Fall in Alaska is one of the most beautiful times of the year, but any Alaskan will tell you it’s also fleeting. Be prepared to utilize our brief fall season by ensuring your plans are in place for all the details surrounding a gorgeous Fall Family Photo Session. You’ve booked your photographer and chosen Alaska for the backdrop. So now let’s talk wardrobe. What should you wear?
- Keep it simple
- Layers
- Earth toned colors
- Classic over trendy
- Don’t neglect accessibility and comfort
Keep it Simple
You’ll want to settle on a color scheme. This means that you’ll select a few main colors that coordinate well together to create a cohesive look without being too “matchy-matchy.” Choose 2 or 3 favorites and then fill in with a couple of neutrals. You’ll want to determine each family member’s primary color, then layer in those accent colors to keep everyone generally within the color scheme (but not every family member needs to be wearing every color! Keeping it simple is usually the best way to go).
Layers
Fall is also the perfect time to play with cozy layers, and this gives you more opportunities to bring in your color choices.
Earth Toned Colors
A few of my personal favorites are hunter green, a deep burgundy, or mustard yellow. These paired with creams and khakis always give that cozy fall feeling.
I suggest choosing earth-tone neutrals rather than black or white. Black and white can be a bit too contrasting and may not photograph as well in a soft, autumn setting. I also consider denim a neutral, so don’t be afraid to dress up those jeans or add a denim jacket over a cute dress.
Classic Over Trendy
I recommend sticking with solids or very classic prints (like flannel or subtle florals) to not compete with the beautiful autumn landscape surrounding you.
I also recommend sticking to more classic silhouettes instead of showing up in anything too “trendy” that may not suit your taste later on.
Don’t Neglect Accessibility and Comfort
It’s essential to have tried on all of your pieces before your session so you can make sure you (or, more likely, the kids) will not be in anything pokey, itchy, or generally uncomfortable. That’s one less thing to worry about on shoot day.
Bonus: Don’t Forget Footwear!
It’s so important to not only have clothing you feel comfortable and confident in, but your footwear must be just as functional. If you’re thinking about your heels sinking into the ground or the blisters forming on your kids’ toes, your experience is simply going to be hindered. And if you trip and get mud on your dress…well, editing can only do so much. Make sure your family has comfortable shoes that they can walk or run in.
Prepare for the weather. If you’re here in Alaska, you’ll always want to be prepared for cooler temperatures. I highly recommend making sure you’ve got layers on under your main outfit so that you won’t be thinking about how cold everyone is, and you’ll be able to enjoy your session as a complaint-free experience.
Bonus #2: Where to Shop
Here are some local businesses that have great selections for your fall wardrobe:
I trust that with these tips, you feel confident in knowing how to style your family so that you get the look of your dreams without the stress and second-guessing that can plague the process. I’m always available to help my clients narrow down options and provide individualized insight on curating your session, so don’t hesitate to book your Fall session today!