As a Birmingham AL Family Photographer who specializes in creating timeless, heirloom-quality imagery, I know that wardrobe plays a crucial role in elevating the final look of your family portraits. Fall is a beautiful season for photos—the golden light, soft foliage tones, and crisp air all lend themselves to elegant, relaxed imagery. Choosing what to wear should enhance that feeling, not complicate it.
In this post, I’m sharing curated wardrobe guidance to help you feel confident and look your best during your fall session. I’ve also included insider tips for achieving a cohesive, elevated look that reflects the fine art style of Alice Claire Photography, while ensuring you and your family feel comfortable and at ease.
When planning outfits, think in earthy neutrals—tones like cream, taupe, soft gray, sage green, dusty blue, and oatmeal are universally flattering and timeless in photographs. Soft pastels also work beautifully, especially when paired with textured fabrics such as linen, chambray, or sweater knits. These colors blend harmoniously with nature’s fall palette and ensure that the focus stays on your family’s connection—not the clothes.
As your Birmingham AL Family Photographer, I offer a thoughtfully curated client wardrobe filled with dresses for moms and select options for children. Many of these pieces are in the neutral tones and rich textures I recommend, helping to take the stress out of planning and allowing you to feel effortlessly beautiful.
Many moms feel most comfortable in a dress for their photo session—and for good reason. Dresses not only allow freedom of movement and flattering coverage when sitting or playing with children, but they also photograph beautifully. Flowing silhouettes add softness and motion, and dresses in textured solids or subtle patterns like floral or small checks are particularly lovely.
As part of my client wardrobe, I have a wide array of dresses for women in carefully selected fabrics and colors to suit both the season and your personal style.
Cohesive doesn’t mean matching. In fact, avoiding matching outfits is key to a high-end look. Instead, mix forms and shapes—think dresses, skirts, bloomers, rompers, and pants. Combine solids with delicate patterns such as plaid, check, floral, or small stripes. Textural details in your clothing choices bring depth to your images and elevate the overall look.
While neutrals are timeless, adding a pop of color can bring personality and warmth to your session. Muted versions of mustard, rust, dusty rose, or slate blue work beautifully in fall. The key is to avoid flashy, bright colors like neon pink, red, or orange, as they reflect color onto skin and can distract from the natural beauty of the moment. Instead, let your pop of color complement the setting and your family’s skin tones.
For little girls, small bows, clips, or a simple headband are perfect for keeping hair tidy while keeping the focus on her face. Choose neutral leather or cloth shoes when possible, and for little ones, bare feet are often the most natural and sweet option. It’s best to avoid colorful or heavy sneakers, which can detract from the classic, clean feel of your portraits.
To keep your images refined and cohesive, here’s a quick recap of what to avoid:
• Bright or neon colors like hot pink, red, or orange
• Matching outfits for the whole family
• Logos or visible branding
• Loud or oversized hair accessories
• Heavy sneakers or brightly colored shoes
One of the benefits of working with Alice Claire Photography, a premier Birmingham AL Family Photographer, is access to my exclusive client wardrobe. From stunning dresses for moms to timeless children’s pieces, I have everything you need to create a cohesive look without the stress of shopping. I also provide guidance ahead of time, including personalized styling support and inspiration boards tailored to your session’s location and aesthetic.
Wardrobe should never be a source of stress—it’s part of the storytelling, and I’m here to ensure it feels effortless and elegant. With thoughtful planning and access to my curated collection, your fall family photos will reflect both beauty and authenticity.