The Best Outfits for PNW Beach Family Photos

The Oregon Coast is one of the most stunning places for family photos! Moody skies, dramatic rock formations, and wide-open beaches make for the dreamiest backdrop. But because the scenery and weather leans cool-toned, what you wear can make a huge difference in how your photos turn out. Adding warmth to your outfits keeps your images looking vibrant and balanced while still feeling natural. So, whether you luck out with a golden sunset or get those deliciously misty, moody clouds, here’s everything you need to know about choosing the perfect outfits for your beach photoshoot!

Colors for beach pictures: warm meets cool

The beach’s natural colors, soft blues, grays, and sandy neutrals, are inherently cool. That’s why I always recommend including at least one warm tone in your family’s outfits to create balance, ideally more. Colors like rust, mustard yellow, burnt orange, or golden hues are perfect for adding vibrancy without overpowering the scene.

To keep everything cohesive, mix those warm tones with neutrals like cream, beige, taupe or light gray. If you love cool colors, incorporate them sparingly. For example, a dusty blue shirt for Dad or a teal dress for a little one. The key is finding a balance between warm and cool shades.

❌ Colors that I don’t love at the beach that a lot of people default to are black and white. White ends up looking blue, and black dulls the image and shadows get lost in it. Great alternatives to these are charcoal gray, off-white, and cream. Those photograph very nicely!

Beach photoshoot outfits: finding the perfect balance

Coordinating outfits doesn’t mean everyone has to match (actually I suggest that you don’t). Instead, aim for complementary styles and colors that flow together beautifully. Start with one standout piece, like Mom’s dress, and build from there.

Here’s a breakdown for each family member:

• Moms: Dresses that are flowy are perfect for creating movement in the ocean breeze. Choose textured fabrics like linen or cotton gauze to add depth. A long maxi dress looks amazing, and as long as the fabric is lightweight enough not to get too heavy, you can still get in the water a little bit. Or wear a shorter dress if you’d rather splash in the waves without your dress getting weighed down.
• Dads: Casual and comfortable is the way to go. A Henley, button-up, or sweater paired with nice jeans, chinos, or chino shorts works beautifully. If you want to add subtle interest, choose a shirt with a subtle pattern that doesn’t draw too much attention. Don’t get too formal here, it would look disconnected to see a dad in work attire running in the waves with his kids. Ditch the suits, blazers, polo shirts, and anything that screams ‘office’ instead of ‘fun at the beach.’
• Kids: For girls, twirl-friendly dresses in complementary colors are always a win or a cute romper. Plan bloomers or shorts under skirts just in case they go flying in the wind. For boys, linen shirts or cozy sweaters in warm or neutral tones are both stylish and practical. Avoid stiff fabrics or overly formal pieces, as they don’t make sense for a fun beach session. Make sure to have some layers planned in case it’s cold, as it often is on the Oregon Coast.
• Babies: Keep things simple with adorable rompers or separates. For little girls who will be held often, skip dresses that might bunch up and look awkward in photos. And don’t forget to have some warm layers on hand.

Textures, patterns, and details: the secret to gorgeous beach family photos

Mixing textures and patterns can bring your family’s outfits to life while still feeling cohesive. Here’s how to do it:

• Textures: Choose fabrics like waffle knits, corduroy, chambray, gauze, or lace. These add dimension to your photos and look especially beautiful in natural light.
• Patterns: Incorporate 1-3 subtle patterns, depending on your family size. Florals and stripes are great options that look great at the beach. Just make sure the patterns don’t compete with each other. Patterns should be subtle. You want to avoid having too much contrast, like having a dark pattern against a light background, which can pull all the attention.
• Accessories: Hats and jewelry can add subtle pops of color or texture to your outfits. Keep these simple so they don’t distract from your faces!

❌ What not to wear for a beach family photoshoot

To make sure your photos stay timeless and focused on your family, here’s what to avoid:

• Neon colors: Bright, unnatural tones clash with the beach’s soft palette.
• Overly cool tones: Too much blue or gray can make your photos feel flat and chilly.
• Logos and graphics: These pull focus and take away from the natural beauty of your photos.
• Overly formal styles: The beach is a casual setting, so stick with relaxed, flowy outfits instead of stiff dress shirts, polos, or formal wear.
• Digital watches: These can be very distracting, plus they will be the equivalent of a pager when you look back. Instead, replace it with a more timeless watch or wide bracelet if needed to cover a tan line.

What should we wear for beach family photos if it’s windy or cold?

PNW beaches often come with colder conditions, even in the summer and especially after the sun goes down, so layering is key to staying comfortable without sacrificing style. Here are some tips:

• Layer Strategically: Choose light, breathable base layers like a linen or cotton and add a cozy knit cardigan, sweater, overshirt, or nice jacket for warmth. But avoid turtlenecks, as they really don’t photograph well (I wanna see those necks! Lol).
• Maximize Textures: Layers like waffle-knit sweaters, ribbed cardigans, or knit sweater not only add warmth but also visual interest to your photos.
• Consider a Wrap or Blanket: A soft, neutral-toned wrap or blanket can double as a cozy accessory for you and your family and adds variety to the photos. If planning to wear a blanket, choose one that’s smaller and not too thick so it won’t add too much bulk.
• Plan for the wind: Dresses that flow look amazing, but keep in mind the wind might play with hair or hats. Choose styles that feel natural and manageable in the breeze. Loose curls look amazing in the wind, but for little girls with thin hair you may want to keep it back with a floral crown or french braid pigtails.

What shoes should we wear for a beach photoshoot?

When choosing shoes for a beach session, consider comfort, style, and practicality:

• Barefoot is Best: If you’re comfortable walking barefoot, that does look the best at the beach because it just makes sense. Plus, it prevents sand from collecting in your shoes! Some locations in the PNW require shoes but some don’t at all, so just ask your photographer (hopefully that’s me!).
• Simple Sandals: Neutral sandals, low espadrilles, or slip-ons are a great choice for walking to the location and can be removed when you get to the sand. Avoid bright or overly sporty shoes that might clash with the natural tones of the beach.

Tips for dealing with the sand

Sand is inevitable at the beach, but you can minimize its impact on your day with these simple tricks:

• Baby Powder Hack: A sprinkle of baby powder can help dry sand slide right off skin—it’s a game-changer for sandy feet and hands. Go a step further by keeping a sand removal bag in the trunk!
• Spare Towels: Pack a few beach towels in case someone gets wet.
• Mesh Laundry Bag: Bring a mesh laundry bag to shake off sandy clothing before you get to the car. These are great for containing the mess.
• Trash Bag for Wet Clothes: Keep a trash bag in your car for wet or sandy clothes to prevent them from dirtying your car seats.
• Extra Outfits: It’s a good idea to have extra outfits or pajamas for the ride home. Your session could end with some splashing so an outfit change might be needed.

What should we do if the PNW weather changes?

The Oregon coast can be unpredictable, but that’s part of its charm! Here’s how to handle changing weather:

• Be Flexible: Overcast skies can create a soft, even light that’s perfect for dreamy photos. Don’t let gray skies deter you… embrace the moody vibes! Just be prepared to start a little earlier if you had a sunset session planned.
• Layer Up: Bring sweaters, blankets, or shawls just in case the temperature drops. These can double as accessories for your session.
• Rain Plan: If it starts to drizzle, lean into it! Playful moments like dancing in the rain or using clear umbrellas can create unique, unforgettable images and a really fun memory for the family.
• Don’t stress over the forecast: Remember that the weather report can change hour by hour at the coast so don’t stress yourself out by looking too early. The day before or even the morning before will be much more accurate than a week out.

Will our outfits affect how the final images look?

Absolutely! Your clothing choices set the tone and feel of your photos. Here’s why it matters:

• Colors Impact Mood: Warm tones like rust, mustard, or caramel can bring vibrancy to the cool-toned beach setting. Too many cool colors (like blues and grays) can make the overall image feel dull or chilly.
• Textures Add Depth: Outfits with texture, like knits, lace, or muslin, add dimension, which photographs beautifully. Too many smooth fabrics can sometimes feel flat in comparison.
• Avoid Distractions: Cohesive palettes and subtle patterns keep the focus on your family, while loud patterns, logos, or bright neon colors can distract from the natural beauty of the beach.
• Timeless vs. Trendy: Choosing timeless pieces ensures your photos will look beautiful through the years, rather than feeling dated by passing trends.

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Let’s plan your Oregon Coast session!

Now that you know what outfits to wear to your PNW beach family photos, it’s time to make it happen! I’d love to help you capture the uniqueness of your family on the beautiful Oregon Coast. With a little planning (and a lot of fun), we’ll create photos that feel authentic to your family and full of love. If you’re ready to book or want to learn more, you can contact me here. I can’t wait to help your family make fun memories at the beach!