What To Wear For Beach Pictures: The Best Outfit Ideas

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Going on a tropical family trip sometime soon? It’s best to plan a family photoshoot by the beach! Here’s a style guide on what to wear for beach pictures.

The warmer months are coming very soon, and so are sunny days by the beach! One of the best ways to commemorate a family trip is to have family beach portraits taken. Family photos are important to preserve good memories so you can have something to look back on in the years to come.

Before you start planning your family’s beach photoshoot, the most important thing is to secure your photographer first. Most photographers can get booked up pretty quickly during the warmer season, so it’s best to contact them weeks or even months before your planned schedule.

Your photographer can also suggest some nice beaches to have your family portraits done, and they can also give advice on what color palette the whole family could wear. In the end, whichever color you decide to go for, we recommend opting for flowy garments and fabrics that look beautiful blowing in the summer wind.

It’s also a good idea to have a Pinterest board so you can put together some inspiration for perfect outfits and poses for your family members.

Below, we put together a style guide on what to wear for a family photo session by the beach, as well as some outfit ideas. Read on for more!

What To Wear For Beach Pictures

1. Monochrome White

White clothing is a great option for beach sessions if you want to keep things simple and chic with a timeless look. All-white looks are always in style and they’re perfect for the beach. Plus, they make you look tanner!

To get this look, just opt for flowy white dresses for the girls in the family, and opt for a pair of white shorts paired with a white shirt or tank top for the guys. For a more formal look for men, white polo shirts are advisable.

If you want to go for a more casual look with a little pop of color, try pairing a white t-shirt with denim shorts, or even brightly colored shorts. You can also add a colorful scarf or bandana to brighten up your outfit. Don’t forget your sunglasses and sandals!

2. White & Khaki

If all-white outfits are not your thing but you still want to look clean and polished for the photo shoot, you can instead pair your white clothes with khaki or beige. For example, white linen tops would go great with khaki pants or khaki shorts.

These two neutral tones would complement the colors of a sandy beach very well – you’ll match the background in the best way possible, and with a little bit of editing, you can get very nice sepia-toned pictures by the beach.

3. Nautical Colors

Navy blue, red, and white make for a classic nautical look. This is perfect if you’re taking pictures by the water. To get this look, just pair a navy blue or red top with denim shorts or a white skirt.

You can also add a striped top or dress with a straw hat to really capture that nautical vibe.

4. Earth Tone Colors

Earth tone colors include brown, terracotta, sage green, cream, and any color that represents natural elements. This down-to-earth color scheme is a great way if you want to incorporate a solid color into your family’s outfits.

4. Linen

What To Wear For Beach Pictures: White linen shirt dress with loose sleeves
Get this dress on Sabo Skirt

Breathable linen is the perfect outfit for hot summer days, as it’ll keep you cool and protected in the blazing sun. You can also add a colorful scarf or bandana to brighten up your outfit, or accessorize with a fun statement bag if you want to break up the monotone colorscheme.

If you want something a little more dressy, try pairing your linen shorts with a flowy blouse. This will keep you cool and comfortable on those hot summer days.

5. Florals

Flower prints in bright colors are always in style during the summer. And what better place to wear them than at the beach? To get this look, just pair a floral print dress with sandals or flats. You can also add a straw hat or scarf to really capture that summer vibe.

If you want something a little more casual, try pairing a floral print skirt with a t-shirt or tank top.

6. Pastels

Pastel colors are another great option for summer if you’re into lighter colors. Soft pastels are light and airy, and they look great next to the blue colors of the sea and the sky. Go for soft pinks, light blues, lilacs, soft greens and pastel yellows. This is also a great color palette for small children!

To get this look, just pair a pastel top with shorts or skirts in a complementary color.

7. Swimsuits (With Or Without Coverups)

Lastly, you can always do your photoshoot in the most quintessential beach outfit – your swimsuit! This is an especially great option if you want to create pictures that reflect your actual holiday attire in the best way possible, and if you’re doing your photoshoot solo.

If you want to make the pictures more visually interesting, make sure to include lots of props, such as a straw hat, sunglasses, a cover-up and even a designer beach bag.

More Beach Photo Outfit Ideas Below

1.

What To Wear For Beach Pictures: Taupe cutout maxi dress

Get this dress on Sabo Skirt


2.

Dark sage green maxi skirt and white cutout top

Get this skirt on Lulus


3.

What To Wear For Beach Pictures: White linen cutout dress with long sleeves

Get this dress on Sabo Skirt


4.

What To Wear For Beach Pictures: Floral maxi dress

Get this dress on Hello Molly


5.

White summer jumpsuit

Get this jumpsuit on Pink Lily

Commonly Asked Questions

Can I wear denim to the beach?

Denim might be a little uncomfortable for the beach as this is a rough fabric. However, you can definitely get away with denim shorts!

What type of footwear should I wear for beach pictures?

We recommend sandals or flats as these are comfortable and easy to walk in. You want to avoid anything that will sink into the sand or get caught on rocks. But the best way to enjoy family pictures on the beach is to go with bare feet!

Conclusion

We hope these tips have helped you figure out what to wear for beach pictures! No matter what your style is, we hope you’ve found at least one outfit idea that will work for you.

Whatever ensemble you choose, just make sure you’re comfortable and confident! Now, go and get ready to take some amazing photos on the beach!

If you’re still looking for more fashion inspiration, make sure to check out the posts down below.

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