Dream Life Photo
What to Wear for a Fall Photo Session in Connecticut
A Connecticut Family Portrait Style Guide
One of the most common questions I get is: "What should we wear?" Autumn is one of the most beautiful seasons for photography in Connecticut. The shoreline's golden light, warm foliage, and cozy textures, from Hammonasset Beach to Harkness Memorial Park, create a naturally stunning backdrop. The right outfit choices will make your photos glow, and this guide makes it easy.
Color Palettes
Choose Your Look
Autumn landscapes are rich with amber, rust, deep green, and golden tones. Clothing that echoes and complements these warm, earthy colors photographs beautifully. Pick one of the three palettes below as your starting point, or mix and match. When in doubt, reach out and I'll help!
Palette 01
Golden Hour
Burnt orange, warm rust, amber, and cream. Rich and earthy, these tones mirror the autumn foliage and absolutely glow in the warm, low light of the season.
Burnt Orange
Warm Rust
Amber
Cream
Warm Taupe
Burnt Orange
Warm Rust
Amber
Cream
Warm Taupe
Styling tip: Anchor one or two family members in cream or taupe, then add rust and amber accents. Avoid having everyone in the same orange tone, contrast between family members creates depth and makes the image more dynamic.
Palette 02
Harvest Neutral
Camel, warm brown, oat, dusty olive, and ivory. Grounded and sophisticated, an earthy, muted palette that complements autumn scenery without competing with it.
Camel
Warm Brown
Oat
Dusty Olive
Ivory
Camel
Warm Brown
Oat
Dusty Olive
Ivory
Styling tip: This palette works at any time of day in autumn and looks especially stunning in woodland or park settings. The dusty olive echoes fallen leaves while ivory and oat keep the palette feeling light and airy, not heavy.
Palette 03
Deep & Warm
Burgundy, forest green, warm mustard, and cream. Rich and jewel-toned, dramatic and beautiful, especially in overcast autumn light or against a backdrop of golden leaves.
Burgundy
Forest Green
Warm Mustard
Cream
Deep Mocha
Burgundy
Forest Green
Warm Mustard
Cream
Deep Mocha
Styling tip: Use cream as the anchor and let one or two family members wear the jewel tones. Avoid pairing burgundy and forest green on adjacent family members, a cream or mustard piece between them creates visual balance and prevents the palette from feeling too heavy.
Practical Advice
What to Wear
Clothing
- Layers are your best friend in autumn, scarves, open cardigans, and light jackets all look great and keep you warm
- Knitwear, soft wool, and chunky textures photograph beautifully and add depth to images
- Coordinate rather than match exactly, similar tones with slight variation looks intentional
- Longer hemlines, midi skirts, and relaxed trousers all suit the season well
- For kids: cozy layers they can move in, warm and comfortable always makes for happier photos
Footwear
- Ankle boots, Chelsea boots, and clean leather or suede shoes all photograph beautifully
- Wellies work perfectly for muddy parks or woodland locations
- Avoid very bright or heavily branded trainers unless they fit your overall aesthetic
Accessories
- A simple scarf in a complementary tone adds warmth and great visual texture
- Simple, delicate jewelry photographs best, fine necklaces, small earrings
- Sunglasses are best removed for most shots, they block the eyes and cause glare
Pro tip: Autumn weather changes quickly, bring an extra layer just in case. A soft knit or wrap looks fantastic in photos and doubles as practical warmth on a chilly morning. Also, avoid brand-new clothes you haven't worn, familiar pieces always look and feel more natural in front of the camera.
Quick Reference
Do's & What to Avoid
✓ DO
- Warm, earthy, and jewel tones
- Cosy layers and knitwear
- Varied textures, wool, denim, suede
- Coordinating (not matching) outfits
- Solid colors or subtle textures
- Ankle boots or clean leather shoes
- Simple scarves or wraps
- Outfits you already feel confident in
- Steam or iron the night before
✗ AVOID
- Neon or very bright colors
- Large logos or busy graphics
- Stiff or uncomfortable clothing
- Everyone in the exact same color
- Very light or summery fabrics
- Overly formal or dressy attire
- Brand-new clothes you haven't worn
- Matching head-to-toe as a group
- Wrinkled or unpressed clothing
From Me to You
Still Not Sure?
Send me a photo of what you're thinking before your session and I'll give you honest feedback. I want you to feel great the moment you arrive, because that confidence comes through in every single image. For inspiration, browse our recent Connecticut family portraits.
Book Your Fall Session in Connecticut
I can't wait to photograph your family. See you in the autumn colors at one of Connecticut's beautiful shoreline spots! 🍂
A Few More Ideas
Bonus Palettes
Not feeling any of the main three? Here are a few extra options to spark some inspiration.
Spice Market
Terracotta, warm ochre, deep sienna, sand, and sage. A rich, spiced palette full of autumnal warmth, looks incredible in golden afternoon light.
Terracotta
Ochre
Sienna
Sand
Sage
Muted Classic
Navy, camel, oat, warm brown, and linen. Timeless and polished, navy grounds the warmth of camel and oat tones beautifully in any autumn setting.
Navy
Camel
Oat
Brown
Linen
Plum & Gold
Deep plum, warm gold, cream, dusty mauve, and honey. Rich and romantic, a slightly more dramatic autumn palette that works beautifully at dusk.
Plum
Gold
Cream
Mauve
Honey
