One of the most common questions I get as a lifestyle family photographer in NJ is:
“What should we wear for our fall family photos?”
When deciding on colors to wear for fall family photos, the key is to think about the season, the setting, and how you want your images to feel. Below are my favorite tips (and examples!) to help you choose outfits that will photograph beautifully and stand the test of time.
Choose Colors that Complement the Setting
First, think about when and where your session will take place. New Jersey has many scenic locations for family photos. From beautiful beaches to pretty parks and quiet reservoirs, each with its own seasonal palette. But, scenery colors can vary by month, depending on the location.
- Early Fall (September): Green is still dominant, so softer shades like blush, mauve, or rust paired with creams and tans create a warm fall vibe.
- Peak Foliage (mid-to-late October): With vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows in the background, opt for jewel tones like emerald, wine, or navy. These shades complement the autumn colors without clashing.
- Late Fall (November): Once leaves have dropped, think cozy neutrals. Cream, camel, and deep greens stand out beautifully against bare trees and golden grasses.
Think About Your Home Decor
If you’re planning to display your photos on your walls, choose colors that fit seamlessly with your home’s style. Imagine how a gallery of canvases in your living room will look—soft neutrals may suit a modern space, while jewel tones might pop against more traditional decor. Need some inspiration? Take a look at some family wall galleries.
Keep It Timeless: Best Neutral Colors to Wear for Fall Family Photos
You can never go wrong with neutral tones like cream, beige, taupe, and browns. They photograph beautifully in any setting and ensure your images feel classic today, tomorrow, and even decades from now.
Romantic Colors to Wear for Fall Family Photos
For a softer, a feminine touch, incorporate blush, rose, or mauve. Pair these with neutrals like tan, cream, or sage green. This palette works well against lush greenery or near water.
Add a Pop of Color in Moderation
Not a fan of neutrals? A touch of color adds depth to photos during the fall season. Think mustard, burnt orange, rich ruby, or deep plum. Jewel tones are among my favorite colors to wear for fall family photos in October, since they complement New Jersey’s peak foliage.
- Use bolder colors sparingly (one family member in a statement color while others wear muted shades).
- Keep bright colors away from faces to avoid unwanted color casts on skin.
- Remember: super-trendy colors can date your images over time (kind of like those 80s shoulder pads).
Favorite Fall Color Palettes for Family Photos
Here are some tried-and-true combinations that work beautifully for NJ fall family sessions:
- Warm Neutrals: Sage, cream, tan, and denim.
- Romantic: Shades of blush, mauve, and rose with light grey or heather green.
- Jewel Tones: Emerald, navy, wine, and cream.
- Classic Neutrals: Ivory, camel, chocolate brown.
Want to see what these palettes look like? I’ve created style boards featuring real outfit options for families, moms, dads, and kids so you can easily picture your session look.
Where to Shop
Here are some of my go-to shops for photo-friendly outfits:
Women’s Dresses
Shop for the Family
Babies and Toddlers
Online Shopping
Loralee baby and little girls boutique
New Jersey Baby and Children’s Boutiques
Francis Henri in Westfield, NJ
Murray and Finn in Summit, NJ and Montclair, NJ
Learn more about these baby boutiques in New Jersey in this Guide to Baby Boutiques in the Westfield, NJ area.
Final Thoughts
As your family photographer, I’ll guide you through choosing colors that not only photograph beautifully but also feel like you. Together, we’ll find the perfect palette for your location, season, and style.
I hope you found these tips helpful! For more outfit inspiration, check out my guides:
What to Wear for Family Photos
Ready to create timeless fall memories with your family?
Get in touch with me here to book your lifestyle family session!
Plus, grab my free wardrobe guide below—it’s packed with tips and photo-ready outfit ideas!
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Winner of the Westfield Area Most Loved Family Photographer award by Hulafrog two years in a row, Debbie Camba Photography is a New Jersey Family Photographer based in Scotch Plains. She specializes in capturing candid and meaningful moments that reflect the love and wonder of childhood and family life.
Debbie photographs families outdoors and in homes throughout Scotch Plains, Westfield, Mountainside, Cranford, Summit, Basking Ridge and the surrounding area, including Somerset County, Morris County and Middlesex County. She is available in other locations upon request.
Debbie was awarded Master Photographer Certifications by the National Association of Professional Child Photographers (NAPCP) for demonstrating excellence in the craft of child and family photography.
about debbie...
