What to Wear to Your Orange County Portrait Session
What to Wear to Your Orange County Portrait Session
Style Tips for Picture-Perfect Results

Planning what to wear to your Orange County portrait session is one of the most important steps you can take to ensure your photos look timeless and cohesive. While spontaneous, candid moments are often the most memorable, early preparation with wardrobe choices helps your portrait session go smoothly and stress-free.
If you're wondering what to wear for your family portrait session in Orange County, you're in the right place. In this blog, I’ll share my best tips for coordinating outfits for the whole family—based on some of my favorite and most frequently photographed locations, from Laguna Beach to Newport Coast.
Family Photoshoot Tips: What to Wear to Your Portrait Session
When planning what to wear to your portrait session, consider the location, season, and most importantly, the story you want your images to tell. At Blue Sky’s Studio, we photograph families in some of the most stunning locations in Orange County—from sun-soaked beaches and chic downtown settings to golden fields and lush parks. Here’s how to style your family for timeless, elevated portraits at each type of location:
1. Beach Portrait Sessions – Laguna Beach, Newport Coast, and Crystal Cove
For beach sessions, we recommend soft, neutral color palettes that complement the coastal tones—think creams, soft blues, sage greens, warm taupes, and dusty rose. Flowing dresses for women, linen shirts for men, and barefoot moments help create a relaxed, ethereal feel. Avoid bold patterns or logos, and opt for textures like lace, linen, or gauze to add depth and movement. Our beach clients often love a more elevated casual look, pairing effortless silhouettes with polished accessories for a luxury coastal vibe.
2. Urban Sessions – Downtown Laguna Beach or Coastal City Centers
Urban portraits work beautifully with a slightly more editorial wardrobe. Think sleek, tailored outfits in rich tones like navy, charcoal, ivory, or jewel tones. Moms can wear structured jumpsuits or modern dresses, while dads look great in fitted button-downs and slacks. For children, classic styles with clean lines and minimal logos photograph best. Layering (like a stylish blazer or cropped jacket) adds dimension to your images and elevates the overall look.
3. Park and Open Field Sessions – Irvine Regional Park, Niguel Botanical Preserve, or San Juan Capistrano Fields
In these nature-filled settings, earthy tones and soft pastels work wonderfully. Mix and match subtle prints, knits, and cozy textures like cashmere cardigans or cotton henleys. Long, flowing dresses for mom and coordinating, not matching, outfits for the kids will give your session a polished yet organic feel. For fall sessions, layering with scarves, boots, or a felt hat can be a great way to bring in personality and seasonal charm.
Above all, aim for timelessness. Choose pieces that feel luxurious but not overly trendy. Our studio offers wardrobe consultation and styling guidance to help you coordinate a sophisticated, photo-ready look that fits your family’s personality and ensures your portraits remain beautiful for years to come.
So, that wraps up my expert guide on what to wear to your portrait session in Orange County. The most important thing to remember is that your session should be a joyful experience—filled with laughter, connection, and meaningful moments that will be treasured for generations. When choosing outfits, think about how you want your future self—and your children—to remember this season of life.
If you're ready to create timeless, magazine-worthy images with your family, I invite you to explore my family photography services or learn more about our Laguna Beach portrait sessions. Need help pulling together the perfect look? We also offer personalized wardrobe styling consultations as part of your portrait experience.
