
- City streets (Oakland, San Francisco): camel, charcoal, burgundy and black. Richer colors and cleaner lines give an urban, editorial feel.
Build your outfits from one piece
Pick one patterned or statement piece first, often mom’s dress, and pull two or three colors from it for everyone else. That one step keeps the family coordinated without looking matched. Limit the group to one or two patterns, and keep the rest solid. It’s the simplest trick I know for what to wear for fall family photos when you’re dressing four or five people.
What to wear for fall family photos, person by person
For moms A flowy midi or maxi dress moves beautifully when you walk, twirl or chase the kids. Choose something you can sit and bend in, and bring a cardigan or denim jacket for a second look. If you’re holding a baby, a dress with sleeves or straps stays put better than strapless.
For dads and partners Think texture over pattern: a henley, a soft button-down, a knit sweater or a chambray shirt with chinos or dark jeans. Skip graphic tees and large logos.
For kids Comfort comes first. Knit sweaters, cords, soft dresses and little boots are perfect for fall. Avoid characters and slogans, which pull attention away from faces, and let them wear sneakers they can run in if we’re on a trail.
For babies Soft knits, rompers and simple onesies in your palette look sweet and timeless. Bare feet or soft booties are best for close-ups.
For grandparents Their outfits should fit the palette too. Solid colors and a layer are easiest, and comfortable shoes matter if there’s a short walk.
Dress for Bay Area microclimates
The Bay Area can be sunny and warm in Walnut Creek and foggy and windy at Baker Beach on the same afternoon. When deciding what to wear for fall family photos here, plan in layers: a sweater, jacket or scarf that looks good in photos means no one shivers, and it gives us a second look. Check the forecast for your location the day before on the National Weather Service Bay Area page.
For coastal sessions, tie back long hair or bring a clip, since the wind loves to blow it across faces. For trails, wear shoes you can walk in and change into nicer ones for the photos if you’d like.
What to avoid
- Neon and very bright colors, which reflect color onto skin.
- Tiny stripes and small checks, which can look wavy in photos.
- All black or all white for everyone, which hides detail and flattens the image.
- Big logos, text and characters.
- Brand-new shoes that haven’t been broken in.
A quick packing list
- A second outfit or layer for each person
- Snacks and water (but not crumbly or messy ones)
- Wipes and a hairbrush
- A cozy blanket for sitting
- A favorite small toy for little ones
Frequently asked questions
Should our family match? No. Coordinating colors looks more natural and modern than matching outfits. Choose two or three colors and mix them across the family.
What colors are best for fall family photos? Warm neutrals like cream, rust, mustard and camel are classic for fall, while soft blues and sage look fresh against golden Bay Area hills.
Can I send you outfit photos before the session? Yes, please do! I’m always happy to help you decide what to wear for fall family photos before your session.
What should we wear for a mini session? The same guidelines apply. Since mini sessions are short, choose one outfit per person and keep a layer handy.
Ready to book your fall session?
Now that you know what to wear for fall family photos, the fun part is choosing your location and date. My fall mini sessions are a quick, relaxed way to get beautiful photos for your holiday cards. See this year’s mini session dates, or learn more about a full Bay Area family session. Expecting? See my guide to what to wear for your maternity session in the Bay Area (link to that post).
