There is something undeniably magical about fall at The Cottage.
The meadow softens into warm golden grasses, the leaves begin to turn, sweaters come back out of the closet, and every session feels a little slower, a little cozier, and a little more nostalgic. It’s one of my favorite seasons to photograph growing families because the wardrobe naturally complements the atmosphere we create together.
One of the questions I hear most often is:
“What should we wear?”
The good news is that fall is one of the easiest seasons to style. A few thoughtful wardrobe choices can elevate your images while still feeling completely authentic to you.
Start with Mom
Because your pregnancy is the heart of these photographs, I always recommend choosing Mom’s outfit first. Once her look is finalized, everyone else’s wardrobe becomes much easier to coordinate.
I also encourage moms to wear the lightest outfit in the family. This naturally draws the eye toward you and your growing baby, making you the visual focal point without anyone even realizing why.
Rather than matching everyone exactly, think about building a color palette with complementary warm neutrals and earthy tones.
Some beautiful colors for fall include:
- Cream
- Oatmeal
- Camel
- Warm Taupe
- Soft Rust
- Terracotta
- Olive
- Sage
- Dusty Rose
- Chocolate Brown
- Soft Denim Blue
These tones blend beautifully with the meadow and the warm light that surrounds The Cottage during autumn.
Layers Make Every Outfit Better
If there’s one styling secret that instantly makes photographs feel richer, it’s layers.
Layers add texture, movement, and visual interest while helping everyone stay comfortable during Colorado’s unpredictable fall weather.
Think about incorporating:
- Chunky knit cardigans
- Cable knit sweaters
- Soft cotton knits
- Cozy gauze fabrics
- Oversized button-down shirts
- Lightweight jackets
- Scarves
- Vests
- Shackets
Even something as simple as draping a cardigan over your shoulders for a few images can create wonderful variety within your gallery.
Texture is More Important Than Color
When people think about styling, they often focus entirely on color.
Texture is actually what gives photographs depth.
Chunky knits catch beautiful light. Cotton fabrics move naturally. Ribbed sweaters create dimension. Linen blends soften the overall look. Even subtle quilting or waffle knits photograph beautifully.
These little details help your images feel timeless instead of trendy.
Three Outfit Ideas I Love for Fall
1. A Cozy Knit Sweater with a Midi Skirt
One of my favorite maternity looks is a chunky sweater worn slightly cropped or gently tucked up over your bump with a flowing midi skirt.
It feels relaxed, feminine, and perfectly suited for a crisp autumn evening.
If you’re shopping for this style, Altar’d State is a wonderful place to start. They consistently carry beautiful knit sweaters, flowing skirts, and warm neutral pieces that photograph beautifully.
2. A Nostalgic Cottage Dress
Nothing feels more at home at The Cottage than a beautiful fall dress with vintage-inspired details.
Think:
- Soft florals
- Delicate puff sleeves
- Natural cotton fabrics
- Tiny gingham prints
- Warm earth tones
- Flowing silhouettes
These dresses move beautifully through the meadow and perfectly complement the cottage itself.
One of my favorite online boutiques for this style is Worth Collective, whose dresses capture that nostalgic, heirloom feeling so well.
3. Wide-Leg Denim with the Bump Showing
For moms wanting something more modern, I absolutely love a pair of relaxed, low-rise wide-leg jeans paired with a simple fitted top or bralette and an oversized layer left open over your bump.
It feels effortless, current, and incredibly flattering while still maintaining the relaxed documentary feel I love.
Great places to shop for this look include:
- Free People
- Target
- Madewell
- Levi’s
Add Just a Touch of Pattern
Patterns can add personality—but less is usually more.
Rather than dressing everyone in prints, choose one statement piece.
Some favorites include:
- Tiny fall florals
- Soft gingham
- Delicate stripes
- Small-scale vintage prints
These photograph beautifully without distracting from your connection.
What Should Dad Wear?
Dad doesn’t need a complicated outfit.
His role is to complement rather than compete with Mom’s wardrobe.
I usually recommend keeping his clothing a little darker and warmer than hers while staying within the same color palette.
Some easy combinations include:
- A neutral shacket over a cream t-shirt
- A warm-toned henley
- A soft flannel overshirt
- Light wash denim
- Olive or camel overshirts
- Brown leather boots
Comfort is always the goal. If Dad feels like himself, it shows.
Thoughtful Props That Tell Your Story
I don’t believe in bringing props just for the sake of having props.
But meaningful objects that already belong to your growing family can make your images feel even more personal.
Consider bringing:
- Your ultrasound photos
- Tiny baby booties
- A favorite baby book
- A hand-knit blanket
- A woven basket
- A bouquet of seasonal flowers
- A letter you’ve written to your baby
We’ll use them naturally within the session rather than creating stiff, posed photographs.
Why The Cottage Works So Well
One of the reasons I love photographing maternity sessions here is because every part of the property tells a story.
We might wander through the meadow as golden light filters through the grasses.
Pause beside the old clothesline where linens dance in the breeze.
Settle onto the cottage porch with a warm blanket.
Or simply enjoy the quiet beauty of the fields surrounding the studio.
Every location was chosen because it feels peaceful, authentic, and timeless.
The goal is never to create perfect photographs.
It’s to create photographs that feel like memories.
Don’t Stress About Styling
If putting outfits together feels overwhelming, you’re not on your own.
Every maternity session includes styling support, and I’m always happy to help coordinate outfits, review shopping links, suggest pieces you already own, or build a cohesive wardrobe for the entire family.
The best photographs happen when you feel comfortable, confident, and like yourself.
The wardrobe simply helps tell that story.
If you’re planning a fall maternity session at The Cottage, I can’t wait to help create something cozy, nostalgic, and uniquely yours.
