What if your fall family or couple’s photos could feel like a page straight out of a Gilmore Girls episode? You know the feel: crisp autumn air, golden leaves gently falling, the smell of coffee brewing at Luke’s Diner, and those unforgettable cozy sweaters. There’s something so nostalgic and heartwarming about the way fall feels in Stars Hollow, and the secret to recreating that magic is all in the colour palettes.
The colours are what draw us all in, autumn after autumn, to annually rewatch Gilmore Girls and find yourself feeling warm all the way through.
Colour plays such a powerful role in storytelling, and nothing says "autumn" quite like the rich, cozy hues we associate with the season. Let’s dive into why the Gilmore Girls fall aesthetic is perfect for your family or couples photos, and how you can create timeless, intimate moments with the right fall palette.
Why the Gilmore Girls Fall Aesthetic?
There’s something unmistakably special about fall in Gilmore Girls. The show manages to capture the season in a way that makes you want to grab a knit sweater, sip a warm drink, and take a long walk through a town like Stars Hollow. It’s more than just the changing leaves—it’s the atmosphere, the sense of comfort, the relationships, that small town feel. The deep connection between the characters overlapping lives, their quirks, their banter with another, all wrapped up in a beautiful autumnal setting.
This is why the Gilmore Girls fall aesthetic resonates with so many of us. It’s cozy, nostalgic, and heartfelt—just like home. When planning your fall photos, drawing inspiration from this aesthetic allows you to channel that same warmth and connection. It’s not just about pretty pictures or settings; it’s about creating a moment that feels like a memory, full of love and personality.
The Coziest Autumn Colour Palettes Taken Straight from Gilmore Girls
Now, let’s talk colour. Gilmore Girls has a way of making autumn feel like a warm hug, and much of that is thanks to the rich, inviting colour palette that’s woven throughout the show’s fall episodes. Here are some palettes you can pull straight from Stars Hollow to inspire your next photoshoot:
Rust & Mustard:
Think about the leaves underfoot and overhead in Stars Hollow, really bringing that New England aesthetic in. Rusty oranges and deep mustard yellows bring that rich autumnal vibe, giving your photos a sense of warmth and earthiness.
Burgundy & Plum:
These deeper hues evoke the richness of late fall, like Lorelai’s favorite cozy scarf. Burgundy and plum tones work beautifully for those family moments around sunset, adding depth and elegance to your photos.
Forest Green & Navy:
Cool, calming, and timeless. These shades reflect the cool autumn mornings and the evergreen trees that stand tall through the changing seasons. Pairing forest green with navy creates a balanced and polished look.
Creams & Browns:
Neutral tones are always a win for fall photos, and Gilmore Girls does them perfectly. The subtle contrast between warm creams and rich browns (think Rory’s knit sweaters and cozy coffee shop interiors) makes for soft, classic images. This Gilmore’s home is large and stately, but still brings in that warm feeling (even when the company is icy) through both warm lighting and warm colours on the walls and throughout the set.
Burnt Orange & Olive Green:
This palette feels like walking through Stars Hollow on a crisp fall afternoon. The combination of burnt orange and olive green channels the glow of fall’s golden hour, creating a stunning backdrop for family moments.
Navy, Wine Red & Brown:
The dark academia aesthetic is popular for good reason, it instantly inspires the urge to read or study, cozying up with a book and a chunky sweater (not to mention a plaid skirt). It’s the perfect palette for those chilly fall photoshoots.
These cozy colour palettes not only capture the essence of fall but also help tell your family’s story. The right colours can bring out the deep connection and warmth you share, while adding that extra layer of charm that makes your photos unforgettable.
What to Wear for Family Fall Photos?
Dressing your family for fall photos can feel overwhelming, but it’s really about comfort, coordination, and personality. Here are a few tips to nail that perfect fall family look, inspired by the Gilmore Girls’ effortless style:
Layers Are Your Friend
Fall is all about layers—Think cozy knit sweaters, plaid scarves, and textured jackets. Not only do layers photograph beautifully, but they also allow you to mix and match colours within your palette.Complement, Don’t Match
You don’t need to wear matching outfits to look cohesive. Instead, choose a family colour palette where everyone’s outfits complement one another. Think Lorelai’s playful colors next to Rory’s more classic tones. This way, each member of your family can express their personality while still looking connected. We’re always here to help suggest a palette that represents your personalities if your feeling lost.Textures Make a Difference
Chunky knits, woolen scarves, corduroy pants—these fabrics scream fall and add depth to your photos. The textures you wear will enhance the cozy, intimate feel of your photos, making them even more special.Don’t Forget the Footwear
Fall is often about exploring the outdoors. Whether it’s a family walk through the park or downtown Calgary, you’ll want to keep footwear practical but stylish. Leather boots, cozy socks, and sneakers work beautifully for family shoots, especially in a fall setting.
Why Colour Palettes Matter in Photoshoots
Choosing the right colours for your family’s fall photos can elevate the entire experience. Just like in Gilmore Girls, where every scene is thoughtfully designed to evoke a feeling, your photos should do the same. Colours have the power to bring out emotions, create a mood, and highlight the connection between you and your loved ones.
When you choose a palette that reflects your family’s style and the season, the result is a set of photos that feel authentic and timeless. Whether you're drawn to the warm, earthy tones of autumn or the deeper, moodier shades of late fall, your colour palette will bring your story to life.
Conclusion: Book Your Fall Photoshoot, We’ll Plan It All
A fall photoshoot is more than just capturing a season—it’s about freezing a moment of connection and love in time. With the right colour palette, wardrobe, and location, your family photos can become treasured memories that feel just as cozy and heartfelt as a Gilmore Girls fall episode.
If you’re ready to bring that magic to your own family or couples photos, head to our pricing page to book a session. We’ll plan every detail for you—from the colour palette to the location—so all you have to do is show up and be yourselves. Jennie isn’t just a photographer, she’s your creative director, ensuring every shot reflects the heart and soul of your family.
Take a look at inspiration from other shoots we’ve done, and feel free to explore our galleries for more ideas on colour, style, and location.
PS: Your family’s story is already beautiful—let's make sure the photos we capture feel just as rich, intimate, and timeless as the memories you’re creating.
View more of our favourite palettes:
Imagine your fall family or couple’s photos feeling like a scene from Gilmore Girls—cozy knit sweaters, golden leaves, and that unmistakable autumn warmth. Drawing inspiration from Stars Hollow’s rich, nostalgic colour palettes, we’ll help you capture the season’s essence and your most heartfelt moments. From warm rust tones to deep burgundies, let’s create timeless memories with the perfect autumn palette. Ready to bring that magic into your photos? Book your fall shoot now, and we’ll take care of every detail!