Fall Family Wardrobe Guide: A Style That Reflects Your Family’s Unique Personality

Fall in Montana brings golden meadows, crisp air, and the kind of soft wind that makes dresses dance. It’s the perfect season for family portraits, but the question always comes up: What should we wear? This guide focuses on warm, earthy fall colors that photograph beautifully outdoors. Always choose the most dynamic outfit first (normally mom) and then work from there. Keeping only 1-2 people in print (vs solid colors) creates a cohesive look with a pop of interest. I have always preferred 1 person in a print with 3 other family members in solid (4 person family). And if there is 5 family members, then 2 people in prints looks great.

Mom — Whimsy + Movement

A rust ditsy‑floral flowy dress sets the entire palette. Add a chunky knit open sweater for layers. Mom’s outfit should bring softness and movement, catching the autumn wind. Stick to warm tones and textured fabrics like gauze, linen, or chiffon.

Dad — Strong + Grounded

A tan or brown canvas jacket with a textured sweater anchors the family into the landscape. Dad’s look adds structure and warmth, keeping the palette earthy and balanced. Dark denim or brown pants complete the grounded feel.

The Cool Kid — Depth + Mood

Choose olive, navy, charcoal, or deep brown. Knits, corduroy, and denim add texture and depth. These moody tones complement mom’s warm dress and bring balance to the family palette.

The Wild One — Pop of Color

Give the spirited child a warm pop of color — olive green, burnt orange, rosewood, or rust. Keep it solid to avoid clashing with mom’s floral. This adds personality and energy to the group.

The Little One — Soft Innocence

Dress the youngest in cream or tan. Knit, flannel, or corduroy fabrics keep the look soft and natural. Tiny plaid or floral prints are welcome, as long as they stay subtle.

Pieces to Avoid

• Overly bright or neon colors that clash with the natural fall palette.

• Large logos or busy patterns that distract from the cohesive look.

• Matching outfits too closely; instead, aim for complementary tones and textures.

• Heavy synthetic fabrics that don’t photograph well or feel out of place in an outdoor setting.

• Too many accessories that can clutter the look or distract from natural expressions.

Why This Mix works

• Mom brings whimsy + movement

• Dad adds strength + grounding

• The cool kid contributes depth + mood

• The wild one adds warm energy

• The little one brings soft innocence

Together, these choices create a warm, earthy, cohesive palette that photographs beautifully in Montana’s fall light.

Footwear — Always Boots!

Boots are the perfect footwear choice for fall family portraits in Montana. They add a rustic, grounded feel that complements the earthy palette and outdoor setting. Whether ankle boots, lace-ups, or classic leather styles, boots provide both style and practicality for crisp, uneven terrain. Avoid sneakers, overly formal, neon shoes with sparkles, or character shoes that can clash with the natural vibe and textures of your outfits.

One Last Note

Fall family portraits are about warmth, connection, and timeless style. By choosing outfits in rust, rosewood, mustard, olive, cream, and tan — and focusing on textured fabrics — you’ll create images that feel nostalgic, natural, and full of life. If you are not interested in purchasing a whole new wardrobe for you photoshoot I get it! You can always send me what you have and I can help you choose pieces if you would like! The most important thing to remember is to dress in layers and make sure you’re comfortable!

Holiday and Winter wardrobes coming soon!