General Tips for Dressing Your Family
Give yourself some time. Don’t wait until the night before. Pull outfits together at least a week in advance and have everyone try them on for both fit and comfort.
Coordinate, don’t match. Gone are the days of identical jeans-and-white-shirts. Instead, aim for colors and tones that flow together.
Let personality shine. If your kid loves funky sneakers or your partner feels best in their favorite jacket, work it in. Photos should feel like you, not a costume.
Ground your palette in neutrals. Creams, tans, soft browns, and muted earth tones always photograph beautifully, especially when paired with Michigan’s fiery yellows and oranges.
I always recommend textures. Knits, corduroy, denim, layers... anything with dimension. They add depth to your images without needing bold prints.
Moms, choose your outfit first. Then build the family’s looks around it. If you feel confident, it sets the tone for everyone else.
Keep prints minimal. One or two subtle patterns across the family is perfect. Avoid neon, large logos, and anything overly busy.
Dress for your location. Michigan woods? Go with boots you can walk in. Downtown session? Casual sneakers or ankle boots. Cozy home session? Bare feet is perfect.
Fall-Specific Style Ideas
• Chunky knits, vests, shackets (shirt-jackets), and oversized sweaters
• Midi or maxi dresses paired with ankle boots and a hat
• Leather or denim jackets for texture and warmth
• Beanies and scarves for kids (bonus: keeps them warm and cute)
• Neutral sneakers or boots instead of flip flops or sandals
Color Combos That Work in the Leaves
- Denim, olive green, rust, camel
- Cream, mauve, cinnamon, olive green
- Rust, olive, off-white, deep brown
- Black, cream, tan
- Cream, denim, tan
- All cream and off-white tones
- Taupe, off-white, charcoal, muted plum
Your outfits should complement the environment, not compete with it. Michigan’s trees bring plenty of bold orange and gold, so neutral layers plus a pop of earthy color is always a win.
Final Thought: Be Yourselves
The best family photos aren’t about the “perfect outfit", they’re about joy, connection, and personality. Let your kids bring their playful energy. Laugh, layer textures, and wear clothes that make you feel good. If you’re comfortable and true to yourself, that will shine in your photos more than anything else.
