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What to Wear for a Beach Portrait Session
What to wear for a beach portrait session ! This is a question I wish that more clients would ask me...so...I created a blog as well as a whole webpage on my site to help you answer this question. Take a moment and visit that page for more detailed description as well as example images.
Your beach portrait is an investment that will hang on your walls for decades. To ensure a timeless look that highlights your family and not just your clothes, I recommend following a "Two-Color Base" rule with an optional "Third Accent" color.
The Secret Formula: Coordinate, Don’t Match
Instead of everyone wearing the same outfit, choose a palette and let everyone express their own style within it.
1. The "Classic Coastal" (Navy & Tan or Navy & White)
This is our most requested look. It mimics the deep blue of the Atlantic and the warm Jersey sands.
Color 1 (Base): Navy Blue (Dresses, polos, or button-downs)
Color 2 (Base): Tan/Khaki/White (Chinos, shorts, or linen skirts)
Optional 3rd Color: White or Cream (To add brightness and "pop")
Why it works: It’s masculine yet soft, and it looks incredible against the dunes.
The White and Khaki can also be interchangeable
Now I am not a big fan of denim for beach portraits HOWEVER I have had several families who pulled it off beautifully
2. The "Modern Minimalist" (White & Denim or Muted Colors)
A clean, airy look that puts the focus entirely on your faces.
Color 1 (Base): Crisp White (Flowy dresses, linen shirts)
Color 2 (Base): Light Wash Denim (Jeans or skirts)
Optional 3rd Color: Soft Sage Green (A subtle nod to beach grass)
Why it works: White reflects light beautifully onto your skin, creating a natural "glow."
3. The "Sunset Glow" (Soft Pink & White also Muted Colors)
Perfect for late-day sessions when the sky turns pastel.
Color 1 (Base): Blush/Soft Pink (Subtle and romantic)
Color 2 (Base): White or Ivory
Optional 3rd Color: Light Grey (Adds a sophisticated anchor)
Why it works: These tones blend harmoniously with a Cape May sunset.
PRO TIPS FOR BEST RESULTS
Texture Over Patterns: Choose fabrics like Linen, Lace, or Seersucker. These catch the light and add depth to your photos without the distraction of loud prints or logos.
The Wind is (Sometimes) Your Friend: For the ladies, flowy maxi or midi dresses are highly recommended. The ocean breeze adds beautiful movement to your portraits that a stiff fabric can’t capture.
Skip the Shoes: We are at the beach! Barefoot is best. If you must wear shoes for the walk down, opt for simple leather sandals or boat shoes. Please avoid sneakers or flip-flops.
Avoid "Neon" and Logos: Bright neon colors can reflect onto your skin (making you look orange or green), and large logos date a photo instantly.
A Note on My Editing: Because I hand-blend every image without the use of AI, the colors you choose will remain true to life—vibrant, natural, and exactly as you remember them.
The "Beach Chic" Guide for Women
When choosing your outfit, think about movement, texture, and the horizon. Here is how to pick a look that photographs beautifully against the Atlantic backdrop:
1. The Power of the Maxi & Midi Dress
If there is one "gold standard" for beach portraits, it’s a long, flowy dress.
Why it works: Short skirts can be tricky with the constant sea breeze. A Maxi (ankle length) or Midi (calf length) dress catches the wind, adding a high-end, editorial feel to your photos.
The "Flatter" Factor: A defined waist (like an empire waist or a wrap dress) creates a beautiful silhouette against the flat horizon of the ocean.
2. Fabric Choice: Linen, Lace, and Cotton
Avoid "shiny" synthetic fabrics like polyester or spandex, which can look sweaty or reflective in the sunset light.
Linen: The ultimate beach fabric. It looks expensive, stays cool, and has a natural texture that my camera loves.
Lace & Eyelet: Adding a bit of lace or crochet detail provides "visual interest" without the need for a distracting pattern.
Avoid Heavy Denim: While denim is a great secondary color for the family, women often look more "timeless" in softer, lighter fabrics.
3. Mastering the "Third Color" with Accessories
If your family is sticking to a two-color base (like White and Tan), use your accessories to bring in that subtle third color:
Jewelry: A turquoise necklace, gold hoops, or sea-glass earrings.
Layers: A light denim jacket or a cream pashmina is great for "The Point" in Cape May where it gets breezy—it also gives us two "looks" in one session!
Hair Pieces: A simple floral clip or a classic sun hat (to be used for a few artistic shots).
4. The "Salt Air" Hair & Makeup Strategy
Hair: The Jersey Shore is famous for its "Salt Air" humidity. If your hair tends to frizz, consider a soft up-do, a side braid, or using a bit of sea-salt spray to embrace the natural beach waves. Avoid stiff hairsprays that make hair look "crunchy" in high-definition photos.
Makeup: Go slightly heavier on the mascara and lip color than your daily wear, but keep the foundation light. I hand-blend my images to ensure your skin tones look natural, so you don't need heavy "contouring."
Avoid "Transition" Lenses: If you wear glasses, try to wear a pair without the "darkening" transition feature, or be prepared to take them off. We want to see your eyes!
5. Coordination Tip: The "Anchor" Outfit ( This is my favorite)
Pro-Tip: I always suggest that the "Mom" or the "Lead Woman" picks her dress first. Once you have a dress you feel stunning in, pull the colors for the rest of the family from that garment. If your dress has a subtle floral print with Navy, Light Blue, and White, have the kids wear the Navy and the husband wear the White.
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