Fall is almost here! And I don’t know about you but this California girl is SO ready for this Texas heat to dwindle down!

With cooler weather and all the beautiful colors that fall brings, September through November is the PERFECT time (and weather!) for outside family photos!

We just can’t get enough of the colors that fall allows us to incorporate in sessions!

Speaking of colors, your probably mid-panic right now thinking, “I have no idea what wear?!?!” Followed by an attempt to sneak away to the mall before your husband realizes you’re gone! LOL. We get it, we’ve so been there! ; )

Before you start doing a mental inventory of your entire family’s closet, take a second to breathe and let us guide you through our top tips to figuring out what to wear for outside family photos this season!

5 Tips On What to Wear for Family Photos

1. Color coordinate with soft, neutral colors

No matter your family size, don’t try to make everyone match exactly. You want to color coordinate instead with a good mix of styles (dresses, shorts, jeans, etc.) with a variety of fabrics, colors, and textures.

You really can’t go wrong with a cream/white color palette! We love, love, love the simplicity of white and other soft neutral colors like blush and blue that really help you shine!

Try to stay away from bright yellow, orange, and most greens since we, and most photographers, typically have you against some sort of greenery.

This mix of cream and white pairs with the beach perfectly!

Love these soft colors against the sun-soaked greenery!

2. Pick an outfit that goes with your location.

If you don’t have a photoshoot location in mind, we love talking you through some suggestions for the best places here in Houston! Once we have your location figured out, you can really nail down your family photo outfits!

For example, cowboy boots and a white flowing dress will go great in a big open field. Gold heels and a black dress is more appropriate for the city.

A good rule of thumb: If you wouldn’t wear it casually to the location you’ve picked, then it might not be the best option!

Read next: Fall Outfit Inspiration For Family Pictures

3. Make sure everyone is comfortable.

We want you to look fabulous but we also want you to be as comfortable as possible!

Ladies, keep in mind that we may be limited to shooting at different angles if your top is low cut! When deciding on shoes, remember that you may be doing a lot of walking or chasing down little ones.

Also, consider outside factors that may affect your outfit. For example, it may be windy and if the ladies in your family are wearing short, flowy skirts it may not be the most ideal situation! You don’t want to be stuck fighting the wind the entire shoot.

4. Add a pattern to your color palette.

Our preppy hearts always love a good gingham or argyle addition to the family outfits.

We LOVE a plaid in our fall sessions because it’s the best way to incorporate those gorgeous fall colors in your family photos! Think red, yellow, orange, blue and brown!

Love the mix of pinks and blues here!

Or get super fun and festive with your look with holiday colors! These Hanna Andersson matching Christmas PJs really take it to the next level!

5. Make your outfit you!

Most of all, remember that this photoshoot is about YOU and your sweet family. If you want to wear bold colors because y’all love them and that’s what you wear normally – do it! Let your personality shine with accessories like scarves, pretty necklaces, and fun shoes!

And don’t forget a little something special to adorn the family pup!

Just remember to have fun and don’t be afraid to be silly! And no matter how crazy your life may seem right now, just embrace it.

If your toddler is melting down while your four-year-old is running in the other direction, take a deep breath and know it’s all going to be okay.  This is your current season of life so just have fun with it! : D

I hope these tips help guide you on what to wear this year for your family photos!

XO,

Michelle