What to wear for fall photos in Central Park

The question we get most before a session isn't about posing. It's "what should we wear?" The good news: fall is the easiest season to dress for. Here's what works in Central Park, and what to avoid.

Start with the park's colors

In fall the park gives you gold, rust, deep green and warm browns. Outfits that sit in the same family look natural against it:

• Warm neutrals: cream, oatmeal, camel, tan
• Earthy colors: rust, olive, burgundy, mustard, chocolate brown
• Easy basics: denim, white, charcoal

One or two richer colors with neutrals around them is the sweet spot. A rust sweater with cream and denim, for example, looks great next to yellow leaves.

Colors and patterns to skip

• Neon and very bright colors. They reflect onto skin and pull the eye away from faces.
• Big logos and text. They date the photos and distract.
• Tiny, busy patterns like thin stripes or small checks. They can shimmer on camera. Larger, softer patterns, like a plaid scarf or a floral dress, are fine.
• All black. It can work, but it hides shape and loses detail in shade.

Coordinate, don't match

For couples, families and groups, aim for outfits that look good together without being identical. An easy method:

1. Pick three or four colors from the lists above.
2. Give each person one main color from that set.
3. Spread the brightest or boldest piece to one person only.

Everyone in the same white top and jeans looks dated. Everyone in different random colors looks messy. A shared palette is the middle ground.

Texture makes fall photos

Fall clothes photograph well because they have texture: knits, wool coats, corduroy, suede and flannel all add depth. A chunky sweater, a long coat or a scarf instantly makes a photo feel like fall, even before the leaves are at their peak.

Layers are your friend

Late fall afternoons cool off quickly once the sun drops behind the trees. Layers keep you comfortable and give you two looks in one session:

• A coat or jacket you can take off for a few shots
• A sweater over a collared shirt or simple top
• A scarf or hat to add, then remove

Shoes

You'll walk a little between spots on paths and some grass. Wear something you can walk in comfortably. Boots and clean sneakers both work well. If you want heels or dress shoes in the photos, bring them in a bag and switch for the shots.

For kids

• Let them wear something comfortable they actually like; a happy kid photographs better than a perfectly dressed one.
• Avoid characters and big graphics on their clothes.
• Bring a small snack and a backup top. Fall leaves and toddlers are a messy combination.

For pets

A simple collar or a scarf or bandana that fits your color palette looks great. Bring treats and a leash; Central Park requires dogs to be leashed outside the off-leash hours and areas.

What to bring

• A lint roller (dark coats and pet hair)
• A hair tie, comb and lip balm
• Tissues, because fall air makes noses run
• A warm layer for between shots
• Water for the kids

The one rule

Wear something that feels like you on a good day. You'll look relaxed in your photos when you feel comfortable in your clothes, and that matters more than any color palette.

Ready to put the outfit to use? Our 30-minute Central Park sessions include guided posing, so all you have to do is show up dressed and ready.