One of the first questions families ask me is: “What do we wear for fall family photos in San Diego?” The answer is simpler than you think. Outfits don’t need to be complicated, but they should be thoughtful. The right clothing makes your photos look polished and cohesive while still reflecting your personal style.

San Diego’s fall weather is mild, which means you don’t need heavy coats or thick layers. Instead, you can enjoy cozy colors, light textures, and outfits that feel timeless and comfortable. To help you prepare, here are my favorite tips on what to wear for fall family photos in San Diego. If you aren’t sure about your location yet, head on over to where I talk about my Top Spots for Fall Photos in San Diego.

1. Go for Warm, Earthy Colors

Fall is the season for rich, cozy tones. Rust, mustard, olive green, burgundy, cream, and warm neutrals look beautiful in San Diego’s golden landscapes. These shades also pop against coastal cliffs or mountain trails.

If you prefer neutrals, that’s fine too! You can mix soft beige, gray, and cream with one or two accent colors to create a balanced look.

2. Add Layers for Depth

Layers make photos look more polished. They add dimension and create subtle changes during your session. A denim jacket, cozy cardigan, or scarf is often enough. Since San Diego rarely gets too cold, you won’t need heavy coats, but a few light layers will give your photos variety.

3. Mix Textures for Interest

Textures help create that cozy fall feeling. Knits, corduroy, suede, and flowy cotton all work beautifully. Imagine a long, flowy dress paired with a chunky knit sweater or kids in corduroy overalls with soft knit shirts. Small details like these add warmth and depth to your portraits.

4. Coordinate, Don’t Match

Matching outfits can feel too staged. Instead, coordinate within a color palette of three or four shades. For example, the family below chose a palette of blue, dark brown, peach, and off-white. The result is cohesive, but still natural.

5. Match Outfits to the Location

Your clothing should work with the setting:

• Beach: Stick with neutrals, creams, soft blues, and subtle warm tones.
• Nature trails or parks: Rich colors like burgundy, mustard, or emerald look stunning against earthy greens and browns.
• Architecture or urban settings: Neutrals paired with jewel tones give a stylish, timeless look.

6. Keep Comfort in Mind

The most important tip? Wear something you feel good in. If you’re uncomfortable or adjusting your clothes constantly, it will show in your photos. Choose clothing that lets you sit, move, and relax with your family.

Tips for Families with Kids

• Lay out everyone’s outfits together ahead of time. This helps you see how the colors and textures flow.
• Skip neon shades, busy patterns, or big logos. They distract from your faces.
• Shoes matter too! Neutral boots, sandals, or flats usually work best.

A Few Outfit Ideas for Inspiration for Fall Family Photos in San Diego

• For moms: A flowy dress with a cardigan or boots.
• For dads: Neutral chinos with a textured shirt or henley.
• For kids: Corduroy pants, knit sweaters, or neutral overalls with a solid shirt.
• For couples: Coordinated layers—like a dress with a sweater for her and a button-up with dark jeans for him.

👗 Still unsure? I love helping families plan outfits. If you’re not confident in your choices, send me a few photos of what you’re considering. I’ll give honest feedback and help you pick looks that photograph beautifully. Just email me at michelle@lovemichellephotography.com, or text me at 619.277.1187.

✨ Want timeless fall photos? With the right colors, textures, and layers, your portraits will look effortless and natural. And I provide all the hand-holding you need in this area (including an in-home styling consultation), so my clients get to focus on just having fun and enjoying their session (all while looking great and feeling confident).

Sound like what you’re looking for?

Fall of 2025 is booking up fast for me, so head over to my family photography page here to find out all the benefits of working with me. You can also get in touch ASAP to get on my calendar. I’d love to have you!

Happy fall!