"What should we wear?" is the question I get most often before a session. And honestly, it's a fair one — the wrong outfit can distract from an otherwise beautiful photo, and nobody wants to spend their vacation worrying about that.
Here's my practical guide to dressing for a beach photoshoot in Aruba.
Start With Color
The beach gives you a natural backdrop — turquoise water, white sand, golden light. Your goal is to complement it, not compete with it.
Colors that work beautifully:
Soft whites and creams — clean, timeless, and they glow in golden hour light
Warm earth tones — terracotta, rust, camel, burnt orange — these look incredible against the Caribbean sea
Dusty blues and sage greens — they echo the water without blending into it
Soft blush and mauve tones — romantic and flattering in warm light
Colors to avoid:
Neon or very bright colors — they draw the eye away from faces
Exact matches to the background (pure turquoise can disappear into the water)
Busy patterns with lots of small shapes — these tend to look chaotic in photos and can cause a visual effect called "moiré" on camera
Coordinate, Don't Match
If you're coming as a couple or family, you don't need to wear identical outfits. In fact, I'd encourage you not to. Instead, pick a color palette of 2–3 tones and have everyone work within it. One person in white, one in cream, one in a warm sand color looks intentional and relaxed — far better than everyone in matching navy polos.
Think About the Fabric
Aruba is hot. That's just the reality. Choose lightweight, breathable fabrics — linen, cotton, light chiffon. You'll be more comfortable, and you won't be pulling at your clothes in every frame.
Flowy fabrics also photograph beautifully, especially in any breeze. A linen dress or a loose button-down shirt moves naturally and adds life to photos.
Avoid anything with a lot of structure or heavy fabric. You'll be warm, and it will show.
A Few Practical Notes
Bring an extra option. If you're unsure between two outfits, bring both. We can decide on location.
Skip logos and large text. Branding on clothing dates photos faster than almost anything else.
Dress for the light, not just the beach. At golden hour, warm tones glow. Cooler tones can look a little flat. When in doubt, go warm.
Comfortable shoes matter — you'll likely be walking on sand. Open sandals or bare feet usually work best.
If you want a second opinion before your session, feel free to send me a photo of your outfit ideas. I'm happy to give you honest feedback — that's part of the service.
Reach out here to ask anything before your shoot.
