It's That time of year again! No not pumpkin latte season! (Although I might be obsessed) its Family photo season!

Yay one of my favorites!

Now for the big question, what on earth do we all wear?

Keep reading for a few of my favorite tips.

Choose your color palette.

1-2 neutrals and 3 complementary colors. The goal is coordination, not matching. I personally like to start with a feature piece, something with a print or maybe just a few colors and then pull the complementary colors from this. You only want 1 maybe 2 of these star pieces. As they can draw attention away from your face. 

For fall I LOVE JEWAL TONES! At least having one really works well with the green oranges and reds of the fall leaves. 

Once you have that chosen, your next selection should be your neutrals. Having 2 is good because we don't want the entire family wearing khakis, its good to break it up with either black or denim or maybe grey pants. When choosing this also consider placement, I am less likely to place people wearing the same color right next t each other because then you turn into a blob of color instead of individuals.

Simple tops are less distracting and really compliment the individual.

Once these are covered add layers accessories, these can really make for a finished look! Some examples:

Cardigan seaters

Blazers 

Sport coats

Vest

Scarves

Ties/bow ties

Suspenders

Hair bows

tights/leggings

Belts

Head bands

Another way to add dimension and variety is to use a combination of materials and textures. For fall I love anything cozy, cable knit seaters, corduroy, velvet, leather boots.

Ladies start with yourselves! You work hard to get everyone else ready, do not put yourselves last! Looking your best requires feeling your best (I might say this a million times in this blog) Don't be afraid to dress up! This is a big deal you juggled everyones schedules and got them all to the same place at the same time. Congratulations :)

Dresses are very flattering on all body types. Fabrics like Chiffon and Tulle create extra movement and a dreamy flowy feel to the shoot. That being said if the thought of a dress makes you itch, don't do it! You won't be comfortable and it will show in your face. If you are a jeans and cowboy boots kinda girl, then do your thing. A dressy top can compliment just as well. Top priority is making sure you feel good. 

If you are interested in hiring a professional hair and makeup artist I have a few recommendations, feel free to ask.

Gentlemen, khakis/Chinos are a very versatile base. They can be dressed up or down. Fitted as opposed to cargo style looks better. Same goes for jeans. A belt polishes things up a bit, and adding accessories such as a tie, suspenders, vest or sports coat can really sharpen a look. But again comfort over style.

Children, most little girls love a good twirling dress! A cute sweater or bow added to any outfit can make all the difference. This is an area where we can let them take some ownership in the event. Give them a couple of choices, its amazing how much pride they can take in something they've chosen. It really helps to keep them engaged and feel involved. 

Boys, they seem to be the least interested in taking photos! Comfort over everything! But just like adult males accessories can really make an outfit. 

Please remember layers, I know we call this sweater weather but thats not always the case here in California. With all of our little Sonoma County micro climates the temperature can change in minutes. Nothing is more uncomfortable then being too hot or too cold. Having options prepped makes the afternoon go smoothly. 

Give yourself plenty of time! When you'r rushed, you look stressed and your 15 min window does give us enough time to relax. 

Shoes! They matter and they show! Make sure they are clean {this is especially for the littles} Don't forget about them when your planning! If you buy new ones make sure they've been tried on. In fact I recommend this for your entire outfit.

Also remember your environment, if we are shooting in the middle of a vineyard, stilettos might not work very well.

I hope these tips help! Please reach out with any questions.

Looking for more? Here are a few other of my trusted sources:

 Just Posted I LOVE this blog year round she is always posting great deals. She is great with color palettes and the deals! Maybe a few to many prints mixed that can be distracting, but still worth a look.

Pantone colors Fall  if you follow fashion trends this is a great source for colors! Although colors on this list that I would not recommend are:Green Bee, Illuminating and Red alert! These are a little too distracting and bright.

Baltic Born Looking for an amazing dress. The colors and textures offered by this company are gorgeous! 

And don't forget to check out Style & Select Use code SJP24

While there check out their blog post below.

Fall Style Trends 

Ultimate Styling Prep Guide