So… what do we wear? Probably one of the most common questions I get before a session and thankfully, it doesn’t have to be as complicated as it feels.
The best outfits are the ones that make you feel comfortable, confident, and like yourself.
There really aren’t any hard and fast rules when it comes to what you should wear for your photos. These are simply a few things I’ve learned from experience that tend to photograph beautifully and help your photos feel natural, timeless, and true to you.
When planning your outfits, I always recommend starting with a few colors you love and building from there. Think coordinating rather than matching, choosing pieces that complement each other while still letting everyone’s individual style come through.
Soft, natural tones and effortless textures pair beautifully with beaches, lush greenery, and golden light. I love when outfits feel relaxed and timeless, and when you can actually move, play, snuggle, and be present during your session instead of worrying about whether your shirt is doing something weird.
Or, add a pop of color!
Bold, playful colors can bring personality and energy to your photos while creating a beautiful contrast against Hawaii’s natural surroundings. Choose a color you love and feel confident in, it’s a fun way to make your photos feel even more like you.
So take what works for you, leave what doesn’t, and keep scrolling for some of my favorite tips, color combinations, and outfit ideas to help make choosing what to wear a little easier.
Start with a Color Palette
One of my favorite ways to begin choosing outfits is to think about colors that naturally work well together. Rather than choosing one exact color scheme, think about a collection of tones that complement each other. Soft neutrals, earthy tones, and subtle pops of color tend to photograph beautifully, but don’t feel like you have to stick to one specific style. Your outfits should reflect your personality and the overall feeling you want your photos to have. A helpful tip is to choose one outfit or piece that you really love and build from there. This could be a favorite dress, a beautiful texture, a fun accessory, or even a color you feel confident wearing. Once you have that starting point, it becomes much easier to choose pieces that work together.
Coordinate, don't match unless matching is the goal...
There are no rules when it comes to choosing what to wear for your session. What matters most is that you feel comfortable, confident, and like yourself. Your style, your personality, and what feels important to you are what make your photos unique.
If you love a more coordinated look, embrace it! If matching feels like you, that’s part of your story. Here in Hawaiʻi, we have so many wonderful designers who create beautiful, timeless prints with pieces for the whole family. If you’ve found a print you love and want everyone to wear it, go for it! I love when families have a clear vision for their photos, and sometimes wearing the same print is exactly what brings it all together. What might feel busy to some can feel like a beautiful statement to others. It really comes down to what feels like you.
If you're leaning toward a more coordinated look without fully matching, think about how your outfits work together as a whole. Mixing different shades, textures, patterns, and styles can create a cohesive look while still allowing each person to feel like themselves. For example, if one person chooses a patterned piece, you can balance it with simpler outfits in coordinating colors. Small details and differences between each outfit add personality and help your images feel authentic to you.
Texture & Layers
Texture is one of my favorite ways to add depth and interest to your photos. Fabrics like linen, knits, denim, dresses, sweaters, and layers can create a beautiful, natural look without feeling overly styled.
Small details can make a big difference. A favorite necklace, a cozy cardigan, a hat, a beautiful fabric, or an accessory that feels meaningful can add personality and make your images feel more like you.
Think About Your Location
Your session location can be a great source of inspiration when choosing what to wear. Think about the colors, textures, and overall feeling of the space where your photos will take place. Flowing fabrics, light layers, and natural textures often photograph beautifully in outdoor settings, while a more polished look may be the perfect fit for a branding session. The goal isn’t for your outfits to blend into the background, they should complement your surroundings while still feeling like you.
Choose Comfort Over Trends
The most beautiful photos happen when you feel comfortable. Choose pieces that allow you to move, laugh, connect, and enjoy your time together. You don’t need to wear something completely different from your everyday style. I love when clients choose outfits that feel like an elevated version of themselves. When you feel confident in what you’re wearing, that confidence naturally comes through in your photos.
A little reminder for the one usually behind the camera...
If you’re the one who is usually taking the photos, this is your chance to step in front of the camera. I know it can be easy to focus on everyone else and forget about yourself, but you deserve to be part of these memories too. Choose something you love, something that makes you feel confident, and something you’ll be happy to see yourself wearing years from now. These photos are about more than just what everyone is wearing, they’re about remembering this season of life and the people who were there.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
- Matching or coordinating, both are beautiful! Whether you love everyone in the same print or prefer mixing colors, textures, and styles, choose what feels like you.
- Choose outfits that work well together while still allowing each person’s personality to shine.
- Consider how your outfits will look together as a whole rather than focusing on each individual piece.
- Bring options if you’re unsure. Sometimes having a few choices helps you feel more confident.
- Choose shoes and accessories that fit the location and allow you to move comfortably. Or go barefoot! Chances are your shoes won’t make it into most of the photos anyway.
And if you ever feel stuck, I’m always happy to help! You can send me ideas, share a few options you’re deciding between, or ask for my thoughts before your session. Pinterest is also a great place to gather inspiration and find styles that feel like you. At the end of the day, there’s no “perfect” outfit. The best choice is something that helps you feel comfortable, confident, and fully present for your session.
I can’t wait to help you create images that feel like you, photographs you’ll love looking back on for years to come.
Ready to Make Some Memories?
Now that you have a little inspiration for what to wear, the only thing left to do is show up, be yourselves, and enjoy the moment. I'll take care of the rest! Whether we're chasing little ones along the beach, soaking up the golden light, or simply capturing the connection between you and your favorite people, I'm here to make the experience feel easy, relaxed, and true to you.
Let's create something beautiful together!
