What to Wear for a Photoshoot Outdoors: Best Outfit Matching Ideas
Key takeaways
- Coordinate neutrals like white, beige, gray, or black so no one outfit clashes or overpowers the group shot.
- Pick bright, bold colors like red or yellow to make your outfit pop against natural outdoor backdrops.
- Pair denim with white, either direction, for a timeless, effortless outdoor look.
- Wear contrasting colors like blue and orange to add energy and visually separate each person in the frame.
- Layer a cardigan, coat, or leather or denim jacket to add texture and depth to your shoot.
- Prioritize comfort and check the weather - a rainy-day shoot looks romantic but gets seriously cold.
Table of contents
Coordinating outfits for a photoshoot can help create a cohesive and visually appealing look. When everyone in the photo wears similar colors or styles, it can help tie the photo together and make it look more put-together. This can be particularly important for group and family photos, where having everyone in coordinated outfits can help prevent any one person from standing out too much or clashing with the others.
Matching your outfits can also help set the tone for the photo shoot. For example, wearing bright and bold colors can make the photos feel fun and lively, while wearing neutrals can create a more subdued and sophisticated look. By coordinating outfits, you can help ensure that the photos accurately convey the mood or theme that you're going for.
Finally, coordinating outfits can make the process of choosing what to wear for the photoshoot easier for everyone involved. When everyone knows what general colors or styles they should aim for, it can help eliminate any confusion or uncertainty about what to wear. This can help everyone feel more relaxed and confident during the shoot, which can ultimately result in better photos. Now, if you're looking for an outfit inspiration, check out our tips that our clients typically go for:
Inspo #1: Coordinated Neutrals
Choose neutral colors such as white, beige, gray, or black and coordinate your outfits with your photo partner or group. For example, one person can wear a beige dress while the other wears a white shirt with beige pants.
Proposal photoshoot by Nino, Localgrapher in Dubrovnik
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Get Inspired Here!Inspo #2: Bright & Bold Colors
Wear bright and bold colors that stand out against the natural background. For example, a red dress or a yellow shirt can add a pop of color to your photos.
Flying dress photoshoot by Yan, Localgrapher in Santorini
Inspo #3: Denim & White
A classic combination that works well for outdoor photoshoots is denim and white. Wear white tops with denim bottoms or vice versa for a timeless and effortless look.
Family photoshoot by Ferry, Localgrapher in Kuta
Inspo #4: Pastels
Soft pastel colors such as pale pink, mint green, or baby blue can create a dreamy and romantic atmosphere in your photos.
Vacation photoshoot by Amine, Localgrapher in Marrakesh
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Book It Here!Inspo #5: Contrasting Colors
Contrasting colors, such as blue and orange or purple and yellow, can add energy and excitement to the photo, and make it stand out from others. They can also help to create separation between the subjects in the photo, making it easier to distinguish each individual.
Family photoshoot by Lucilla, Localgrapher in Tenerife
Inspo #6: Prints & Patterns
Wear prints or patterns that are not too busy or distracting. For example, a floral dress or a plaid shirt can add some visual interest to your photos.
Family photoshoot by Liza, Localgrapher in New York City
Inspo #7: Layers
Consider wearing layers such as a cardigan, coat, leather or denim jacket to add texture and depth to your photos. It'll pay off! We promise!
Anniversary photoshoot by Daniel, Localgrapher in Paris
Inspo #8: Tones of One Color
When everyone in the photo wears different shades of the same color, it can help tie the photo together and make it look more cohesive. This approach can also help eliminate any clashing colors or patterns that might otherwise be distracting in the photo.
Family photoshoot by Anton, Localgrapher in Dubai
Inspo #9: Fancy
Fancy outfits, such as formal gowns or suits, can help create a more elevated and polished look, which can be particularly fitting for certain types of photoshoots, such as engagement photos or wedding portraits.
Couple photoshoot by Marina, Localgrapher in Cartagena
Remember, even if you'll be wearing your best dress, make sure that you are comfortable! Clothing that allows you to move and feel confident during the photoshoot is as important as having fun and smile upon your face. Don't forget to also consider the weather and the location of the shoot when planning your outfits - a photoshoot in the rain is very romantic but it can get seriously cold.
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Frequently asked questions
What should I wear for an outdoor photoshoot?
Choose a coordinated look, such as neutrals in white, beige, gray, or black, or lean into a color mood like soft pastels, bold brights, or contrasting pairs like blue and orange for extra energy and separation between subjects. Denim paired with white is a classic, easy combination, and layering a cardigan, coat, or jacket adds texture. Above all, pick something you can move comfortably in, since that shows in your smile and body language.
What colors work best for group or family photos?
Coordinated neutrals like white, beige, gray, or black tie a group together without anyone clashing, and wearing different tones of the same color keeps things cohesive too. For more energy, contrasting pairs such as blue and orange or purple and yellow create visual separation between each person, which helps in a crowded group shot.
Should I wear something fancy or casual for my photoshoot?
It depends on the occasion: formal gowns or suits give an elevated, polished look suited to engagement or wedding portraits, while denim and white or coordinated neutrals feel more relaxed and versatile for everyday outdoor sessions. Whatever you pick, comfort matters most so you can move naturally in front of the camera.
What if it rains during my outdoor photoshoot?
Rain can actually look romantic in photos, but it also gets seriously cold, so plan your outfit and layers around the weather and location, not just the color scheme. A cardigan, coat, or jacket you can add or remove also gives your photos more texture and depth.
Do I need to match everyone's outfit exactly?
No, coordinating doesn't mean identical outfits. It means picking a shared palette or style, such as neutrals, tones of one color, or pastels, so everyone complements each other without one person standing out or clashing, which also makes deciding what to wear far less stressful for the group.
How much does booking a Localgrapher photoshoot cost?
Localgrapher charges the same fixed price at every destination, with packages from Bronze at $280 up to Platinum at $630 (Silver at $390 and Gold at $550 in between). Every booking comes with a 100% money-back guarantee, an online gallery delivered within a few days, and 2 years of photo backup.
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Every Localgrapher guide is written by our editorial team together with our local photographers around the world — the people who actually shoot in these spots every week.
