Dream Life 9 Photography

What to Wear

Summer Beach Session Guide

One of the most common questions I get is: "What should we wear?" The good news — there are no hard rules, but a little planning goes a long way toward photos you'll love for years. This guide makes it easy.

Color Palettes
Choose Your Look

The beach is a soft, natural backdrop full of sand tones, sea blues, and warm light. Clothing that complements those tones photographs beautifully. Pick one of the three palettes below as your starting point — or mix and match. When in doubt, reach out and I'll help!

Palette 01
Soft & Romantic
Whites, blushes, soft corals, and sage green. Warm and timeless — especially beautiful in golden hour light.
Crisp White
Blush Pink
Soft Coral
Sage Green
Warm Sand
Crisp White
Blush Pink
Soft Coral
Sage Green
Warm Sand
Styling tip: Let one person anchor in white or cream, then layer in blush and sage. Contrast between family members is what makes the image dynamic — avoid having everyone in the exact same color.
Palette 02
Coastal Classic
Navy, white, sky blue, and natural linen. Clean, crisp, and timeless — a nautical feel that's perfectly at home on the water.
Deep Navy
Crisp White
Sky Blue
Soft Denim
Natural Linen
Deep Navy
Crisp White
Sky Blue
Soft Denim
Natural Linen
Styling tip: Light wash denim photographs as a perfect soft mid-tone. A white linen top with jeans is the quintessential relaxed-chic beach look — intentional without feeling overdone.
Palette 03
Warm Sunset
Terracotta, rust, dusty rose, and cream. Rich, earthy, and warm — glows in late afternoon golden hour light for a vibrant, modern feel.
Terracotta
Warm Rust
Dusty Rose
Cream
Warm Taupe
Terracotta
Warm Rust
Dusty Rose
Cream
Warm Taupe
Styling tip: This palette shines in the last 60–90 minutes before sunset. If your session is earlier, lean on cream and dusty rose and use terracotta as an accent rather than the dominant color.
Practical Advice
What to Wear

Clothing

  • Flowy fabrics move beautifully in a sea breeze — maxi dresses, linen shirts, lightweight skirts
  • Coordinate rather than match exactly — similar tones with slight variation looks intentional
  • Layers add visual interest — a light cardigan, open button-down, or kimono all work
  • Well-fitting and comfortable always photographs better than formal and stiff
  • For kids: comfort is key — happy kids who can move freely make better photos

Footwear

  • Bare feet are always a great choice — natural and keeps the focus on your family
  • Simple sandals or espadrilles photograph cleanly
  • Avoid chunky sneakers unless they match your aesthetic intentionally

Accessories

  • Simple jewelry photographs better — delicate necklaces, small earrings, fine bracelets
  • Hats are wonderful — straw or floppy sun hats add a summery feel
  • Sunglasses are best removed for most shots — they block eyes and cause glare
Pro tip: Bring a backup outfit if you can — a quick change mid-session gives your gallery nice variety. Avoid brand-new clothes — familiar, broken-in pieces always look and feel more natural on camera.
Quick Reference
Do's & What to Avoid
✓  DO
  • Soft, muted, or earthy tones
  • Flowy, lightweight fabrics
  • Coordinating (not matching) outfits
  • Solid colors or subtle textures
  • Natural, comfortable footwear
  • Simple, delicate jewelry
  • Layers and varied textures
  • Outfits you already feel confident in
  • Steam or iron the night before
✗  AVOID
  • Neon or very bright colors
  • Large logos or busy graphics
  • Stiff or uncomfortable clothing
  • Everyone in the exact same color
  • Heavy makeup or dramatic looks
  • Overly formal or dressy attire
  • Brand-new clothes you haven't worn
  • Matching head-to-toe as a group
  • Wrinkled or unpressed clothing
From Me to You
Still Not Sure?

Send me a photo of what you're thinking before your session and I'll give you honest feedback. I want you to feel great the moment you arrive — that confidence comes through in every single image.

A Few More Ideas
Bonus Palettes

Not feeling the main three? Here are a few extra options to spark some inspiration.

Boho Neutral
Oat, warm tan, mocha, and muted olive. Earthy and relaxed — works beautifully at any time of day.
Oat
Warm Tan
Mocha
Olive
Driftwood
Fresh & Breezy
White, seafoam, mint, peach, and soft blush. Light and airy — fresh and clean in any lighting.
White
Seafoam
Mint
Peach
Blush
Monochrome Linen
Tonal whites, creams, and warm grays. Elegant and editorial — let texture do the work.
White
Cream
Linen
Warm Gray
Dune

I can't wait to photograph your family. See you at the beach! 🌊

Dream Life 9 Photography  •  Chris Farrand