What to Wear to an Autumn Photo Shoot: Outfit Guide for Families

Planning your family photo shoot is exciting, but deciding what to wear can feel overwhelming. Autumn is one of the most beautiful times of year for outdoor family photography — with golden leaves, soft light, and cosy vibes — but your outfits play a huge role in how your final photos look.

As a family photographer in Ashford, Kent, I’m often asked: “What should we wear for our autumn photo shoot?” This guide will give you all the tips you need to choose clothing that looks stylish, feels comfortable, and works perfectly with the warm, seasonal backdrop.

Why Outfits Matter in Autumn Family Photography

Clothing choices set the tone of your session. The right colours and textures not only make your family look coordinated but also complement the beautiful autumn scenery. Think about how your outfits will work with:

• The golden and orange tones of autumn leaves

• The soft evening light of golden hour

• The relaxed, natural style of outdoor family photography

  
  

With a little planning, your photos will feel timeless and cohesive.

1. Choose Autumn-Inspired Colours

Autumn is all about warm, earthy tones. When deciding what to wear for an autumn photo shoot, consider these colour palettes:

• Warm neutrals: beige, cream, taupe, camel

• Earthy shades: rust, burnt orange, terracotta, mustard

• Soft accents: blush pink, dusty blue, olive

  
  

Avoid overly bright or neon colours, as they can clash with the natural scenery. Instead, choose tones that blend beautifully with the autumn landscape.

2. Mix Textures for a Cosy Feel

Autumn is the perfect season to layer clothing. Textures photograph wonderfully and add depth to your images. Some great options include:

• Chunky knit jumpers

• Corduroy or wool trousers

• Denim jackets

• Soft scarves

• Suede or leather boots

  
  

A mix of fabrics helps create a relaxed, natural look that suits outdoor sessions.

3. Coordinate, Don’t Match

Instead of everyone wearing the exact same colour, aim for coordinated outfits that share complementary tones. For example:

• Mum in a cream knit dress

• Dad in a forest green jumper and jeans

• Children in mustard and burgundy accents

  
  

This approach adds variety while still keeping a cohesive feel.

4. Layer Up for Comfort and Style

The British autumn weather can be unpredictable in Kent — one minute sunny, the next a bit chilly. Layering not only keeps you comfortable but also adds interest to your photos. Think:

• A cardigan over a dress

• A cosy jacket over a jumper

• A scarf or hat for extra warmth

  
  

Layers can be removed or added depending on the temperature, giving you more variety in your photos.

5. Think About Footwear

Since autumn shoots often take place in parks, woodlands, or countryside fields, practical shoes are important. Boots are ideal — they look great and handle uneven ground well. Avoid overly bright trainers or shoes that don’t fit the season.

6. Add Personal Touches

Accessories like a cosy scarf, a hat, or a textured blanket to wrap around your family can add personality to your photos. The key is to keep them subtle so they enhance your outfits without distracting from your family’s connection.

7. Avoid Distracting Prints and Logos

Simple patterns, such as checks, subtle florals, or stripes, can work beautifully. But large logos, busy prints, or bold graphics often dominate a photo and take attention away from your faces and smiles. Stick to timeless designs that won’t date.

Final Thoughts: Autumn Outfits That Feel Natural

When choosing what to wear to an autumn photo shoot, keep comfort, coordination, and seasonal tones in mind. The goal is to feel relaxed and look like yourselves, while letting the beautiful autumn backdrop in Kent do the rest.

✨ Warm colours, cosy textures, and layered outfits are always a winning combination for autumn family photos.

If you’re planning an autumn family photoshoot in Ashford or across Kent, I’d love to help capture those golden, cosy memories.