One of the questions I get asked most often is, "What should we wear?"
If you're feeling overwhelmed trying to coordinate outfits for your family, you're definitely not alone. The good news? Choosing colors for your beach session doesn't have to be complicated. A few simple guidelines can make a huge difference in how your photos look and feel.
As a Gulf Shores family photographer, my goal is to create timeless images that feel effortless—not overly trendy or perfectly matched. Here are my favorite tips for planning outfits that photograph beautifully on the beach.
Start with the Beach
The beach already gives us a gorgeous color palette.
Think:
Soft ivory
Cream
Sand
Beige
Light tan
Warm gray
Soft blues
Sage green
Dusty rose
These colors complement the natural scenery instead of competing with it. They also help create that light, airy, coastal feel that so many families love.
Skip Matching—Coordinate Instead
The days of everyone wearing the exact same white shirt and khaki shorts are behind us.
Instead, choose 2-4 complementary colors and mix them throughout your family. This creates depth, personality, and a much more natural look.
For example:
Mom: Cream dress
Dad: Light blue linen shirt with khaki pants
Daughter: Soft floral dress with hints of blue and blush
Son: Sage green button-up with tan shorts
Everyone looks connected without looking identical.
Choose Soft, Muted Colors
Muted colors photograph beautifully during sunset because they reflect light softly.
Some favorites include:
Cream
Oatmeal
Dusty blue
Sage
Olive
Terracotta
Rust
Mauve
Dusty lavender
Soft peach
Bright neon colors, bold logos, and intense patterns tend to pull attention away from the people in the photos.
Remember—the focus should always be your family's connection.
Think About Texture
Texture adds interest without adding busy patterns.
Some beautiful options include:
Linen
Cotton gauze
Knit sweaters (during cooler months)
Eyelet lace
Smocked dresses
Flowy fabrics
These materials catch the coastal breeze beautifully and create natural movement in your photos.
Dress Mom First
This is my biggest tip.
Find an outfit you absolutely love for yourself first. Most moms feel best in a flowy dress with movement, but wear whatever makes you feel confident.
Once you've picked your outfit, build everyone else's colors around it.
It's much easier than trying to coordinate everyone at once.
Don't Forget Comfort
Beach sessions include:
Walking through soft sand
Carrying little ones
Sitting together
Running, playing, and snuggling
Choose clothing you can comfortably move in.
Kids especially should be able to run, twirl, and play without constantly adjusting their clothes.
Accessories Matter
Simple accessories can elevate your look.
Consider adding:
Neutral hats
Delicate jewelry
Bare feet
Hair bows
Suspenders
A lightweight cardigan if it's breezy
Keep accessories minimal so they complement your outfit rather than distract from it.
Colors I Love at the Beach
Some of my favorite combinations include:
Cream + Sage + Tan
Ivory + Dusty Blue + Khaki
White + Rust + Olive
Beige + Soft Pink + Cream
Oatmeal + Denim + White
Terracotta + Cream + Sage
These palettes photograph beautifully against the white sand and Gulf waters.
Colors to Avoid
While there's no strict rule, I usually recommend avoiding:
Neon colors
Bright red
Solid black (especially for everyone)
Large logos
Athletic clothing
Busy patterns
Multiple competing prints
If one family member wears a bold pattern, keep everyone else in solid colors.
Need Help? That's What I'm Here For.
One of my favorite parts of preparing for your session is helping families feel confident before they ever step onto the beach.
Every Darby Lee Photography client receives styling guidance, and I'm always happy to help you coordinate outfits, review photos while you're shopping, or offer suggestions based on what you already have in your closet.
The less you stress about what to wear, the more you can focus on making memories with the people you love.
And trust me—that's what you'll remember every time you look back at your photos.
