Okay, so here's the thing about fall family photos - everyone's always going on about those typical autumn colors, you know? The oranges, the yellows, the reds. But honestly? I've been doing this for years now, and some of my absolute favorite family shoots have been when families went bold with all black outfits instead.
I remember this one session last October (still gives me chills thinking about it) - this gorgeous family showed up in head-to-toe black, and against those vibrant fall leaves? Chef's kiss. Pure magic. That's when I really started pushing more families toward this direction.
Look, I get it. Black feels scary for family photos. You're probably thinking it's too formal, too serious, maybe even a little... funeral-ish? Trust me, I've heard it all. But when you do it right - and I'm going to show you exactly how - black outfits create this incredible sophistication that just can't be matched.
Why Black Actually Works So Well (And Why I'm Obsessed)
Here's what I've learned after shooting probably hundreds of families: black creates this amazing contrast against fall backgrounds that literally makes people stop scrolling. While everyone else is wearing the same pumpkin-colored sweaters, your family photos will stand out like crazy.
The other thing? Black is timeless. Those trendy fall colors from 2019? They already look dated. But black? Your great-grandkids will look at these photos and think you looked amazing. There's something to be said for that.
And can we talk about how slimming it is? (Sorry, had to go there, but it's true!) Black just photographs beautifully on everyone. Period.
My Top Black Outfit Ideas That Actually Work
1. The Texture Game-Changer
This is where most people mess up with black outfits - they think it's all about the color, but it's actually about the textures. I had this family last fall, and mom wore this gorgeous cable-knit sweater dress, dad had on a wool blazer, and the kids? One in corduroy, another in this soft cotton henley.
Same color, completely different vibes. The photos were incredible because each person looked distinct while still feeling cohesive.
My go-to texture mix:
- Someone in knits (cozy factor is huge)
- Someone in smooth cotton or jersey
- Maybe a leather jacket if the weather cooperates
- Denim counts as texture too - don't forget that!
2. Black + Camel = Perfection
Okay, this combo is having a major moment right now, and for good reason. I shot a family last month where mom and daughter wore black dresses, dad and son were in black shirts, but then we added these beautiful camel-colored cardigans and scarves.
The warmth of the camel against the drama of black? So sophisticated. Plus it photographs like butter against fall foliage.
Pro tip from someone who's made this mistake: make sure your camel pieces are true camel, not that weird orangey-tan color. Trust me on this one.
3. Metallic Touches for Holiday Cards
If you're planning to use these photos for your holiday cards (smart move, by the way), adding some metallic accents to black outfits is pure genius. Gold jewelry, bronze shoes, maybe a copper-toned scarf.
I had this one family add just tiny gold hair clips to their little girl's hair, and gold watches for the adults. Small touches, but they made the whole look feel festive without being too Christmas-y for October photos.
4. The Layering Master Class
Fall weather is so unpredictable, right? One minute it's degrees, next minute you need a coat. This is where layering becomes your best friend.
Start everyone in black base layers - think fitted tees, leggings, basic pieces. Then add layers that can come off if needed. Cardigans, light jackets, scarves that aren't sewn on.
I always tell families to bring options. You'd be surprised how many times we've had to adjust mid-shoot because the weather changed.
5. Classic Black and White Never Dies
Sometimes the simplest ideas are the best ones. Black and white is classic for a reason - it just works. But here's the trick: don't make it too matchy-matchy.
Maybe mom in a black dress, dad in a white button-down with black pants, kids mixing it up with stripes or solid pieces. The key is variety within the theme.
And honestly? These photos look amazing blown up and printed in actual black and white too. Double win.
6. Jewel Tones for the Win
This might be my personal favorite combo. Black as your base, then add in one gorgeous jewel tone. Deep emerald green, rich burgundy, maybe a beautiful sapphire blue.
I did a shoot where we used black for everyone except mom, who wore this stunning deep green dress. The photos were absolutely gorgeous - she popped against the family while still looking coordinated.
7. Modern Minimalist (For the Clean-Line Lovers)
Some families just have that modern, minimalist aesthetic, and black outfits can totally work for them too. Think clean lines, simple silhouettes, maybe some interesting architectural elements if your location has them.
This approach is all about the quality of the pieces rather than lots of styling tricks. Good fit, beautiful fabrics, simple accessories.
What I've Learned About Styling Black Outfits
Don't Try to Match - Coordinate Instead
I cannot stress this enough: matching is the enemy of good family photos. Even when everyone's wearing black, you want variety. Different shades of black (yes, they exist!), different textures, different silhouettes.
The goal is to look like a family who has great taste, not like you all raided the same closet.
Accessories Are Everything
This is where you can inject so much personality into black outfits. A colorful scarf here, interesting boots there, maybe some fun jewelry.
My rule of thumb: each person should have at least one accessory that shows their personality. For kids, this might be fun socks or a special headband. For adults, maybe a watch, scarf, or great shoes.
Weather Reality Check
Let's be real for a second - fall weather can be a total wildcard. I've shot families in 80-degree October days and others where we're dealing with surprise snow flurries.
Always, always have backup pieces. Light layers that can be added or removed. And comfortable shoes! I can't tell you how many beautiful outfits have been ruined by uncomfortable shoes that make everyone cranky.
Location Thoughts (From Someone Who's Seen It All)
Black outfits are incredibly versatile location-wise, but some spots just make them shine more than others.
Urban settings with fall trees? Amazing. The contrast between the structured city backdrop and natural fall elements creates such interesting photos.
Rustic locations like barns or farms? Also gorgeous. The black creates this interesting juxtaposition against the weathered wood and country elements.
Just avoid really dark, shadowy locations. Black outfits need good light to show their details and textures properly.
The Psychology Behind It All
Okay, getting a little deep here, but there's actually some interesting psychology behind choosing black for family photos. Black conveys confidence, sophistication, and timelessness. It says "we know what we're doing" without being flashy about it.
For families who want their photos to feel more editorial, more artistic than the typical family snapshot, black is your answer.
Real Talk About Shopping for Black Outfits
Let me save you some time and money here. You don't need to buy everything new, and you definitely don't need to spend a fortune.
Start with what you have. Most people have at least a few black pieces in their closets already.
Invest in one great piece per person. Maybe that's a new dress for mom or a nice sweater for dad. Build the rest around those key pieces.
Don't forget about rentals. For special occasion pieces, renting can be way more cost-effective than buying.
Some of my favorite budget-friendly spots: Target's A New Day line has great basics, Old Navy for affordable family coordination, and honestly? Thrift stores can be goldmines for unique black pieces.
Timing Your Shoot (This Matters More Than You Think)
When you book your fall session can make or break how your black outfits photograph. Early fall when the leaves are just starting to turn? Beautiful contrast. Peak fall colors? Absolutely stunning.
But here's something most people don't think about - lighting matters so much with black outfits. You want that golden hour light to bring out all the texture and detail in dark fabrics.
I always recommend scheduling fall sessions for late afternoon, about hours before sunset. The light is warm and forgiving, and it makes black fabrics look rich rather than flat.
Questions I Get Asked All the Time
Will black outfits make us look too serious?
Not if you don't let them! The clothes don't make the photos - your expressions and interactions do. Some of my most joyful, fun family photos have been of families in all black.
The trick is in the posing and the natural moments between shots. Laugh, play, be yourselves. The black outfits will just make you look more polished while you're doing it.
Should literally everyone wear black?
Not necessarily! I often recommend having one or two family members in complementary colors. Maybe mom and the kids in black, dad in cream. Or everyone in black except the youngest child in white.
The key is intention. Whatever you choose should feel purposeful, not accidental.
What if we're worried about looking too formal?
Easy fix - choose casual black pieces! Black jeans instead of dress pants. Henley shirts instead of button-downs. Sneakers instead of dress shoes.
Black doesn't have to mean formal. It can be just as casual as any other color.
How do we add personality to all-black outfits?
Accessories, accessories, accessories! And also through styling choices - cuffed sleeves, layered jewelry, fun hairstyles.
Let each family member's personality shine through in the details rather than through different colors.
What about shoes?
This is where you can have some fun! Black outfits look great with brown leather boots, cognac-colored shoes, even white sneakers for a more casual vibe.
Just make sure everyone's shoes are comfortable and weather-appropriate. Beautiful outfits mean nothing if people are uncomfortable.
Final Thoughts (And Why You Should Go for It)
Look, I've been photographing families for years now, and I can honestly say that some of my most proud portfolio pieces feature families in black outfits. There's just something so striking and timeless about them.
Yes, it feels a little scary to go against the traditional fall color grain. But that's exactly why it works so well. Your photos will stand out, they'll feel more artistic, and honestly? You'll probably love them more than any orange-sweater photos you could have taken.
The key is confidence. Wear your black outfits like you own them (because you do!), focus on having fun together as a family, and trust that the photos will be beautiful.
And remember - these aren't just photos for this year. These are the images your kids will look back on decades from now. Don't you want them to see a family that was confident, stylish, and unafraid to be a little different?
Black outfits for fall family photos aren't just a trend - they're a timeless choice that will make your family look sophisticated, coordinated, and absolutely gorgeous against those beautiful autumn backgrounds. Trust me on this one.
