What to Wear for Your Photo Session - Diana Jex, Your Napa Family Photographer
- Diana Jex
- Jul 21
- 3 min read
One of the questions I get all the time is: “What should I/we wear for our session?” … and I get it! Styling your shoot can feel like a lot of pressure. But it doesn’t have to be.
Here are a few things to think through when planning your outfits:
1️⃣ Match the mood of your location A flowing dress and bare feet are perfect for the beach, but might feel out of place in an urban or downtown setting. For beach sessions, I always recommend going barefoot – it really adds to the natural, relaxed feel of the photos! On the flip side, cowboy boots can add the perfect touch of personality for a mountain session or rustic backdrop… but might feel stiff at a beach shoot.
2️⃣ Consider your backdrop colors Neutrals can work almost anywhere. For beach sessions, neutrals, lighter tones, and earthy hues photograph so beautifully and have a timeless appeal against the ocean backdrop. Think creams, soft greys, blush, light blues, and sandy browns. Deep jewel tones pop beautifully against greenery, and light pastels look dreamy in soft, golden hour light.
3️⃣ Coordinate, don’t match Choose a palette of 2–3 complementary colors and mix in patterns, textures, and layers for visual interest. Avoid everyone in jeans and white shirts (unless that’s your thing, of course).
4️⃣ Prioritize comfort and confidence You should feel like your best self, not like you’re wearing a costume. If it rides up, falls down, or makes you feel awkward? Skip it.
5️⃣ Think about movement. Flowy skirts and dresses photograph beautifully. For maternity sessions especially, long, flowy dresses are absolutely magical at the beach! They add such incredible movement to the photos, particularly if there's a gentle breeze, making for truly dynamic and interesting shots. So do long cardigans, soft scarves, and anything with texture. Since beach weather can be a bit unpredictable, I also recommend dressing in layers. It's always a good idea to have a cozy option in case it gets a little chilly. Layered items like textured sweaters or cardigans can look fantastic and add dimension to your look. We're aiming for a "casual chic" or "boho" aesthetic that perfectly complements the natural setting.
Bonus Tip: Where to find the look! If you're looking for some inspiration for that casual chic/boho vibe, here are a few online stores with a similar aesthetic that you might love:
Free People: https://www.freepeople.com/
Joyfolie: https://www.joyfolie.com/ (They have some stunning dresses!)
Jen's Pirate Booty: https://www.jenspiratebooty.com/
Got questions or want me to weigh in on your outfit ideas? Drop them in the comments. I love helping clients plan the look that’s just right. Save this post for later if you’re prepping for your next session!
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