It’s that time of the year again for family photos at pumpkin patches, apple orchards or at the parks with the beautiful foliage. Figuring out what to wear is often the most complicated part of it all. You want to wear clothes that are comfortable and stylish – but at the same time, represent yourself. Fall makes it a little more challenging because the cooler weather translates into layering that can end up looking bulky. Through the years, I’ve learned that photogenic outfits are all about dressing for the location and wearing the right proportions while also keeping color palette in mind. There are a few looks that I always fall back on for my own photos because they never fail to look chic. I thought I’d share those outfit formulas with you guys today.

Similar Burberry Cape | Revolve White Sweater Dress | Stuart Weitzman Over-the-Knee Boots (on sale now!) | Gucci Marmont Velvet Bag | Saint Laurent Sunglasses

1. Cape Coat, Knit Dress & OTK Boots

Wearing contrasting pieces always pops in photos –  even if you love neutrals. You can pull this off by wearing a white sweater dress with a camel (or checkered) cape and black boots. The light neutrals always stand out against the yellow leaves, making you the focal point in a photo. This look is great for family pictures in the city or at a park.

Goodnight Macaroon Sweater | Joe’s Camel Coated Denim (wearing a 24 – size up) | Fendi Tote Bag | Christian Louboutin So Kate Pumps (better for budget here)

2. Classic Sweater & Coated Jeans

As basic as it sounds, you can never go wrong with a classic sweater, jeans and heels. You can always shake things up by picking a sweater in an autumnal hue like rust, pumpkin spice or maroon. These colors look amazing against all skin tones and photograph incredibly well.

On Me: Burberry Trench Coat (better for budget here) | Free People Red Tunic Sweater | Burberry Scarf | Stuart Weitzman Over-The-Knee Boots (also love these) | Gucci Marmont Velvet Bag

On Phil: Nordstrom Cashmere Sweater | Similar Black Denim | Burberry Scarf | Salvatore Ferragamo Belt | Similar Gray Chelsea Boots

3. Bold Sweater Dress, Trench Coat & OTK Boots

Another great option is to wear a bold colored dress! Red is one of my personal favorites and it always looks amazing in photos. I know some photographers don’t recommend wearing red because it can cast color on the skin. But the sun tends to be more subtle in the fall, making that less of an issue. As far as layering goes, a trench coat is such a classic.

Express Sweater Dress | Similar Snakeskin Boots | Bottega Veneta The Pouch Bag | Givenchy Sunglasses

4. Black Sweater Dress & Animal Printed Boots

Black sweater dresses are also great for fall family photos because it’s slimming and sophisticated. You can add that dose of contrast through animal printed boots. If you choose to wear black though, it’s probably best if your spouse and other members of the family wear a different color.

Lovers + Friends Distressed Sweater | GRLFRND Denim (similar here) | Celine Red Luggage Tote | Christian Louboutin Red Pumps | Quay Aviator Sunglasses

5. Cutout Knitwear, Jeans & Bold Accessories

Fall family photos don’t have to be full of fancy frocks in order to look great. Casual pieces can be just as fun especially if you’re somewhere low key, like a pumpkin patch. Sweaters can end up covering too much or look bulky, so your best solution is wear one with cutouts – or an off the shoulder piece. That coupled with a pair of jeans and bold accessories is sufficient for beautiful photos!

Similar Leather Jacket (on sale now!) | Equipment Blouse | Blank NYC Faux Leather Pants | Chanel Bag | Celine Sunglasses (exact style sold out, similar here and better for budget here)

6. Leather Jacket, White Shirt & Faux Leather Pants

If you’re doing photos in the city or any location with an urban or even a quaint backdrop, a leather jacket is a smart way to add a light layer. It always make an outfit chic yet edgy. Just pop a white blouse underneath to lighten things up and add that feminine touch.

xo, Maria

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