What to Wear for Fall Photos: Picking the Perfect Color Palette

Fall is such a magical time for photos! With the leaves turning golden, cooler air, and that gorgeous soft light, it’s no wonder so many people love to book photoshoots during this season. But let’s be honest—the big question is always: What should I wear? Choosing the right colors can make your fall photos pop and help you look your best against the beautiful autumn backdrop. Let’s break it down!


1. Go for Earthy Tones: The Cozy Fall Favorites

When you think of fall, you probably picture warm, cozy colors. These earthy tones are perfect for matching with the changing leaves and creating that laid-back, autumn vibe.

  • Rusty Orange & Burnt Red: Think of the leaves you’ll be surrounded by—these colors match them perfectly!
  • Mustard Yellow: Want a pop of color without being too bold? Mustard yellow is bright enough to stand out but still blends with fall’s warm tones.
  • Olive Green: It’s soft, subtle, and pairs beautifully with almost any fall color. Plus, it’s a little more interesting than your basic neutrals.
  • Warm Browns & Taupes: These are great as your base colors. They’re neutral, cozy, and help all the other colors shine without stealing the spotlight.


2. Jewel Tones: For a Bold and Beautiful Look

If you want to stand out against the earthy fall colors, jewel tones are your best friend! They’re rich, vibrant, and add just the right amount of contrast to the warm autumn landscape.

  • Deep Burgundy: This one screams fall. It’s rich, warm, and brings a touch of elegance to your photos.
  • Emerald Green: This color is perfect for adding a pop of richness to your look without being too loud. Plus, it looks stunning against the warm tones of fall.
  • Navy Blue: A classy, timeless option that gives you a nice contrast without feeling too dark.
  • Plum & Deep Purple: Want to try something different? Plum is a beautiful, unexpected color that pairs perfectly with the oranges and yellows of fall.


3. Yes, You Can Wear Black—Here’s How

While black is usually a color people shy away from for fall photos, you can totally make it work! The key is to balance it out with lighter neutral tones so it doesn’t feel too harsh against the fall backdrop.

  • Mix Black with Lighter Neutrals: Pair black with beige, camel, or tan for a softer look. This creates a nice contrast while still keeping things balanced and seasonally appropriate.
  • Black & Brown: Believe it or not, black and brown can work together! The trick is choosing the right shades—think black jeans with a cozy brown sweater or scarf to tie it all together.


4. Keep it Neutral: Simple but Stylish

Neutrals don’t have to be boring! Choosing warm-toned neutrals for fall photos can create a soft, timeless look.

  • Beige & Cream: Soft, light, and perfect for those cozy, natural photos. These shades are great for family shots, too!
  • Camel & Tan: A bit warmer than beige, these colors feel like fall and give off a relaxed, cozy vibe.
  • Gray: A nice alternative to black! Go for warmer grays like charcoal or slate to keep everything feeling cozy and autumnal.


5. Play with Patterns & Textures

Fall is all about layering and feeling cozy, so don’t be afraid to mix things up with patterns and textures. It not only keeps you warm but also adds depth to your photos.

  • Plaid & Flannel: Can we even talk about fall without mentioning plaid? A flannel shirt or scarf adds that cozy, autumn feel.
  • Knit Sweaters: There’s nothing more fall than a big, cozy sweater. The texture will add warmth and dimension to your photos.
  • Denim: Whether it’s a denim jacket or jeans, it’s a great, casual option that goes with just about everything.


6. Coordinating for Family or Group Photos

Here’s a big tip—you don’t need to match exactly! In fact, wearing the same color head to toe can make the photos feel a little too stiff. Instead, go for colors that complement each other. This way, each person’s outfit stands out while still fitting into the overall look.

  • Choose 2-3 main colors that work well together, then let everyone mix and match within that palette.
  • You can vary the textures and patterns, too. For example, one person might wear a solid color while another wears a light plaid. This adds depth without clashing.
  • Keep things balanced—avoid everyone wearing the same color or pattern. It’s about complementing each other, not matching perfectly.

For example, if your family is working with a mustard, burgundy, and navy palette, one person could wear a mustard sweater, another in a navy scarf, and so on. It’s all about balance and blending, not matching!


7. A Few Things to Avoid

  • Neon Colors: While fun, neon shades will clash with the natural fall colors and be distracting in photos.
  • Big Logos or Graphics: Stick to simple, solid pieces or small patterns so the focus stays on you—not a brand logo!


Final Tip: Be Yourself!

At the end of the day, the most important thing is that you feel comfortable and confident in what you’re wearing. Fall photoshoots are about capturing beautiful moments, so pick outfits that reflect your style and make you feel good. Whether you go for cozy neutrals, rich jewel tones, or play with textures and patterns, the key is to enjoy the experience and let your personality shine through!

To help you even more, Here is my Pinterest with some great examples of what to wear for fall photoshoots! Check out my saved pins "Fall Outfits Inspo" folder. You’ll find plenty of outfit inspiration that matches the color schemes we talked about. So grab your favorite fall outfits, get cozy, and let’s make some memories that will last a lifetime!