Choosing outfits for family photos can feel overwhelming—especially when you want everyone to look cohesive but not matchy-matchy. The trick is to start with one anchor piece and build the family’s wardrobe around it. This fall, Mae Threads has some gorgeous dresses that make the perfect centerpiece for family photos. We’ve put together eight family outfit ideas—two for each of four favorite dresses—that show how to create both neutral, timeless palettes and colorful, autumn-rich looks. Plus, we’ve paired each set with a suggested location to bring your photos to life.
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1. The Katarine Floral Embroidered Dress in Cream + Mocha
Neutral & Muted Palette: Earthy Elegance
The Katarine dress—with its soft cream base and mocha embroidery—pairs beautifully with warm earth tones. Think dad in beige chinos and a taupe henley, a daughter in an oatmeal cardigan over a cream dress, and little boys in rust corduroy and camel knits. The result is natural, grounded, and classic.
Perfect Locale: A golden meadow or wheat field to mirror the dress’s soft neutrals.
Colorful Palette: Autumn Jewel Tones
For a bolder take, lean into teal, mustard, and rust. Pair dad in a deep teal button-down with jeans, a daughter in mustard, and sons in olive and rust. These colors pop against the Katarine’s cream while still feeling fall-appropriate.
Perfect Locale: A pumpkin patch or rustic barn setting with warm tones.
2. The Jena Plaid Dress in Burgundy
Neutral & Muted Palette: Classic Autumn Neutrals
The Jena’s burgundy plaid feels instantly autumnal. Balance it with softer neutrals: dad in charcoal jeans and an oatmeal sweater, kids in creams, khakis, and dusty taupes. This palette feels understated yet cozy.
Perfect Locale: A tree-lined park with fallen leaves, where neutrals will let the burgundy shine.
Colorful Palette: Rich Harvest Tones
To create a vibrant family set, play off the burgundy with forest green, mustard, and burnt orange. Dad in a forest green button-up, a daughter in mustard, and little boys in rust or navy plaids add dimension.
Perfect Locale: An apple orchard or vineyard—lush greenery makes the warm tones pop.
3. The Quincey Smocked Detail Midi Dress in Checkered Multi
Neutral & Muted Palette: Grounding the Bright Dress
The Quincey is playful with its rainbow checks, so balancing it with neutrals keeps the family cohesive. Think dad in light khakis with a cream button-up, a daughter in sage, and sons in gray and beige. The result is fresh and harmonious.
Perfect Locale: A simple, natural setting like a grassy hillside or sandy beach—let the Quincy be the star.
Colorful Palette: Bright, Joyful, and Playful
Alternatively, you can embrace the Quincy’s energy with more color. Dad in navy chinos and chambray, a daughter in lavender, a son in teal, and a toddler in soft yellow create a cheerful, storybook palette.
Perfect Locale: A colorful mural wall in the city or a fairground for a whimsical vibe.
4. The Katt Dress in Coral Multi Floral
Neutral & Muted Palette: Dusty, Soft Autumn Shades
The Katt’s coral floral is romantic and vintage-inspired, so muted tones like sage, dusty rose, and taupe pair beautifully. Dad in olive chinos and a cream pullover, kids in dusty rose and taupe, and baby in sage keep the palette soft and dreamy.
Perfect Locale: A historic estate garden or stone courtyard to highlight the dress’s timelessness.
Colorful Palette: Warm Harvest Tones
For a more vibrant look, lean into burgundy, mustard, and pumpkin orange. Dad in a burgundy pullover, a daughter in mustard, sons in rust and teal, and a baby in pumpkin orange make the family feel lively and celebratory.
Perfect Locale: A pumpkin patch, sunflower field, or farmers market—bright settings that echo the harvest tones.
Family photos are about capturing connection, but the right styling helps elevate the images into heirlooms. Whether you’re drawn to muted, timeless neutrals or colorful, storybook palettes, Mae Threads dresses provide a stunning base. From meadows to orchards, murals to courtyards, each outfit set tells its own story—and all you have to do is step in front of the camera with the people you love most.