The 2025 Fall Outfit Palette: Elevated Neutrals + Layered Autumn Tones

Neutral foundations let faces and connections take center stage. Add color depth with one or two seasonal hues.

Foundations (neutrals): cream, ivory, oatmeal, camel, taupe, greige, navy, charcoal.

Accents (autumn): rust, copper, terracotta, cinnamon, burgundy/merlot, forest, sage, mustard, steel blue.

What Not to Wear 

• Loud logos, neon, or tiny high‑contrast stripes (can “strobe” on camera)

• Ill‑fitting, too‑tight, or too‑baggy clothing

• Oversized smartwatch bands or bulky keys/phones in pockets

Coordinate, Don’t Match

1. Choose one hero outfit (often a dress or knit in a textured neutral).

2. Pull 2–3 complementary colors from that piece.

3. Build supporting looks using solids + textures (knit, rib, corduroy, linen blend, suede).

4. Repeat colors sparingly across the group to create cohesion.

Avoid identical outfits or everyone in plaid—visual rhythm > uniformity.

Fabrics & Texture That Read as “Quiet Luxury”

• Knit sweaters, cable cardigans, ribbed tops

• Flowy woven dresses/skirts (midi length photographs best)

• Corduroy, wool, twill

• Suede/leather accents (belts, boots)

• Dark-rinse denim 

Prints & Patterns (Use with Intention)

• Keep prints small to medium scale and low contrast (ditzy florals, micro-check).

• Try to limit to one pattern per mini-group; anchor the rest in solids.

• Avoid logos, cartoon graphics, and neon.  These are not timeless, and for timeless photos, neon is always a no.  

Fit & Silhouette - Where what looks AND feels good!

• Choose shapes that allow movement and natural interaction: midi dresses, A-line skirts, soft trousers, straight or tapered denim.

• Tailoring matters: steamed/pressed pieces look instantly elevated.

Weather‑Wise Layering (Chicago, Late Sept–Nov)

• Base layer (thin thermal or slip), then knit, then light jacket/coat.

• Bring neutral outerwear you’re happy to see in photos (wool coat, quilted jacket, trench).  Being super cold is not going to help your child have a good time!

• Closed‑toe shoes or boots; socks should match pants/shoes.  Feel free to add some personality and fun with these!  But keep it in the same color family as the rest of your wardrobe.

Rain plan? I keep a flexible approach—overcast can be gorgeous. If needed, we’ll choose a covered spot or reschedule according to your contract.

Shoes & Accessories

• Boots, loafers, appropriate sneakers, flats, sometimes heels will work but be mindful of your chosen location.  Pro-tip: If you insist on wearing your fave heels, bring slides for most of the walking and you can swap when photographing.

• Belts, dainty jewelry, hair bows/clips in soft/complimentary tones.

• Hats (use caution) and scarves are great layering props—we’ll add/remove for variety.

Hair, Makeup & Grooming

• Skin: natural finish with light powder to reduce shine.

• Cheeks/lips: wear whatever color you would typically wear- don't try anything new on session day; lip balm for all ages.

• Nails: clean neutrals are best, but again, whatever you typically do is great.  No chipped polish.  

• Do your best to keep clothes wrinkle-free.  You can always add your top layers when you arrive to the photoshoot location.  I would suggest putting the final layer on kiddos when you arrive if you plan to give them any kind of food/drink in between dressing and photos. 

• make sure dad trims those wild nose hairs and cleans up hair/facial hair line before your shoot.  

Kids & Babies

• Comfort first—soft layers (knit tights, ribbed leggings).

• Avoid stiff collars and scratchy seams.

• Neutral pacifiers/blankets if they might appear.

• Bring a simple backup outfit just in case!  

Make What You Already Own Work

• Pull 3–4 pieces you love. Build the family palette around them.

• Swap buttons/belts to elevate basics.

• Layer a cardigan or trench over a simple dress to add dimension.

• Monochrome trick: vary texture within one color family for a polished look.