September 19, 2025
Have you ever wondered what makes some family portraits stand out more than others? While there are many aspects to a beautiful family portrait, thoughtful outfit styling can make the biggest difference. Coordinating these outfits for an entire family can feel like a heavy task at first, but it doesn’t have to be! Here are three of my best tips for styling your family for your fall family portraits in Virginia.
3 Keys to Styling Outfits
Wear neutrals or light, muted hues.
My goal in photographing your family is to keep the focus on your connection with each other, and the color you wear plays a big part! There are some colors that are beautiful for everyday wear and dressing up, but when photographed, they can take the focus away from you and your family. The color you wear can also reflect light onto your skin. I find that lighter, neutral tones and more muted shades photograph beautifully. For fall, think whites, creams, browns, and muted, dusty blues.
Include 1-2 soft or non-distracting patterns, or stay with solids.
Solid colored shirts, pants, and dresses, or soft, spaced patterns tend to photograph best. Including 1-2 soft, spaced patterns can also pull together family outfits beautifully when used as part of a coordinated look. Close pinstripes, polka dots, some plaids, and similar patterns, on the other hand, can put a greater focus on your outfits rather than your connection with your family. I find that floral patterns often work really well to help pull together a family’s outfits.
Focus on choosing outfits that complement each other.
A mix of tones and textures in your outfits can really elevate your photos and bring more depth to them. Try choosing colors and patterns that coordinate and complement each other, such as having mom in a floral dress that has tones represented in other family members’ outfits. You may find it easiest to plan mom’s outfit first, and then style the rest of the family around her.
Fall Family Portraits Outfit Example
- Floral dress: Worth Collective
- Quarter zip sweater: J. Crew
- Khaki pants: J. Crew
- Kid’s overalls: Carter’s
- Kid’s bodysuit: Carter’s
- Kid’s dress: Rylee and Cru
Styling families for their portrait sessions is one of my favorite parts of the planning process. From providing a session guide that walks you through outfit planning, to offering customized styling that fits your vision and elevates your photos, we can simplify the preparation that goes into creating beautiful family portraits.
Do you have more questions about styling your family’s outfits for your upcoming fall family portraits in Virginia, or feel like you need more guidance? When I work with families, I provide guidance on coordinating outfits that feel true to your family, complement your session location, and refine your family’s portraits. Feel free to contact me today to learn more!
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