Fall in Orange County can feel so magical. The warm light, cozy textures, golden leaves–it all creates the perfect landscape to document your growing family. But great lighting and a gorgeous location are only part of the equation. Styling plays a huge role in how your images will look and feel. As a lifestyle and family photographer, I’ve seen the layers of stress styling your family can add.


What if the colors clash? What if your kiddo absolutely insists on wearing their neon Paw Patrol shoes? What if you just can’t decide what to wear?


Deep breath, mama. I’ve been there, both as a photographer and as a mom trying to herd my own crew into something that looks halfway coordinated. That’s why I created this no-stress styling formula to help you feel confident, comfortable, and (most importantly) like yourself.


Start with Your Location

Before you even start picking outfits, think about where we’ll be shooting. Think of your location like the “backdrop” of your family story. Is it woodsy and green? Cliffside and coastal? Your setting will help shape your color palette so everything feels connected. The goal is to compliment your environment, not clash with it. 


If we’re at a woodsy spot or anywhere with lots of greenery (like Oak Canyon or Chino Hills), avoid wearing green. It tends to blend in with the background or reflect oddly in photos. Instead, reach for neutrals, pastels, or warm earthy tones.


If we’re at the beach or somewhere more open, some soft neutrals, creams, and dusty tones always work beautifully!

Stylish family enjoying a sunset photoshoot in a nature setting with golden light filtering through trees.
Family bonding together at the beach during sunset with reflections in wet sand and coastal cliffs in background.

Pick Your Vibe

This is the fun part. Ask yourself: What kind of feeling do I want to get from these photos?


Do you want it to feel casual and natural? Soft and elegant? A little boho or styled? 


Once you’ve defined the vibe you’re going for, choosing your outfits gets way easier. You’re building a story through your clothing. Think about the textures, colors, and comfort that will reflect your family. 


Choose Your Color Palette

After years of testing how different colors photograph with my editing styles, I’ve narrowed it down to the best of the best. These are the three palettes I recommend to all my families, and they truly never fail.


  • Neutrals include cream, tan, white, beige
  • Pastels include mauve, blush pinks, soft blues and greens, 
  • Earth tones include neutrals + deep greens, black, mustard yellow or burnt orange, and all shades of  brown

I created these Pinterest boards to help give you visual examples and full outfit inspiration.




Pick one palette, stick within it, and start to build your family’s outfits around those tones.

A beautiful family photo session under a warm sunset glow in a rustic wooded setting with autumn tones.

Style Mom First (Yes, Really)

Here’s the truth: you are the one who’s going to love and treasure these photos the most. You’re the one organizing the shoot, coordinating everyone, and saving these moments for the future. So let’s sure you feel amazing.


Start with your outfit. Something that makes you feel good in your body, that moves well, and that feels like you. Once you have your outfit picked, it becomes so much easier to style the rest of the family around your look.


If you’re wearing a solid color, someone else in the family can add a pattern or texture to balance it out. If you’re in a print, keep the rest of the group simple and soft. Think harmony, not matching. 


Don’t Be Afraid of Patterns (Just Use Them Well)

Patterns are what keep outfits from looking flat or boring in photos. I actually love when families use a couple of thoughtful patterns. It brings texture, depth, and personality. 


Here are a few pattern combos that always photograph beautifully

  • Small floral pattern + plaid + solid
  • Small floral pattern + stripes + solid
  • Small floral pattern + polka dots + solid
A group of people dance and play in a sunlit meadow during golden hour, creating joyful silhouettes against the setting sun.

You don’t need everyone in a print, just one or two people is enough to make the group feel styled and intentional. 


Still Stuck? Try This Styling Formula

If your bain is maxed out right now and you just want a cheat sheet, here’s one I use all the time:

  • Mom: Favorite outfit in a solid color
  • Daughter: floral pattern dress or romper
  • Son: tan/beige pants + solid or lightly patterned shirt
  • Dad: dark brown pants or jeans + henley tee or button-down in a solid
  • Layer in: textures like vests, cardigans, knit hats, or scarves if the weather allows.


It’s simple. It’s cohesive. It works.

A picnic setup under sprawling oak trees during sunset with people enjoying time outdoors in a rustic setting.

Shoes Matter (I Promise)

Shoes might feel like an afterthought, but they show in almost every full-body photo, and they can really distract from an otherwise beautiful outfit. 


For kids especially, avoid shoes with brightly colored soles, light-up lights, or cartoon characters. Stick with simple shoes in neutral colors. Think:


  • Boots
  • Mary Janes
  • Soft-toned sneakers (Vans, Converse, etc).
  • Avoid brand-new shoes that haven’t been broken in yet


Comfort is key. If the shoes hurt, the photos won’t feel natural.

A collection of family portraits showing multiple people wearing coordinated blue and white outfits in an outdoor nature setting.

Final Thoughts

The goal of all of this is to feel like yourselves, just a little more polished. Don’t stress about perfection. Instead, focus on comfort, connection, and color that photographs well and feels good to wear. 


If you’re still unsure, send me photos of what you’re thinking! I’m more than happy to help. And of course, feel free to explore my Pinterest boards for even more ideas.