What to Wear for Fall Family Photos with East River Pines Photography in Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Fall in South Dakota is pure magic — golden grass, fiery trees, and that soft sunlight that makes everything look warm and glowy. The right outfits can take that beauty to the next level, helping your photos feel timeless and true to you. Here’s everything you need to know about choosing what to wear for your fall family session in Sioux Falls.

A color palette of five circles showing shades of brown, gray, burgundy, navy blue and beige arranged horizontally.

Family walking with their dog along a river bank during golden autumn sunset.

Start with a Color Palette That Matches the Season

Think cozy, not costume. The best fall outfits pull inspiration from what you’ll see outdoors: rich earth tones, soft neutrals, and muted versions of your favorite colors.

Try combinations like:

Creams, beige, and warm browns

Olive, sage, or forest green

Rust, terracotta, or mustard

Deep burgundy or navy accents

I highly recommend sticking to a few different neutrals and one or two 'pops of color'. Avoid overly bright oranges or stark whites — they can reflect too much light and take away from those soft fall tones.

A color palette featuring muted tones of charcoal brown, navy blue, rust brown, light gray, and medium gray in circular swatches.

A family of three poses together outdoors in autumn, standing on fallen leaves near evergreen trees.

Coordinate, Don’t Match

Everyone in jeans and white shirts? That trend can stay in the early 2000s.

Instead, pick one outfit you love (usually mom’s or whoever identifies most with color choices) and build everyone else’s look around it. Layer in patterns, textures, and subtle variations of the same tones so it feels natural and balanced — like your family, not a uniform.

Add Texture for Depth and Warmth
Fall photos thrive on texture. Think:
Chunky knits and cozy sweaters
Suede boots or leather accents
Flowy dresses or linen layers
Corduroy or wool for the guys

Texture photographs beautifully and gives that “vivid organic beauty” you see throughout East River Pines sessions.

A black and white portrait of a group embracing and smiling together in a wooded forest setting.

Keep Comfort (and Layers) in Mind

South Dakota fall weather can be unpredictable — 70 degrees one day, 40 the next.

Plan for layers that look intentional: a denim jacket, cardigan, or blanket scarf that can be added or removed without changing your whole look. Comfortable kids = happy smiles, and happy smiles photograph way better than itchy sweaters.

Soft watercolor pattern featuring sage green leaves and foliage on white background.

A series of six candid portrait photos showing a young child with blonde hair expressing different emotions and poses.

Avoid Distracting Elements

Logos, neon colors, and busy prints pull attention away from what matters most — your faces and connection. If you want pattern, choose small-scale prints like soft florals, plaid, or subtle stripes. Accessories should complement, not compete.

Plan Ahead (and Try It All On)

Lay everyone’s outfits out together on a bed or hang them up side by side. You’ll instantly see if anything clashes. If you’re unsure, snap a quick photo in natural light — your phone will show you what your camera will later exaggerate.

A row of five circular color swatches showing navy blue, taupe brown, golden orange, pale beige, and soft pink tones.

A family of four walking together and laughing on a forest trail during autumn.

Fall dates fill up fast, and this season’s golden light won’t last forever. Let’s capture your family in all its beautiful chaos — warm tones, genuine smiles, and maybe even a little wind in your hair.