What to wear for your Fall Family Session?
Style Guide for What to wear this Fall
4 Inspiring Wardrobe Ideas for your upcoming Family Session
Every single year I tell myself to put a style guide together for my families, and every year until now I forget! But today is the day I’m putting something together that will help even the busiest family piece together something stylish, colorful and fun for their session.
So the first thing to consider is…
Where?
Where is my session taking place? Are we going to be set against a golden grassy field, emerald green trees or eye-catching fall colors? Knowing the where of your location will help determine the COLORS you choose. You want your family to stand out from the beautiful scenery while still fitting the feel of the location!
Second thing to consider is…
What Is your Family Vibe?
How do you want these photos to feel? because I’m going to be honest, the clothing you wear makes the BIGGEST difference on the vibe way more than the setting. I can pick a beautiful location at perfect sunset but if you wear sweat pants or a bright neon shirt, the “vibe” will be off anf you won’t have cohesive family images. So take a moment and think, “what is the vibe you want to try for?”
boho, classic, playful,chic,relaxed,cheerful…?
I believe in Color and that layers, textures, patterns, and tones can be mixed together to create what I call “family personality”
But I think it’s important for me to say first, that my style is always going to veer toward the earthy, cheerful, colorful, and unique direction. If this is not your family vibe feel free to take these tips and evaluate your own vibe. These closets can be simply the starting place for some families and should be used to supplement what you already have. So maybe you have a favorite dress but you wonder what color or pattern may work? well these closets are to give inspiration according to a few of my favorite session locations!
I’ve tried to make these closets super easy and directly from amazon so if you see something that will fit your family session you can click the photo and go directly there!
Please if you do decide to purchase something from the closets to click through the link on this blog so you can directly support Hanna Hill Photography.
Closet #1
Created for my upcoming sessions at Forest Hills Park or really any family park or open field.
Relaxed, Chic, Easy
5 style TIPS inspired by this Collection
The word Basics is not a bad thing!
Use what you have but spice it up. Neutrals and white shirts can be so adorable when paired with a more unique leather jacket, kimono or colorful cardigan. And for dads it’s so easy to just keep their outfit 100% the basics, nice fit pants and a solid top will always fit the family vibe!
t’s ok to dress Casual!
I get it, not all families want to get all dressed up for photos. You just want to feel good and capture this year as easily as possible. So go with things that are YOU but be sure to check out the Dos/Dont’s at the end of this BLOG to make sure things don’t get “too Casual”
High Waisted Pants are so great!
This is especially true for “fuller” mommas like myself, but if you aren’t a fan of tucking, get yourself a fun flowy top to go with so they balance out the more form-fitting pants. And you avoid and uncomfy low riding jeans when we sit or move during the session.
WHITE pants!
I know, another tip for mom :P but seriously I got a pair of white pants this season and feel so chic just walking to target in them. For a family session like this, try and avoid mom jeans as best you can. Let the boys wear whatever pants they want (let’s be honest they will anyway) but stand out with some cute white pants! We are going to be sure to lay out a blanket before sitting on any grass so they will still be white by the end… well hopefully, we are moms after all!
Bigger dads look great in these pullover sweaters!
I come from a family of just big guys, like all over 6 ft and so these pullovers are always a hit for Christmas and birthdays. Sometimes dads are self-conscious in front of the camera too, so it may help to relieve his fear of photo sessions by getting him a sweater he will really love.
Closet #2
Created for my upcoming sessions at Eno River but perfect for any setting, especially those colorful leaves and possible water access!
Earthy, Unique, Fun
3 style Tips Inspired by this collection
Dress yourself (the momma) FIRST!
I say this every year but it truly is so important. Find something that makes you feel unique and beautiful and then coordinate everyone else after that. I know its easy to find something cute for your baby but seriously you are the one who will print and save these photos, so do yourself a favor and put yourself first this time! I love it when mom wears a special dress, flowy is always fun for photos too because you can do a lot of movement with it.
Skirts!
I don’t see enough skirts anymore, but seriously they are such a fun way to bring color without feeling overwhelming. pair a flowy skirt with even a simple white tee and boots and you’ll feel like a goddess! Also perfect for the Eno so you can flip your boots off and dip your toes in the water.
Everyone looks good in denim!
Now don’t go crazy 80’s on me and everyone shows up in denim pants and jackets but seriously pairing a nice jacket and/or little girl dress in this color is such a great way to stay comfy but stylish.
Closet #3
Created for my upcoming sessions at the NC Art Museum (but really any really warm sun set session), especially those with golden grass and a warm sun glow!
Laidback, Playful, Cozy
3 syle Tips Inspired by this Collection
Don’t be too Matchy!
This is a common mistake for photos but seriously don’t feel like everyone has to wear the same color or pattern for them to fit well together. Feel free to mix and match patterns and colors!
Let Dad be himself!
If your husband is anything like mine, he has his own sense of style and things he is comfortable in. If he likes crazy colorful shirts let him be himself and I promise you’ll have a happier dad in the session and even a more real personality in the photos. I had a session recently where dad wore purple socks and you know what? I didn’t hate it! I thought it was perfect for the whimsical family they are!
Balance
If you choose Sunset remember to try and balance the warmth. Treat it like someone in the groups I already wearing a big burnt orange sweater and you are coordinating around it.
Closet #4
Created for my upcoming sessions at Brumley Forest or really any woodland location.
2 Style Tips Inspired Byt this Collection
Casual, Outdoorsy, Cozy
Wear Walking Shoes
Even the easiest locations, you will be walking on grass and dirt so don’t come in heels or uncomfortable shoes. Boots are so great for Fall photos!
Layers are easy
I get it, the more kiddos you have the more coordinating goes into a photo session. So I always find the simplest answer to be in basics and layers.
For Mom:
A dress, simple top and skirt, fitted pants and flowy blouse
ADD
cardigan, kimono, jean jacket
For Girls:
A dress, romper, leggings and a cute flowy top
ADD
a cardigan, jean jacket or colorful tights
For Dad:
A solid Tee, Solid Sweater, Solid/Pattern Button Down with fitted but favorite pants jean, khaki or other neutral colors
ADD
a jean jacket, crew neck sweater over a button down, or an open knit cardigan
For Boys:
short sleeve button down, solid long sleeve shirt, sweater
ADD
crew neck sweater over the button down, solid color jacket or even a beanie hat.
Lastly, just a few Dos and Don’t for Styling Your Fall Family Session
DONT
Wear clothes with words on them. This one is a BIGGY for dads and little boys. I know “going casual” can be the easiest way to get everyone out the door BUT there are some awesome comfy solid color tee shirts out there that will look great without being too much a distraction.
DO
Mix pattern, color and wear layers. Maybe its a sweater or jean jacket over a solid colored tee. Also be sure to choose a few dark colors but also a few bright colors to bring a little contrast to the photos.
DONT
wear brimmed hats! I know, I know there really are some cute hats out there that could MAKE the outfit but unfortunately unless it’s a nice cloudy day, the sun will cast a big shadow on your face and your family snuggled close by. This also goes for Dad, cowboy hats and ball caps are just not as cool in photos.
Do
Wear your hair down or in a loose bun. I know sometimes it’s easiest to pull it all back in a braid or pony BUT the looser and freer your hair the more relaxed your face will feel in photos!
Do
Wear something that fits well! Not too tight and not too big.
Don’t
Wear short dresses (above the knee) They seem SO cute in theory but when it comes down to snuggling on a blanket or sitting in poses, you’ll be so conscious of your legs that you wont be able to relax.