How to Dress Your Family for Autumn Photos, using textures, layers and pattern

Autumn is one of my favourite times of year for family photography. The beautiful changing colours, softer light and cosy layers make such a gorgeous backdrop — but what should you actually wear for autumn family photos?

One of the questions I get asked most often before a family photoshoot is what everyone should wear.

And I completely understand why. Dressing one person can be difficult enough, never mind trying to find outfits for the whole family that look good together without making everyone look like they're wearing a uniform!

The good news is that you don't need matching outfits for beautiful family photographs.

In fact, I much prefer when everyone looks like themselves.

The trick is to find a balance between colour, pattern, texture and practicality, so that everyone's individual outfits work together while still feeling natural.

So if you're planning an autumn family photoshoot in Kent, here are some of my favourite ways to style your family.

Don't be afraid of colour or pattern

You don't all need to wear the same colours, or stick to beige and cream to make your photos feel cohesive. I love a mix of soft, complementary colours and a little pattern — it adds personality and stops everything looking too coordinated.

A good place to start is with one outfit you really love, then pick out a couple of colours from it for the rest of the family. Think browns, rust, soft blues, olive, cream, denim or muted pinks rather than trying to match everything exactly.

And don't be afraid of pattern! Checks, florals and wider stripes can look beautiful alongside simpler pieces, particularly when the colours work together.

Think about texture, footwear and practicality

Autumn is the perfect excuse for adding texture and layers — think chunky knits, corduroy, denim, wool, cosy cardigans and floaty skirts or dresses.

Accessories can add little pops of colour too; a red triangle scarf, headscarf or a wide brimmed hat can be a lovely detail without taking over the photographs. You can always take it off for some photos too!

Think about your location when choosing footwear. Boots, stylish trainers and wellies can all work beautifully, and there's no point wearing shoes you're worried about getting muddy when we're likely to be exploring! But make sure they go with the outfits and your son isn’t in lovely muted browns and then has his school neon trainers on!

And don't forget that cool coats can look great too. You don't have to hide them away for the whole session — a lovely wool coat, Barbour, trench or short jacket can become part of the outfit and make those autumn photographs feel even more seasonal.

Most importantly, make it feel like you

I always think the best place to start is with your own wardrobe. Choose clothes you already love and that your children feel comfortable in, rather than buying a completely new set of outfits just for your photos.

I suggest laying them out on the bed to see how they look together to work out what’s missing, instead of forcing your kids to do a big try on!

If you do need a few extra pieces, Vinted is brilliant for finding beautiful children's clothes without spending a fortune, especially for things like knitwear, dresses, coats and accessories.

Your family photographs should feel like your family — so don't worry about following every photography styling rule. A little colour, pattern and personality will always make your photographs more personal and memorable.

I’m always here to chat and love giving advice on WhatsApp. I also have a client wardrobe with some pretty knitwear, scarves and pieces for a mix of kids ages so you are welcome to borrow anything!

Sound good? Let’s chat and book in your session today!!