Outfits Can Make or Break Your Mini Session
Fall mini sessions are short, fun, and full of energy. But because minis run on a tighter schedule, every detail matters—especially what you wear. The right wardrobe can make your photos timeless and cohesive. The wrong choices can leave you feeling distracted or wishing you had done things differently. Don’t worry—you don’t need to be a fashion expert. After photographing families in Saint Paul for over 25 years, I’ve seen what works beautifully in fall minis and what tends to cause regret later. Let’s walk through the most common outfit mistakes and what to wear instead.
Mistake #1: Everyone in Matching White Shirts & Jeans
It might seem easy to just put everyone in white shirts and jeans, but that combination often looks flat and outdated in photos. White tops can wash out skin tones and lose detail against fall’s bright colors. Instead, go for coordinated color palettes. Choose two or three colors that work together and let each family member wear a variation. For example, you might combine navy, mustard, and cream, or rust, olive, and denim. This approach looks polished but still allows individuality. 
For more on this, you can read my post on why your whole family should never wear white.
Mistake #2: Loud Logos or Busy Patterns
Logos, cartoon characters, and bold graphics distract from the connection between your family. Similarly, very busy patterns—like oversized plaid or neon stripes—can pull focus away from faces. Subtle patterns and textures photograph beautifully, but anything too loud competes with your smiles. Think cozy knits, linen, or soft plaid in muted tones. Solid colors or small, simple patterns let the fall backdrop do the talking.
Mistake #3: Uncomfortable or Fussy Outfits
Mini sessions move quickly. If a child is tugging at itchy fabric or a parent is struggling with shoes that hurt, it adds stress and shows up in photos. The best outfit is one your family can move, sit, and play in comfortably. Avoid stiff collars, too-tight jeans, or anything you wouldn’t wear to walk around a park. Cozy sweaters, dresses with room to move, boots, and layers make a session smoother and help you look more natural.
Mistake #4: Seasonal “Overkill”
Fall-themed outfits can be fun, but pumpkin sweaters, leaf-print leggings, or head-to-toe orange can quickly feel like costumes instead of timeless wardrobe choices. When you look back years from now, you want the season to shine through the leaves, light, and atmosphere—not gimmicky clothing. The better approach is to let fall’s natural beauty be the star and choose classic clothing that enhances the surroundings.
Mistake #5: Skipping Layers or Weather Prep
Minnesota fall weather can shift in minutes. I’ve had sessions that started in the sunshine and ended with chilly wind. Skipping layers leaves you uncomfortable and it’s hard to relax when you’re shivering. Layering cardigans, jackets, scarves, or tights not only helps with warmth but also adds texture and depth to your photos. Bring a neutral jacket that still looks good on camera so you have options without clashing.
What Works Best Instead
Now that you know what to avoid, here’s what photographs beautifully for fall minis: rich tones like rust, olive, mustard, navy, cream, and burgundy; cozy layers like cardigans, scarves, boots, and textured sweaters; coordinated (not matching) outfits that share a few tones across the group; and fabrics like knits, denim, or linen that add depth without busy patterns. If you’d like a more detailed guide, my fall family photo checklist is a great resource.
Final Thoughts
Your fall mini session is about connection, laughter, and memory-making—not stressing over clothes. Avoiding these common mistakes keeps your wardrobe timeless and ensures your photos reflect your family, not distracting outfits. Don’t overthink it—keep it simple, cozy, and true to you.
Ready to book your session? My fall minis are back check them our or explore my family session pricing or contact me here to reserve your spot.
