Sunset Photos at the Beach: What to Wear
You’ve booked a sunset beach shoot because you want those golden-hour, wind-in-your-hair, dreamy photos. What in the world should you wear though? How do you know if your outfit will make you look stunning, and not sandy?
As a photographer who’s seen it all, I’m here to save you from fashion disasters. Here’s what to wear—and what to avoid—for beautiful beach photos.
1. The Golden Rule: FLOWY = FABULOUS
The wind is your best friend if you dress right, and chances are it is going to be windy at the beach.
YES:
Maxi dresses that catch the breeze
Oversized linen shirts (unbuttoned for drama)
Wide-leg pants that flutter like you’re in slow-mo
NO:
Skinny jeans (why are you suffocating at the beach?)
Super short skirts (wind exists, and so do regrets)
2. Colors That Don’t Fight With the Sunset
Sunset is already pink, gold, and blue—don’t clash with Mother Nature.
WINNING COLORS:
White (classic, glowy, makes you look like a goddess)
Earthy tones (rust, olive green, sand—blends like a dream)
Soft pastels (lavender, blush, baby blue—subtle but stunning)
AVOID:
Neon (unless you want to look like a traffic cone in paradise)
All black (you’ll disappear into the shadows like a vampire who hates fun)
3. Shoes? Go Barefoot.
Listen, shoes on the beach are a crime. Sand + socks = tragedy. Heels = you will eat sand.
👣 Better options:
Bare feet (free pedicure from the ocean)
Strappy sandals (only if you must wear shoes)
4. Accessorize Like a Coastal Grandma (But Cooler)
Less is more, but some is everything.
Good:
Dainty layered necklaces
A stylish hat (for mystery)
Bad:
Giant statement earrings (they’ll get lost in the wind)
Anything that will blow into your face
5. Bring a Backup Outfit (Trust Me)
Wet hair + salty air = chaos. Bring a second look in case Plan A gets wrecked, or you want variety.
Pro tip: A swimsuit under your outfit = allows you to change outfits without baring it all.
Final Warning: Don’t Be This Person
The Denim Overloader – Jean jacket + jeans = too much denim. You’ll look like a cowboy who hates the beach.
The Matchy-Matchy Crew – If your outfit is the exact same color as the sunset, you’ll blend in like a floating head.
The “I Forgot About Wind” Victim – Test your outfit outside first. If it flaps like a loose sail, rethink it.
