Fall is the season for family photos in Davis. The light turns golden by late afternoon, the leaves along the Arboretum start to change, and suddenly everyone is booking a photographer before Thanksgiving. Then comes the hard part: what is everyone going to wear? Our answer, after years of helping families at the counter, is to stop trying to match. Coordinate instead. Pick a small palette, mix a few textures, and let each person look like themselves. Here's how we'd do it this fall, with pieces that are on our shelves right now.
Start With Three Colors, Not One Outfit
The easiest way to look pulled together is a simple three-color palette:
- A warm neutral for the base: walnut, camel, oat or tan.
- A soft light to brighten faces: cream, ivory, white or light grey.
- One rich accent: this season, we love cherry red and burgundy.
Everyone wears two of the three. Let the accent show up on two or three people, not all of them, and scatter it around the group: a little red dress on one side, a bow tie in the middle, a burgundy top on Mom. That's what makes a photo look intentional instead of uniform.
Let Texture Do the Matching
When colors stay quiet, texture is what makes a photo feel rich. Aim for at least two of these across the family: soft knits, fine corduroy, velvet and a touch of plaid. They catch the light beautifully, and they look just as good in a close-up as they do from across the park.
For the Littlest Ones
- Baby Boy 3-Piece Knit Overalls, Cardigan & Striped Shirt Set – Ash Gray ($76). Soft knit overalls, a matching cardigan and a striped tee, so it works for sitting on a blanket or being held up for the camera. Newborn to 9–12 months.
- Baby & Toddler Natural Striped Knit Mockneck – Bark ($34.50). Warm brown stripes in a cozy mockneck that layers under a pinafore or overalls. Only 18–24 months and 3T are left.
- Tights With Matching Headband – Light Grey ($24.50). A quiet neutral that ties a baby's outfit to everyone else's. Newborn to 18–24 months.
- Quilted Velvet Non-Skid Mary Janes – Cherry Red ($34.50). Our favorite tiny accent: a pop of cherry right where the camera loves it. The non-skid soles help new walkers on grass and leaves. Sizes for 3 to 18 months.
- Lace & Velvet Bow Knit Socks – White ($16.99). For babies who aren't walking yet, these are sweet on little crossed ankles. 3 to 18 months.
For Her
- Formal Plaid & Velvet Dress – Cherry Red ($69.99, regularly $85). Plaid and velvet in one dress, so she carries both the accent color and the texture. It goes from fall photos straight to Thanksgiving dinner. One each in sizes 3–4 through 8–9.
- Striped Knit Sweater With Matching Scarf – Cherry ($58). Red and white stripes with a scarf that's made for twirling. Pair it with denim or a neutral skirt. Sizes 4–5 through 10–12.
- Textured Knit Sweater – Stone Mix ($39.99, regularly $49.99). For tweens and teens who'd rather stay neutral, this one blends into any palette. Sizes 10 to 18.
- 3" Winter Flannel & Plaid Alligator Clip Bow ($6) or a 6" Bow Nylon Headband in Green/Red Plaid ($5.99). A small way to bring plaid into the picture.
For Him
- Micro Corduroy Pants – Walnut ($39.99). Fine cord in a rich walnut brown, the perfect warm-neutral base. Sizes 3 through 9.
- Toddler Dress Chino Trousers – Cookie ($42). A soft tan chino for the little guys, 6–9 months to 4–5T.
- Basic Crewneck Knit Sweater – Ochre ($39.99). Golden ochre glows at sunset and pairs beautifully with walnut cords. Sizes 4, 5, 6 and 8.
- Button-Up Dress Knit Vest – Grey ($39.99). Layer it over a white shirt for a polished look that still feels like a kid. Sizes 4, 6, 7 and 8.
- Classic Long-Sleeve Collared Dress Shirt – White ($39.99). For older boys, a crisp white shirt keeps the palette bright. Sizes 8/9 through 16/17.
- Adjustable Bow Tie – Brick Red ($7.99). The easiest way to give him a little of the accent color. Also available as a two-piece set ($14.99).
Don't Forget Mom
You'll treasure these photos most if you're in them, and comfortable.
- Scalloped Peplum Velvet Top With Pearl Buttons – Burgundy ($29.99, regularly $39.99). Velvet and pearl buttons in a deeper shade of the accent. Lovely with jeans or a cream skirt. Sizes S, M and L.
- Wide Boat Neck Reversible Knit Sweater With Velvet Bows – Burgundy ($29.99, regularly $45). Wear the velvet bows in the back for a pretty over-the-shoulder shot. Sizes M and L.
- Chunky Bubble Knit Tie-Front Cardigan – Ivory ($49.99, regularly $65). The soft light in your palette, and warm when the sun drops. Size M/L.
A Sample Lineup
For a family of four: Mom in the burgundy velvet top with jeans and the ivory cardigan; Dad in a cream or oatmeal sweater with dark pants; big sister in the cherry plaid and velvet dress; and little brother in walnut cords, the grey knit vest and a brick-red bow tie. There are three colors and four textures, and nobody is wearing the same thing.
Photo-Day Tips
- Skip big logos, neon and busy characters. They pull the eye away from faces.
- Dress in layers. Davis evenings get chilly fast once the sun goes down. A cardigan or vest keeps everyone happy, and can come off for a few shots.
- Try everything on a few days ahead, and wear new shoes around the house so no one has sore feet by the last shot.
- Pack a little kit: wipes, a hairbrush, extra hair clips and a snack that won't stain (think crackers, not berries).
- Start with the baby's outfit if you have one. The tiniest wardrobe usually has the fewest options, so build the palette around it.
Come See Us on G Street
It's much easier to build a palette when you can see the colors side by side, so come by our boutique at 340 G Street in Downtown Davis, at the corner of 4th & G. Bring a photo of what's already in your closets and we'll happily help you fill in the gaps. Most of these pieces have just one in each size, so earlier is better. We're open Sunday 11–4, and Monday and Wednesday through Saturday 10–5:30 (closed Tuesdays). Shopping online? Free local pickup is usually ready the same business day when you order before 2pm PT.
And before the photos, there's Halloween! While you're downtown for the Treat Trail on October 31 (3–5pm), snap your costume photo in front of our shop and tag @bubblebellyshop on Instagram by 11:59pm PT to enter our costume contest. Two winners, one for best individual costume and one for best family or group, each win a $25 Bubble Belly gift card. Open to all; one entry per family; your profile must be public so we can see your tag.
For new arrivals and more outfit ideas, follow us on Instagram at @bubblebellyshop, and on Facebook, TikTok and X at @shopbubblebelly.