There is nothing quite like a family beach session – golden light, soft waves, and bare feet in the sand. When it comes to planning what to wear, this is where many families find themselves stuck. Coordinating outfits for multiple people without being too “matchy-matchy” can feel overwhelming, especially when you want everyone to look and feel their best.

As a photographer, I know that wardrobe plays a big role in how photos turn out. The right outfits can elevate your images and create a timeless, cohesive look that reflects your family’s personality. So if you’re someone who is feeling stuck about what to wear, here’s a guide to help you feel comfy, confident, and camera ready.

Start With a Color Palette

Let’s start with the basics. Begin by selecting 2–3 core colors to guide your outfit choices. This will create your foundation for all outfit choices. Unless you have a specific outfit in mind, I would suggest to start here. For a family beach session specifically, I recommend sticking with soft, natural tones that blend beautifully with the scenery.

Think:

• Sandy beige, cream, and ivory
• Soft blues, seaform green, and dusty teal
• Blush, mauve, or light peach accents

These tones help your family stand out while still complementing the setting. Avoid neon or overly bright colors, which can cast color onto your skin or clash with the calm beach vibe.

Coordinate, Don’t Match

Once you have colors established, you want to then take those colors and use them to find coordinating pieces. Gone are the days of everyone wearing identical white shirts and jeans for a family beach session. Instead, use those complimenting colors to pick out coordinated outfits that work together without being identical.

Tips:

• Mix in subtle textures (lace, knit, linen) to add visual interest.
• Allow everyone’s personality to shine through with styles they feel comfortable in.

Still not sure? Try one of these two tips:

• Lay all the outfits out on a bed. If it looks good together there, it’ll look great in photos.

• Take a picture of each outfit on each person, then go into your photos app and hard press the outfit and then copy the image to your notes app. Repeat this for all family members so you can see how the outfits look together!

Dress for Comfort and Movement

We’ve all been there – you pick out a super cute outfit that you just KNOW in your mind will look so good in photographs, but it is so uncomfortable. While yes, it might photograph well, you can hardly think about anything else while wearing it. When picking out your outfit, prioritize comfort as much as you prioritize aesthetics – I promise you can achieve both! When it comes to a family beach session, comfort is especially important. Beach sessions are naturally relaxed and often involve various forms of movement – walking barefoot, chasing kids, or sitting in the sand. Your clothing should reflect that.

Try:

• Flowy dresses or skirts for moms and daughters
• Button-down linen or chambray shirts for dads
• Soft cotton or linen rompers and shorts for kids

Keep things breathable, unfussy, and easy to move in. Opt for footwear that can be kicked off easily – you know you’re going to want to kick those shoes off and feel the sand between your toes.

Consider the Time of Day and Weather

So you’ve pretty much have your outfits picked out and ready to go, but did you check the weather? Consider time of day and temperature? The majority of family beach sessions occur during “golden hour.” This is right before sunset when the light is soft and flattering. As we all know, when the sun starts to go down, that sweet ocean breeze can start to get a bit chilly. So, make sure you bring a sweater, wrap or blanket that will compliment your outfit in case you get a bit chillier than planned.

Bonus: Little touches like a cozy knit throw or a beach blanket can double as both a prop and a practical item.

Avoid Logos and Distracting Patterns

Just no. I hate to say anything bad about the way an individual dresses, but big logos, loud graphics, and busy patterns are just a big fat no in my book. These things tend to date your photos and pull attention away from your family’s faces. If these are items you tend to gravitate to, here are some ideas:

• Stick to solids or subtle prints (stripes, small florals, minimal textures)
• Avoid trendy fonts or branded clothing
• Go with classic, timeless styles that won’t look dated in a few years

The goal is to keep the focus on connection – not clothing.

Tips for Dressing the Kids

All of the things we have previously talked about, also applies to the kiddos. The biggest thing when dressing your kids, is COMFORT. A happy, comfy child photographs much better than one tugging at itchy clothes.

Little Nuggets to Remember:

• Choose soft, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen
• Avoid anything too tight, layered, or fussy
• For babies or toddlers, one-piece rompers are adorable and simple
• Don’t stress if they go barefoot—it adds to the charm
• Bring a backup outfit just in case there are spills or accidents along the way.

Last, but not least

A few quick things to check off before your session:

• Try on all outfits at least a few days beforehand and do a full group photo on your phone
• Iron or steam clothing the night before and hang everything up
• Pack any accessories, layers, or spare outfits in a tote
• Make sure everyone feels comfortable and confident in what they’re wearing

Remember, when your family feels good, that confidence shines through in your photos.

Bonus: Outfit Inspiration

Looking for more ideas or post inspo? Check out my Pinterest or scroll through some of the photos on my website for real client outfit inspo. You’ll find lots of examples of color palettes, textures, and combinations that work beautifully on the beach.

Let’s Make Beach Magic Together

Wardrobe doesn’t have to be stressful – with a little planning (and some deep breaths), your family’s outfits can enhance your beach photos in the best way possible.

Ready to book your family beach session? Get in touch here — I can’t wait to capture your family in the golden light!