Fall in Cleveland is one of the most magical times to capture your family portraits. The crisp air, soft golden light, and colorful leaves make for the dreamiest backdrops. But I know one of the first questions families ask after booking is: “What should we wear?”
The outfits you choose not only tie your photos together but also help you feel confident and comfortable during your session. To make things easy, I’ve pulled together my favorite color palettes and styling tips for September and fall sessions.
Neutrals for a Timeless Look
Neutrals are always a classic choice. Shades like cream, tan, beige, and muted browns let your family’s connection take center stage while blending beautifully with the fall scenery. Neutrals also pair easily with small pops of color, making your photos look natural yet polished.
Ideas for neutrals:
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Cozy cream sweater with jeans
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Flowy beige maxi dress for mom
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Khaki chinos with a simple henley shirt for dad
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Add a touch of mustard, dark green, or burgundy for a little extra warmth
Jewel Tones for Rich, Seasonal Color
If you want a bold yet natural look, jewel tones are perfect for fall. Think emerald, burgundy, plum, rust, or mustard—these rich colors echo the tones of autumn leaves while adding depth and vibrance to your gallery.
Ideas for jewel tones:
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Rust dress for mom with simple gold jewelry
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Burgundy cardigan layered over soft neutrals
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Mustard dress and bow for a little girl
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Blue jeans or khakis for dad and sons to keep things balanced
Classic Blues for a Cool Contrast
Blues—whether navy, dusty slate, or denim—are incredibly versatile for fall family photos. They pair beautifully with golden ragweed fields and the warm hues of the season, creating a balanced contrast.
Ideas for blues:
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Navy button-up shirt with khakis
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Dusty blue dress for mom or daughter
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Cream dress layered with a denim jacket
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Navy suspenders for little boys
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Brown boots or shoes to tie it all together
My Client Closet – Stress-Free Styling for Moms & Girls
Worried about finding the perfect outfit? You don’t have to! I’ve created a client closet filled with handpicked dresses for women and little girls. These pieces were chosen specifically because they photograph beautifully and work well with every season. Best of all, many of them come in the exact neutral, jewel, blue, and golden tones that look incredible during fall sessions. When you book, you’ll have the option to try on and select outfits that save you time, money, and the headache of shopping.
Styling Tips to Keep in Mind
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Skip the logos and neon colors—they pull focus away from your family’s connection.
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Play with texture! Knits, lace, linen, and layers bring depth and interest to your photos.
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Coordinate rather than match. Think of colors that complement one another instead of identical outfits.
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Take advantage of layers like cardigans, wraps, or lightweight jackets. They’re practical for cooler weather and add variety to your gallery.
Making the Most of Your Fall Photos
Your family’s wardrobe should reflect warmth and connection while feeling true to your style. Whether you’re drawn to soft neutrals, rich jewel tones or cool blues the right color palette will make your portraits glow. And remember, you don’t have to figure it all out on your own. With my client closet and styling assistance, I’ll help you create a look that feels effortless, comfortable, and picture-perfect.
