Fall is one of the most popular times of year for family photography in North Idaho. Between the changing leaves, warm autumn colors, and beautiful outdoor locations, it's easy to see why families love having their pictures taken this time of year.
But coordinating everyone's outfits can feel like a whole project.
The good news? Your family doesn't need perfectly matching outfits to look great in photos. A few simple choices can help everyone look coordinated, comfortable, and completely like themselves.
Choose a Fall Color Palette
One of the easiest ways to coordinate fall family photo outfits is to choose a small color palette instead of dressing everyone in the exact same color.
Some colors that photograph beautifully with North Idaho's fall scenery include:
• Cream/ivory or grey
• Rust and terracotta
• Olive and sage
• Brown and tan
• Burgundy and deep red
• Navy/ Denim
Choose about 1-3 colors and mix them throughout your family's outfits.
For example, one person might wear olive, another cream, mixed with textures. The outfits coordinate without looking overly matched.
Use Neutrals as Your Foundation
Neutral colors are always a great choice for family pictures, especially outdoors.
They work beautifully with the reds, oranges, yellows, and greens you'll find throughout North Idaho in the fall.
Consider:
• Cream
• Oatmeal
• Tan
• Brown
• Denim
• Soft gray
• Muted green
If you're unsure where to start, build your family's outfits around neutral pieces and add a few warmer fall colors.
Add Texture to Your Outfits
Fall gives you some of the best opportunities to add texture to your family's clothing.
Consider:
• Knit sweaters
• Cardigans
• Denim
• Corduroy
• Waffle-knit tops
• Quilted jackets
• Boots
• Simple scarves
Texture adds interest to your fall family photos. Without it, things can fall flat.
Don't Forget Layers!
Fall weather in North Idaho can change quickly. A warm September afternoon can feel very different from a chilly October evening.
Layers are practical, but they also give you more variety during your family photography session.
Try:
• Sweaters/ Cardigans
• Denim/Lightweight jackets
• Overshirts
• Simple coats
Layers can easily be added or removed during your session, which gives you different looks without needing a completely different outfit.
And when you're photographing young children outdoors, having an extra layer nearby is always a good idea.
Can You Wear Patterns for Family Photos?
Absolutely! Patterns can look beautiful in family photos when they're balanced with simpler outfits. Good choices include:
• Subtle florals
• Simple stripes
• Small-scale patterns
• Classic plaid
You don't want everyone wearing a different bold pattern, though. One or two patterned outfits mixed with solid colors and textures will usually create a more cohesive look.
Choose Comfortable Shoes
Your shoes matter, especially for outdoor family photography in Post Falls, Coeur d'Alene, and surrounding North Idaho locations. Many beautiful photo locations include grass, dirt, rocks, trails, or uneven ground.
Good options include:
• Brown or tan boots
• Ankle boots
• Loafers
• Neutral sneakers
• Simple flats
The most important thing is that everyone can comfortably walk, sit, play, and move around. I'd also avoid bright athletic shoes or large logos unless they're intentionally part of your child's outfit.
Let Your Kids Dress Like Themselves
This might be the most important tip when deciding what to wear for family pictures. Your photos should still feel like your family.
If your son lives in jeans and sneakers, you don't have to put him in an outfit he hates. If your daughter loves dresses, let her wear one. If your toddler insists on wearing their favorite shoes, we'll work with it.
Comfortable kids are much more likely to:
• Relax
• Play
• Explore
• Smile naturally
• Enjoy the session
And those genuine moments are often the photographs you'll love the most.
What Should You Avoid Wearing?
There aren't strict rules for fall family photo outfits, but there are a few things I generally recommend avoiding:
• Everyone wearing the exact same color: Coordinate instead of matching.
• Large logos or graphics: They can pull attention away from your family.
• Very bright colors: They can compete with the natural fall scenery.
• Too many competing patterns: Keep the overall look balanced.
• Uncomfortable clothing: If someone hates what they're wearing, it will probably show.
• Too many accessories: A few thoughtful details are plenty.
• Buying an entirely new wardrobe: You probably already have pieces that will work beautifully.
A Simple Formula for Coordinating Family Outfits
If you're overwhelmed by all the fall family outfit ideas online, keep it simple.
Start with one outfit. Choose the outfit you love most. It could be a dress, sweater, or even something your child already owns.
Then:
• Pull 2–3 colors from that outfit.
• Use those colors throughout the family.
• Mix solids, patterns, and textures.
• Add layers for warmth and variety.
Keep everyone's individual style in mind. The goal isn't for everyone to look identical. The goal is for everyone to look like they belong together.
Give Yourself Time to Plan
If you're planning fall family photos in North Idaho, don't wait until the week of your session to figure out what everyone is wearing. I recommend booking your family photography session at least two weeks ahead whenever possible.
That gives you time to:
• Look through clothes you already own
• Order anything you need
• Coordinate everyone's outfits
• Find shoes or accessories
• Try everything on
• Make changes if something doesn't work
Fall is also one of the busiest seasons for family photographers in Post Falls, Coeur d'Alene, Spokane, and North Idaho, so booking early gives you a better chance of getting the date and time that works best for your family.
What Matters Most
Your family photos don't need to look like they came straight out of a catalog. They should look like your family right now.
The little personalities. The goofy smiles. The cuddles. The way your kids interact with each other.
Choose clothes that make everyone comfortable, coordinate instead of matching, and leave room for your family to simply have fun. That's what makes family photography in North Idaho so special!
And when you're ready to plan your next fall family photo session in Post Falls, Coeur d'Alene, or the surrounding North Idaho area, I'd love to help you create photos that feel natural, timeless, and true to your family.