Planning a beach photoshoot along the Southern Maine coast whether it’s in Wells, Kennebunkport, Portland or anywhere along those rocky, beautiful shores comes with one big question:

What should we wear?

It’s completely normal to feel stuck here. The good news is that choosing outfits doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few thoughtful choices, your photos will look natural, timeless, and effortlessly “you.”

Always Start with Comfort

Before anything else, wear something that feels and looks like you. If you’re constantly adjusting a dress or tugging at a shirt, it will show in your photos. Comfort translates into confidence, and confidence photographs beautifully!

Pick clothes you can move in, shoes you can walk in (or kick off easily for beach shots). My client have had luck shopping on Amazon, at Abercrombie, and Altar’d State!

Choose Fabrics That Move

The Maine coast gives you natural movement between the wind, waves, and soft light—and your clothing should work with that, not against it.

Flowy, breathable fabrics are your best friend. Try to aim for linen, cotton or light wool.

Dresses that catch the breeze or loose shirts that move naturally add life to your images without you having to “pose.”

Keep Your Color Palette Simple

For family sessions, less is more. Stick to 3–4 colors total across everyone’s outfits. A simple way to do this:

• Choose one “feature” color for one person

• Let everyone else wear tones that complement it

  This keeps the overall look cohesive without feeling overly matched. An example would be having one parent wear a patterned dress and everyone else wears a color from the pattern.

Be Mindful with Patterns

Patterns aren’t off limits but they should to be used carefully.

A good rule to follow would be to have one subtle pattern and everyone else in solids or textured outfits. Too many patterns can clash and feel visually overwhelming, especially in a natural setting like the beach.

Stick to Soft, Coastal Friendly Tones

The Maine coastline already has a lot going on visually—blue water, rugged rocks, soft sand, and shifting skies. Your outfits should complement that, not compete with it.

Colors that photograph beautifully:

• Cream, beige, and soft whites

• Light blues

• Sage green and olive

• Dusty rose, muted terracotta, or ochre

Bright, saturated colors (like neon pinks or harsh reds) tend to pull attention away from what matters most: you!

Use Texture to Add Interest

When keeping colors simple, texture becomes your secret weapon. Think- chunky knits, layered fabric, and subtle embroidery. Texture adds depth without making the image feel busy.

Coordinate With the Environment

At the beach, you have two great options:

Blend in or Stand Out

Soft neutrals and coastal tones create that effortless, editorial look that never goes out of style. Or a muted “pop” color like terracotta, sage, or dusty blue can look incredible against the ocean and rocks without feeling out of place. The key is avoiding anything too bold or artificial looking.

Dress for Maine Weather (It Changes Fast)

If you’ve spent any time on the Southern Maine coast, you already know the weather can shift quickly. Even in the summer, evenings can get cool especially near the water.

Consider light layers like cardigans, sweaters, or button-ups. Layers also add variety to your gallery without needing a full outfit change.

Final Thought

The goal isn’t perfection. When your outfits feel natural, coordinated, and suited to the coastal environment, your photos will feel effortless and timeless.

If you’re planning a beach session anywhere along the Southern Maine coast from Wells Beach to Cape Elizabeth, these guidelines will help you show up feeling confident and ready!