Choosing family fall outfits is tricky! We get it – it’s hard to figure out one outfit, let alone coordinate the entire family’s outfits! Here are our six best tips every family will find helpful as they choose their fall family outfits:
1. Color Combinations
No need to match outfits for the session, portraits tend to be more visually appealing when families wear complimenting colors with a few matching color pops or the same color with different tones. Favorite fall shades to pull inspiration from include navy blue, mustard yellow, gray, cream, olive green, burgundy, and burnt orange. One of the best ways to find colors that you can match is at stores like GAP, Old Navy, Stutterheim, H&M, and Target where they use the same colors and material across all sizes and genders – from infant to adult – so you’ll be able to easily coordinate everyone’s outfits! Etsy also has some great options!
2. When to Wear White/Cream
When looking at a photo, our eyes are drawn to the lightest part of the photo – if one person is wearing white, cream, or light gray, they will hold the most attention in the portrait. Also, these lighter colors are not the most flattering color and often makes a person appear wider. So if you want to look trim, steer clear! Now, every rule has an exception – in this case, there’s two. One: it’s okay to wear these colors as an under layer, preferably a cream or lighter gray instead of an stark white. Two: the best way to utilize these colors is by having multiple people wear them. This way it will balance the photo better so then the viewer’s eye doesn’t go straight to one person.
3. Layers
Wearing layers are always flattering! Add cardigans, jackets, and accessories like scarves, necklaces, and belts to mix and match specific colors within each family member’s outfit. For example, if everyone is wearing navy, gray, and mustard yellow – a parent can add a mustard yellow cardigan, son can add a mustard yellow bow tie or vest, and daughter can wear a mustard yellow leggings or headband!
4. Solids and Patterns
We highly recommend wearing solid colors or simple plaid. That means no logos, obtrusive patterns, or graphics.
5. Consider Your Art
A family portrait session typically includes a family’s plan to create portrait art for the home. If you have a specific room you plan to put your final artwork in, consider the colors of that room and build the color scheme from there.
6. Try It On
We’re not even kidding – have everyone try on the outfit and line up together. Or if you are unable to do this, take all the outfits and lie them out on the floor. Seeing the outfits together and making sure everything fits well will truly help visualize how the colors, layers, and accessories work together and what you may need to switch out or add.
Now that you’re feeling inspired, start picking out those outfits! If you are still feeling torn between a few ideas or want to confirm your outfit choices, text a few photos of the clothes laid out (or being modeled) and send them to your Block Studios photographer! They will provide their expert opinion on what will look best on camera and suggest items to add or remove. We hope you and your families have a wonderful fall and we can’t wait to see you for your fall portrait session!
Ready to plan your fall portraits? Schedule your Discovery Call!
