What to Wear for Fall Family Photos in North Carolina

Fall family photo season is almost here! 🍂

And every year, one of the first questions I get after someone books their fall family session is:

“What in the world are we going to wear?”

I get it. Choosing outfits for one person can be hard enough. Choosing outfits for an entire family — while trying to make sure everyone coordinates, nobody clashes, and your photos don't look too matchy — can feel like a lot.

But I promise, it doesn't have to be complicated.

Whether you're planning fall family photos in Mocksville, Clemmons, Winston-Salem, or somewhere else around the Triad, here are a few of my favorite tips for putting together outfits you'll love in your photos for years to come.

Start With One Outfit

Don't try to choose everyone's outfits at the same time.

Instead, start with one person and build from there.

And Moms… I'm looking at you. 😉

Pick something you feel GOOD in first.

Maybe that's a flowy dress you love. Maybe it's jeans, boots and a cozy sweater. Maybe it's something already hanging in your closet that makes you feel like yourself.

Once you have that first outfit, pull colors from it to help choose what everyone else will wear.

It's so much easier than standing in everyone's closets trying to figure out how five completely different outfits are somehow going to work together!

Family of four standing outdoors in front of autumn trees and a fence

Family of four standing on a brick path in a park with autumn trees and fallen leaves

Coordinate — Don't Match

Remember when family pictures meant everyone wore a white shirt and jeans?

We don't have to do that anymore. 😂

Instead of matching, think coordinating.

Choose a color palette with about 3–4 colors and use different shades throughout everyone's outfits.

For fall, I especially love:

Cream + camel + olive + denim
Rust + cream + navy + tan
Burgundy + dusty blue + cream + brown
Olive + mustard + cream + denim
Warm neutrals like beige, oatmeal, taupe, camel and brown

You don't have to use the traditional orange-and-brown fall color palette, either. Muted blues, greens, creams and neutrals look beautiful against fall scenery.

The goal is for everyone to look like they belong together without looking like you bought five versions of the same outfit.

Add Texture

Texture is one of those little things that can make a BIG difference in photographs.

Think chunky sweaters, knits, denim, corduroy, linen, suede, boots, layered jackets and flowy fabrics.

Texture adds interest without making your outfits feel busy.

Fall also gives us the perfect excuse to layer. A cardigan, vest, jacket or cute scarf can add another dimension to an outfit — and sometimes gives us another look without anyone even needing to change clothes.

Patterns Are Okay!

You don't have to avoid patterns completely.

In fact, one patterned piece can be a great place to start when choosing your family's color palette.

For example, if your daughter's dress has cream, rust and blue in it, Dad might wear blue, Mom could wear cream and your son could wear a warm neutral.

What I usually don't recommend is putting everyone in a different pattern.

One or two subtle patterns mixed with solids usually photographs beautifully.

Keep North Carolina Weather in Mind

Here's the funny thing about fall family photos in North Carolina:

Sometimes October feels like fall.

And sometimes October apparently thinks it's still July. 😂

So don't get so committed to the fall aesthetic that everyone is sweating through heavy sweaters during your session.

Layers are your friend!

You can still incorporate beautiful fall colors and textures without putting everyone in thick clothing. And as we get later into October and November, you can bring in heavier sweaters, jackets and boots.

Comfort matters — especially with little ones.

Think About Your Shoes

Shoes are easy to forget until you're walking out the door for your session!

Make sure they work with the overall feel of everyone's outfits.

For fall sessions, boots, booties, loafers, simple sneakers and neutral shoes usually work beautifully.

And don't forget the socks! If your little guy sits down and his pants ride up, those neon superhero socks you weren't thinking about may suddenly have their moment to shine. 😂

Most Importantly — Look Like YOU

This might be my biggest piece of advice.

Your family photos should look like your family.

If you never wear dresses, you don't have to suddenly put on a long flowy dress because Pinterest told you that's what you're supposed to wear for family pictures.

If your child has a favorite pair of boots they wear everywhere, let them wear the boots.

If your family is more casual, be casual.

I want you to look back at these photographs years from now and recognize yourselves — not just the version of your family you thought you were supposed to create for picture day.

Because while beautiful outfits are wonderful, they aren't what will make you love these photographs 10 years from now.

You'll love how little your kids were.

You'll love their personalities.

You'll love the way they laughed.

You'll love the way your child still fit perfectly on your hip.

You'll love seeing all of you together in one photograph.

That's the part that really matters.

Ready for Fall Family Photos?

Fall is one of my favorite times of year to photograph families in Mocksville, Clemmons, Winston-Salem and throughout the Triad.

If fall family photos have been on your list this year, now is the time to start thinking about getting them on the calendar.

And once you're booked?

We'll figure out the outfits. 😉

About M.Gioeli Photography

Megan Gioeli of M.Gioeli Photography is a family, senior, and branding photographer based in Mocksville, NC, serving Clemmons, Winston-Salem, and surrounding areas. She works with families and small business owners to create authentic, meaningful images while helping them feel confident in how they show up—both online and in real life.

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