How to Style Your Outdoor Fall Family Session in Los Angeles

Fall in Los Angeles offers a unique blend of warm, golden light and the perfect breeze, making it an ideal time for outdoor family photos. With so many picturesque locations around the city, from scenic parks to iconic beaches, your fall family session is bound to be filled with beautiful moments. But when it comes to planning your outfits, you’ll want to ensure you balance style, comfort, and the season’s charm. Here are some fall family photoshoot ideas to help you nail your wardrobe for a memorable day in LA.

1. Embrace Light Layers for LA’s Fall

Fall in Los Angeles isn’t like the crisp autumn in other regions. Temperatures often stay mild, but you might still experience cool evenings. Dressing in light layers is a smart move for your fall family photoshoot in Los Angeles. Consider cozy sweaters, denim jackets, or stylish cardigans that can be removed or added as the day cools down. Layering will also add texture to your photos, making them even more visually appealing.

2. Opt for Warm, Earthy Tones

To match the season’s ambiance, focus on colors that reflect the natural beauty of fall in Southern California. Rich, earthy tones like burnt orange, mustard yellow, olive green, and deep browns are excellent choices for your fall family photoshoot outfits. These warm shades not only evoke the feeling of autumn but also photograph beautifully against LA’s diverse landscapes, whether you’re capturing the session in a park surrounded by golden foliage, the rolling hills, or even at the beach during sunset.

Burnt Orange: This bold, vibrant color adds warmth and depth to your photos, making it a great choice for sweaters, scarves, or even a statement dress. Burnt orange pairs well with softer tones like beige or olive, creating a balanced and inviting look.

Mustard Yellow: A quintessential fall color, mustard yellow is perfect for adding brightness without overpowering the other tones. Whether it’s a mustard cardigan or a fun hat, this shade complements earthy tones beautifully and will stand out against both urban and natural backdrops in Los Angeles.

Olive Green: This earthy green is subtle yet sophisticated, and it pairs effortlessly with most fall color palettes. Olive green can be worn by anyone in the family, and it works especially well for jackets, pants, or cozy knits. It also contrasts beautifully with neutral backdrops like sandy beaches or gray city architecture, making it a versatile choice for your fall family photoshoot.

Deep Browns: Think of deep, chocolatey browns for pants, boots, or layers. This color is an excellent neutral base and can be paired with brighter accent pieces like mustard or rust. Deep brown also feels very grounded and natural, creating a timeless look that perfectly suits the fall season.

If you prefer a softer, more subtle look, consider lighter tones like creamy neutrals, beige, or soft taupes. These colors provide a clean, elegant aesthetic that contrasts wonderfully against both the rugged outdoors and LA’s modern urban environments:

Creamy Neutrals: Shades of cream, off-white, and light beige are ideal for achieving a chic, minimalist look. These colors bring a touch of elegance to your photos, allowing your family to stand out against the rich colors of the season, whether it’s the changing leaves or a setting sun. Neutral tones also photograph exceptionally well against the golden hour light so typical of Los Angeles fall afternoons.

Soft Taupes and Grays: A more muted alternative to the earthy palette, taupe and soft grays are great for adding balance without detracting from the warmth of your fall palette. Pairing taupe with accents like deep brown boots or a plaid scarf in rust or mustard creates a cozy, refined aesthetic that works beautifully for any family member.

Planning your fall family photoshoot colors around these earthy and neutral tones will help your family look cohesive while blending seamlessly into Los Angeles’ unique fall landscapes.

3. Mix Patterns and Textures for a California-Cool Vibe

One of the best fall family photoshoot ideas is incorporating patterns and textures for added depth. Think plaid, florals, or even subtle geometric patterns to create a relaxed yet stylish look. Textured fabrics like knits, linen, or suede also bring a California-cool aesthetic to your session. Just remember to balance out patterns with solid colors so your photos don’t feel too busy.

Incorporating these elements into your fall family photoshoot outfits will ensure your style is effortless yet polished, perfect for capturing the laid-back vibe of LA.

4. Consider Footwear for Different LA Locations

Los Angeles offers a variety of stunning locations for your fall family photoshoot, each with its own unique vibe and terrain. Whether you’re at a beach, park, or hiking trail, selecting the right footwear is essential to ensure you look great while staying comfortable during the session.

Beach Photoshoots: For family photos along the iconic California coastline, like Malibu or El Matador Beach, you’ll want to choose footwear that feels breezy yet stylish. Neutral-colored sandals or elegant flats are great options for a beach setting. Sand-friendly shoes like espadrilles or woven slip-ons also add a touch of casual sophistication without being too formal. Additionally, bare feet can be a beautiful and natural look for beach photos, especially for kids running around or playing in the sand. Consider bringing a pair of sandals to slip on afterward or to wear during candid walking shots.

Park or Garden Photoshoots: If your family fall session is set against the picturesque backdrop of Griffith Park, the Huntington Gardens, or one of LA’s other lush parks, opt for comfortable yet fashionable footwear. Ankle boots are perfect for this kind of rustic, nature-inspired setting. They provide enough structure for uneven terrain while adding a stylish, fall-appropriate touch. Chelsea boots or combat-style boots with a sleek silhouette can add a modern edge to your outfit, and they pair beautifully with jeans, dresses, or skirts. If you prefer something more casual, stylish sneakers in neutral tones like beige, taupe, or white can keep you comfortable while maintaining a chic, laid-back aesthetic.

Hiking Trail Photoshoots: For more adventurous families looking to capture their photos in the scenic hills of LA, like Topanga State Park or the trails of Runyon Canyon, it’s essential to choose shoes that are practical for uneven or rocky ground. Again, ankle boots are a fantastic choice for offering both comfort and stability on rougher terrain. If your style is more casual, opt for sporty sneakers that are both functional and stylish. Neutral, earth-toned sneakers or slip-on hiking shoes can complement the natural fall colors of the landscape while keeping your feet supported. Remember, the goal is to stay comfortable so you can focus on enjoying your family session without worrying about blisters or discomfort.

Urban Settings: For those looking to do their fall family photoshoot in an urban environment—whether it’s in downtown LA, the Arts District, or along the streets of Santa Monica—footwear can be more fashion-forward. A sleek pair of loafers, chic flats, or even heeled boots can elevate your look. Neutral-toned shoes, whether they’re in taupe, black, or beige, work well in urban settings because they complement a wide range of outfits while also providing comfort for walking between shots.

Comfort is key, but there’s no reason you can’t stay fashion-forward while exploring LA’s beautiful locations. Whether you’re running through the sand, walking a trail, or capturing candid moments in a park, the right pair of shoes will help you feel at ease, letting your natural smiles and connections shine through the photos.

5. Accessorize with Style, But Keep It Simple

Adding a few key accessories can elevate your fall family photoshoot outfits without overwhelming the overall look. In Los Angeles, where fall temperatures tend to be mild, accessories should not only reflect the season but also work with the location and setting of your session. Thoughtful details like a lightweight scarf, a wide-brimmed hat, or subtle jewelry can effortlessly enhance your style while keeping your look sophisticated and chic.

Lightweight Scarves: Scarves are a classic fall accessory and are perfect for adding texture and depth to your photos. In LA’s milder climate, opt for lightweight materials like cotton or linen blends in warm, earthy tones that match your fall family photoshoot colors. A patterned scarf—whether plaid, striped, or floral—can add visual interest and help tie together the color palette of your family’s outfits. For example, a scarf with mustard yellow or rust accents can complement other family members’ outfits, helping to create a cohesive look without being too matchy-matchy. Plus, scarves offer versatility: they can be draped loosely around your neck, tied into your hair, or even used as a shawl during sunset sessions to give you an effortlessly elegant touch.

Wide-Brimmed Hats: Wide-brimmed hats are a stylish way to embrace the fall season while also adding a dramatic flair to your photos. Whether you choose a felt fedora or a floppy wool hat, these accessories can frame your face beautifully and lend a bohemian, laid-back vibe that’s perfect for outdoor settings like LA’s beaches, parks, or urban gardens. Hats in neutral shades like beige, tan, or deep brown can complement almost any fall family photoshoot outfit, while a bolder option like a burgundy or olive green hat can make a statement without overpowering the rest of the look. A well-chosen hat not only shields you from the sun but also gives your photos a chic and fashionable edge.

Jewelry: When it comes to jewelry, less is often more, especially for a family photoshoot where the focus is on connection and emotion. Subtle pieces like simple gold or silver necklaces, stud earrings, or dainty bracelets can add a touch of elegance without drawing attention away from your family’s interactions. For moms, layering a few delicate necklaces or choosing a pair of understated hoops can complement your outfit without feeling overdone. Kids can also wear cute, personalized jewelry such as a charm bracelet or a small necklace with their initials, which can add a sweet, personal touch to the photos. However, be mindful not to overdo it—one or two carefully selected pieces will keep the look balanced and refined.

Belts and Suspenders: For those looking to add a playful, vintage-inspired touch, accessories like belts or suspenders can be a fun option, especially for little boys or dads. A leather belt or suspenders in earthy tones like brown or tan can create a polished look when paired with jeans, chinos, or even corduroy pants. This small addition adds a touch of style without overshadowing the natural, candid moments captured during the session.

Hair Accessories: For girls or moms, a floral crown or a simple hair clip can add a soft, feminine element to your look, especially if you’re opting for a park or garden photoshoot. These accessories complement flowy dresses or boho-style outfits, adding a romantic touch to your photos. Keep in mind that hair accessories should be subtle so that they don’t distract from your facial expressions or interactions with your family.

Functional Accessories: If your photoshoot takes place during the golden hour or later in the day, consider incorporating practical accessories like stylish sunglasses that can be used for a few playful, candid shots. Oversized sunglasses or classic aviators can add a cool, LA-vibe while also protecting your eyes during outdoor sessions. You can also bring a chic blanket in fall tones to sit on during your shoot or to use for cozy family shots, adding both comfort and a lovely textural element to the images.

6. Coordinate Colors Without Overmatching

Instead of everyone wearing the exact same color, aim to coordinate your fall family photoshoot colors in a way that complements each family member while still feeling cohesive. The goal is to create visual interest without overwhelming the photos. Here are some fall family photoshoot ideas on how to approach color coordination for your session:

Earthy Tones: These colors are perfect for fall, especially in a city like Los Angeles where natural backdrops like parks and beaches provide the perfect setting. Think of colors like rust, mustard, olive green, deep brown, and burnt orange. For example, one family member could wear a rust-colored sweater, another could opt for an olive-green jacket, while someone else could add a pop of mustard yellow with a scarf or hat. This variety will add depth and texture to your photos, without looking too uniform.

Soft Neutrals: If you prefer a more subtle and elegant look, neutrals like cream, beige, soft gray, and taupe work beautifully for fall. They not only photograph well but also blend seamlessly with LA’s natural landscapes, whether you’re in a more urban setting like the city streets or a beachy location. Neutrals also help the focus remain on your family’s connection, rather than bold outfit choices. For example, one family member could wear a cozy cream sweater, while another pairs taupe pants with a soft gray scarf, keeping the look sophisticated yet relaxed.

Warm Jewel Tones: For a richer palette that still feels seasonally appropriate, consider warm jewel tones such as deep emerald green, maroon, sapphire blue, or plum. These colors work wonderfully for fall family photoshoot outfits, especially against LA’s vibrant autumn light. Picture one family member in an emerald green dress, another in a maroon sweater, and someone adding a hint of plum with accessories. Jewel tones add a touch of elegance while still keeping the look grounded in fall.

Complementary Accents: Once you have your main colors selected, use complementary accents to tie everything together. For instance, if one family member is wearing a bold rust sweater, another could wear a plaid scarf that incorporates similar tones of rust and mustard, while someone else adds a pop of color with a mustard beanie or burnt-orange boots. Using complementary accents like this will make the photos look more balanced and less uniform.

Monochromatic Variations: If you’re a fan of a more streamlined look, consider choosing one color and playing with different shades. For example, you might go with a palette of blues—one person could wear a navy sweater, another a sky-blue scarf, and someone else could have denim in a medium blue wash. This monochromatic approach keeps your family looking coordinated but with enough variation to maintain visual interest.

Pop of Color: If you’re leaning toward neutral tones but want a little extra flair, consider adding a pop of color in your accessories or shoes. For instance, if your family is dressed in mostly cream, taupe, and beige, adding a bright scarf, hat, or pair of shoes in a jewel tone like sapphire blue or mustard yellow can elevate the entire look while staying true to the fall aesthetic.

7. Comfort is Key

When planning for your fall family photoshoot in Los Angeles, it’s important to make sure that everyone is comfortable. The fall weather here is often mild, but it can still fluctuate between warm afternoons and cool evenings. Choosing comfortable fabrics and allowing for movement in your outfits will make the photoshoot experience much more enjoyable for the whole family. When you feel comfortable, it shows, making for more authentic and relaxed photos.

8. Dress for LA’s Scenic Backdrops

Los Angeles has an array of beautiful outdoor locations perfect for your fall family photoshoot. Whether you’re capturing moments at Griffith Park, the Venice Canals, or a hidden beach in Malibu, think about how your outfits will complement the surroundings. For an urban vibe, neutral tones like beige, gray, and white look great against city backdrops. For nature-rich settings, earthy tones like olive, mustard, and burnt orange will help your family stand out while staying in harmony with the environment.

In summary, the key to a successful fall family photoshoot in Los Angeles is blending comfort, style, and seasonal flair. Whether you’re taking advantage of LA’s urban backdrop or the natural beauty of its parks and beaches, you can’t go wrong with layers, coordinated colors, and textures that reflect the autumn season. When your family feels great in their outfits, it will shine through in the photos, making for unforgettable moments that you’ll cherish forever.

Interested in having a fall session with me with yoru family? Submit an inquiry today! Let’s chat!