Start with Mom’s Outfit, for Effortless Fall Family Photos

Fall is a stunning season for family photos. The rich colors, cozy textures, and crisp air create a perfect backdrop. But when it comes to coordinating outfits, that excitement can quickly turn to stress. As a family photographer, I’ve seen it all—getting the whole family styled in a way that works together can feel overwhelming. Here’s the secret: start with Mom’s outfit and build the rest of the family’s looks around it. When mom feels great in her outfit, it sets the tone for the entire session and makes the whole experience smoother (and hopefully a lot more fun, too).

If you’re feeling unsure about how to style your family for fall photos, here’s a guide to help you, starting with choosing the perfect modest skirt or dress for yourself and then styling everyone else around your look.

Step 1: Start with Mom’s Look

Meet Rikki, a wife and mom who booked a family photo session this fall. The first thing we did was decide on her outfit before planning everyone else’s. Rikki wanted a clean, neutral-toned look for an indoor studio session, with the option to take it outside if the weather allowed. She fell in love with the Marisol Flora Sweater, and from there, we built the entire family’s wardrobe around it, starting with a mood board.

 

Rikki wasn’t set on a specific accent color but knew she wanted neutral tones for a timeless look. She loves the Braylyn Maxi Skirt, but we realized pairing it with her floral sweater would be too busy. Instead, we chose the Regina Satin Maxi Skirt in beige, which had a similar flowy fit but kept the focus on the sweater’s floral print. The soft, neutral palette allowed us to be flexible with her boys' outfits, giving us room to play with accent colors and textures for the family.

Step 2: Build the Family’s Look Around You

Once your outfit is set, it’s time to coordinate the rest of the family. Rikki and I started by “shopping their closets” for her husband and son. She knew her son already had a comfortable pair of dark khaki pants that fit perfectly into the neutral theme, so we built his outfit around that. The goal is to coordinate, not match—think of blending colors, layers, and textures to create a cohesive look.

For her son’s shirt, we wanted something with a subtle print, and also something he would actually wear after photos. After a bit of searching, we found a striped button-up in some of her favorite tones that matched her home decor. She loved the idea of the colors being reflected in the final prints on their walls, creating harmony between their outfits and home aesthetic.

For her husband, Rikki again shopped his closet first. He prefers lighter denim over dark, so she found a pair of jeans he already loves. He’s also picky about his t-shirts, so Rikki chose a brown/taupe dressier t-shirt that he already owned, which worked perfectly with the neutral theme. Since her son had some texture and print in his outfit, her husband’s simple, laid-back style complemented the family’s overall look without competing with it. And best of all, no new shopping for Dad—his outfit was already hanging in the closet! If this isn’t the case for you, remember, keeping it simple is key. Button ups, henleys and vests are always an easy win for dad! 

Step 3: Get Help from a Stylist

If coordinating outfits still feels overwhelming, consider getting help from a stylist. At Inherit, we offer professional styling services to make sure your family’s outfits work perfectly for your photoshoot. Even if you don’t have a shoot coming up, we’d love to help style you for any occasion!

Working with a stylist saves time and ensures that each outfit flows seamlessly together. They can assist in selecting colors, textures, and accessories, so you don’t have to worry about the little details. 

Step 4: Join Live Sales for Real-Time Outfit Inspiration

Another helpful resource for styling your family’s outfits is our Inherit live sales. These events are a fantastic way to see how outfits and combinations for women work in real time. Every Tuesday and Thursday at 12 PM CST, we go live to show you how to style different pieces for every occasion, including family photoshoots!

Not only can you see how outfits move on different models, but you also get to ask questions, get feedback on your choices from a group of uplifting women, and gather inspiration for your family’s look.

Step 5: Shop Modest, Timeless Pieces That Last

One of the best things about shopping at Inherit is knowing that our modest clothing pieces are not just stylish, they're also timeless and versatile. The items you select for your family photoshoot can be worn again and again, and they’re designed to keep you looking beautiful while feeling comfortable and doing all. the. things.

So ladies, when you start with your own look first, everything else becomes a bit easier (emphasis on “a bit”!). Once you’re confident in your outfit, you’ll find that coordinating the rest of the family’s looks becomes more straightforward. Just remember: when you feel your best, everything else falls into place.

Happy Family Photo Day!

-Missy