Fall Family Photos in Austin, TX
What to Wear for Fall Family Photos: Tips & Inspiration for a Beautiful, Cohesive Look
Fall is hands-down one of the dreamiest seasons for family photos. The golden light, the cozy layers, and the colorful leaves (or as close as we can get here in Austin) all come together to create a stunning backdrop for telling your family’s story. One of the biggest questions I get as a lifestyle photographer this time of year is: “What should we wear?”
The good news? You don’t need to stress over finding perfectly matching outfits or buying an entirely new wardrobe. A little planning can go a long way in creating a cohesive look that feels like you, while also complementing the season and letting your love shine through.
Let’s break it down.
1. Start With a Color Palette
Choose 3–4 main colors and work within that palette to mix and match pieces for each family member. Fall is the perfect time to lean into warm, earthy tones and rich, cozy hues.
Fall palette ideas include:
Deep rust, olive green, cream, and denim
Burnt orange, mustard, soft gray, and warm brown
Plum, navy, beige, and forest green
Dusty rose, taupe, ivory, and copper
Pro tip: Choose one person’s outfit first (often Mom’s or whoever is wearing a bold pattern), then build the others around it with complementing colors and layers.
2. Embrace Textures
Fall is all about texture. Think cozy knits, corduroy pants, chunky scarves, velvet bows, and suede boots. These tactile elements not only photograph beautifully—they add visual interest without needing loud patterns or props.
Look for:
Cable-knit sweaters
Corduroy pants, jackets, or rompers, like these wide-leg burgundy pants at Target
Flowy cotton or linen dresses with boots
Waffle-knit thermals or flannels for little ones
3. Patterns: Yes, But Use Sparingly
Patterns are totally welcome, as long as they’re balanced. If one person wears a bold plaid or floral, keep the others in solids or subtle textures. This way, your photos won’t feel too “busy.”
Stick with:
Plaid flannels in rich fall tones
Dainty florals on dresses or baby rompers
Stripes in soft, neutral hues
Avoid:
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Logos or text-heavy shirts
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Neon or high-contrast colors
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Everyone in the same pattern (even twins!)
4. Layers Make the Look
Layering isn’t just functional. It adds depth and dimension to your images. Think cardigans, vests, shawls, hats, tights under dresses, and layered jewelry. Layers also give us flexibility during the session. We can take jackets off, swap accessories, and adapt to the weather while keeping your photos varied.
Since fall family photos in Austin can mean anything from sunshine to a surprise cold front, planning outfits that work in both temperatures is a must.
5. Don’t Forget the Shoes
It’s easy to overlook, but shoes will be in your photos. Stick to neutral-toned boots, flats, or simple sneakers that work with your outfit. Avoid athletic sneakers unless that’s part of your family’s everyday vibe (which we’ll totally embrace if that’s you!).
6. Most Importantly: Be Comfortable
If someone’s outfit is itchy, stiff, or fussy, it’s going to show. Make sure kids can move and play, and that you feel good in what you’re wearing.
Austin Fall Family Photos: Real Families, Real Inspiration
Now that you know the basics, let’s look at some real examples to show how these tips come to life.
Below, I’ll walk you through four different family sessions. For each one, you’ll find:
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Photos from their session
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Their color palette
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A description of what they did especially well with textures, coordination, and styling
Family 1 — Warm Neutrals & Earthy Greens
Color Palette: Olive green, cream, rust, caramel, deep burgundy
This family absolutely nailed the cozy fall vibe with their earthy, nature-inspired palette. The mix of soft cream tones and rich rusts tied everyone together. And the textures were spot on! Dad’s knit shirt, the kids’ cotton dresses, and a mix of structured and flowy pieces brought variety and depth. The little floral patterns added just enough detail to make the outfits pop, while still feeling cohesive against the golden field and sunset light. This is a perfect example of how to use layers, texture, and color harmony to create a warm and connected look.
Family 2 — Crisp Contrast with a Pop of Color
Color Palette: Olive green, soft gray, burnt orange, denim blue
This family blended neutrals and bold tones in a way that feels both playful and polished. The burnt orange and denim blue brought a gorgeous pop of fall color, while the soft gray and olive green grounded the palette. What really stands out is how they balanced brighter tones with solid basics. Mom’s soft knit and Dad’s olive shirt allowed the kids’ outfits to shine without overwhelming the frame. Their use of layers and natural textures (like the crinkled cotton and soft denim) helped the outfits feel relaxed and authentic. It’s a great example of how to mix statement pieces with neutrals for visual harmony.
Family 3 — Jewel Tones with a Whimsical Touch
Color Palette: Mustard, plum, navy, teal
This family leaned into a bold and playful fall palette, and the result is stunning. The deep jewel tones are rich without being too heavy, and the mix of patterns and textures adds personality while staying cohesive. Mom’s plum dress with a delicate pattern softens the bolder shades and brings a romantic, vintage vibe. Baby’s mustard sweater adds the perfect pop of brightness and ties beautifully into Dad’s golden corduroy pants. Coordinating without being too “matchy,” they balanced strong color with soft detail.
Family 4 — Timeless Neutrals with a Bold Blue Twist
Color Palette: Denim, sky blue, saddle brown, soft gray
This family chose a timeless palette that blends warm, earthy neutrals with a bold pop of deep blue. Mom’s denim dress is a stunning anchor piece that’s elegant and perfect for fall. Dad’s soft blue shirt keeps the overall look light and crisp, while brown accessories like his belt and both of their boots bring warmth and texture. Baby adds a playful touch with her adorable neutral leopard print romper, tying the palette together with subtle pattern and softness. This color combo works beautifully against a golden, sunlit backdrop and is a great choice for Austin families who want a polished yet natural look.
Let’s Plan Your Austin Fall Family Photos
Choosing what to wear doesn’t have to be stressful, and with the right colors and textures, it can actually be fun. If you’re dreaming of a fall session full of warmth, connection, and golden light, let’s make it happen. I’m based in Austin, TX and would love to help you style your family in a way that feels both effortless and true to you.