10 Epic Dresses to Help you Look Beautiful for Your Next Photoshoot

Are you planning a family or couples photoshoot and need a gorgeous dress to wear? The right outfits can be the difference between okay photos and amazingly epic photos and I recommend that you just wear the dress in most situations. Below are my personal recommendations for truly beautiful dresses that photograph well and they span all budgets. And if you’re hiring me to take your photos (I travel!) then you might be able to borrow some of these from my client closet!

Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links, but only for products that I use and love (I seriously only included things I’m obsessed with!). If you buy through them, I’ll earn some cash for coffee (or tea). But don’t worry, I’ll use that energy to create more helpful content for you!

The Ruffle Me Up Right dress by Reclamation

Why I like it: This dress has been made to fit size XS to XXL, with an elastic waist and a tie, so you can be confident that it will fit you. You can wear it off the shoulder or not, and the skirt is super full and long. It looks truly epic in photos. You can order in a variety of colors, too.

Things to consider: It is is definitely heavy and hard to walk in, so I usually suggest wearing another dress at first for more of the playful images and then switching to this dress partway through. It’s pretty expensive but worth every penny.

My Client Closet: I own this and it fits size XS-XXL

Gia Dress from Joyfolie

Why I like it: This dress has a stretchy waist so it will fit multiple sizes. I love that the sleeves have ties on them. It comes in other colors, too. I actually have it in two different colors, that’s how much I love it!

Things to Consider: You’ll probably need a strapless bra for this since it falls off the shoulder on one side or the other.

My Client Closet: I have the raspberry color in size small and yellow/chartreuse in medium. It can fit slightly larger, though.

Oasis Midi from Free People

Why I like it: So many people ask me about good midi dresses since a maxi doesn’t work for everyone. This dress from Free People is my top pick! It can be worn off the shoulder or not, and it fits maternity, too. It’s so stretchy that it can fit probably one to two sizes larger. I’m usually a large in dresses and I can fit the small OR medium. Comes in lots of different colors.

Things to consider: A strapless bra is a smart choice since it falls off the shoulder sometimes, plus the neckline is wide.

My Client Closet: I have this dress in several colors and sizes, and it runs one size large unless you have a large bust.

R Vivimos Dress from Amazon (dupe of previous dress!)

Why I like it: Okay, this one is pretty much a dupe of the previous dress, except it has a textured fabric with small circles, and the fabric isn’t as flowy. This is such an awesome dress because it’s super stretchy so you know it will fit, and it has great texture. It works for maternity if needed, and is a midi length. If you’re on a budget, this is a great alternative to the previous dress.

Things to consider: The sleeves want to fall off the shoulder so just expect to wear it that way. A strapless bra or pasties work best.

My Client Closet: I have this in Rust and Seafoam green in multiple sizes

The Pirate Queen Gown from Coven & Co

Why I like it: It’s a wrap dress, so it will fit multiple sizes. It works great for maternity and non-maternity. The lace is great quality, I’ve washed mine many times on gentle cycle in a garment bag, and hung it to dry. It still looks new. The bell sleeves photograph really well and the skirt is great for spinning.

Things to consider: This comes from Australia so be prepared to pay a lot for shipping. But it’s worth it for this dress! You could also search for it used on Mercari, Poshmark, or ebay.

My Client Closet: I have this in a size small

Aniya Dress from Joyfolie

Why I like it: I love the slits on the sleeves and the flowy skirt on this dress. The waist is stretchy so it will fit multiple sizes, which is always a plus. Pictured above is the deep teal color. Fits maternity and non-maternity.

Things to consider: The skirt liner is a bit on the short side so make sure you’re okay with that, especially for maternity.

My Client Closet: Sadly, I don’t own this one.

The Extratropical Maxi Dress by Free People or the Amazon version

Why I like it: This Free People dress is absolutely gorgeous for both maternity and non-maternity. I have this dress in multiple colors and it’s really stretchy and the skirt is full. There is also an Amazon version of this dress, which I own as well (the yellow dress above is the Amazon one!). It’s pretty good! Obviously not as amazing as the original but still nice.

Things to consider: The fabric is pretty thin and if the sun is shining, it will make the lighter colors a little see-through. You can always wear a slip underneath, though. You also can’t wear a bra with this, so prepare to go without or get some pasties. The back is open so you can’t wear a strapless, either.

My Client Closet: I have this dress from Free people in Seafoam green in medium, plus the Amazon version in Mustard(S), Lake Blue(M), and Sand(M).

Boho Ruffle Top and Skirt from Earthernwear

Why I like it: This one is a show stopper if you are okay with showing a little stomach. The amount of stomach you show will depend on how large your bust is. This can also work for maternity if you want to show off your belly. The ruffle top and adjustable skirt are sold separately.

Things to consider: You could wear a strapless bra with this or pasties, but it’s a bit see-through so don’t try and go braless. You can also wear a slip under the skirt or wear nude underwear if you’re okay with that.

My Client Closet: I have this, it’s adjustable but I’d say it fits best on XS-M.

Dawn Dress from Joyfolie

Why I like it: This is one of my favorite dresses I’ve ever owned. It works great for both maternity and non-maternity. The waist has tons of stretch, you can wear a bra with it, and the skirt flows so nicely. You can get a size and it will also fit a size larger since it has so much stretch.

Things to consider: The neckline is a little wide so it might be hard to wear a bra with straps (they will likely show) so I suggest a strapless bra or pasties.

My Client Closet: I have this dress in a small and it also fits a medium.

Pippa Maxi from Indie Blue

Why I like it: Okay I have an obsession with this color, although this dress does come in other colors, too. The chiffon fabric catches the light really nicely, is lightweight, and the texture is just amazing. Texture looks great on camera! And I love that is has sleeves, too. It’s also very stretchy so if you get your size, it will likely fit.

Things to consider: The wide neckline means that a strapless or pasties is probably best for this one.

My Client Closet: I don’t own this one. Yet. 😉

I hope you have found a beautiful dress to wear for your next photoshoot! And if you’re looking specifically for a maternity dress, check out my article on How to Dress for Maternity Photos.