What to Wear for a Beach Photo Shoot in Mauritius

A Style Guide for Effortless, Natural Photos

The best beach photos aren’t just about the backdrop; they’re about you, your love, your laughter, and those little in-between moments that make your family uniquely yours. My biggest advice is to wear something that is totally you, or as close to you as you can get. You don’t want to look back on these beautiful moments and say, “What was I thinking?” Your outfits should feel like ‘you'; comfortable, confident, and a little breezy.


Here are some guidelines to help plan for your packing, featuring some real examples of past clients who knocked it out of the park.

A family enjoying a day at the beach, with a man holding a child on his shoulders, a woman next to him, and another child standing nearby. Palm trees and boats in the background.

1. Soft, Earthy, and Coastal Tones

Think colors that complement the sand, sea, and sky rather than competing with them.
Here are a few go-to palettes that always work:

Neutrals & Earthy Tones – Ivory, beige, tan, warm browns
Soft Pastels – Blush, dusty blue, sage, pale peach
Ocean-Inspired Hues – Deep blues, teals, seafoam greens
unset Shades – Terracotta, warm rust, soft coral

Avoid neon and super-bright colors—these can reflect onto your skin and overpower the natural tones of the beach.

Family posing on a sandy beach with ocean and palm trees.


2. Flow Over Form

The magic of beach photography is in movement—wind through your hair, waves at your feet, and fabric that flows just right.

Opt for:
Light, breathable fabrics like linen, cotton, or gauzy materials

Flowy dresses, skirts, or wide-leg pants for effortless movement
Button-down linen shirts or relaxed-fit tops for a laid-back feel

A family of four walking on a tropical beach with palm trees and a calm sea in the background.
A mother and child share a kiss on a beach at sunset, with the mother in a flowing blue dress and the child in a light-colored outfit.

3. Mix, Don’t Match

Forget the outdated all-white or identical outfits. Instead, choose colors and textures that complement each other without looking like a uniform.


Start with a base color and build around it with varied tones

Mix solids with subtle prints (think soft florals, stripes, or delicate textures)


Layers (light cardigans, shawls, or open linen shirts) add depth

The goal is coordinated, not copied.

Family holding hands on a beach at sunset

4. Barefoot & Beach-Ready

The best part about a beach shoot? No need for fancy shoes.


Barefoot is always best (or go for simple sandals you can slip off)


Keep accessories minimal; think delicate jewelry, straw hats, or a relaxed woven bag

If kids are involved, let them wear something comfy they can run and play in!

Family walking on beach holding child's hands, child in yellow outfit, adult in white dress, adult in blue shirt and white shorts.

5. Avoid These Common Mistakes

Neon, harsh blacks, or super bright colors that clash with the natural setting

Logos, loud patterns, or distracting text on clothing

Tight, restrictive outfits that make movement feel awkward
Heavy makeup; keep it fresh, glowy, and natural

A family enjoying time on a beach. On the left, a mother kneels in the sand, holding her young daughter as they smile at each other. On the right, the family walks along the beach holding hands, including the mother, daughter, father, and a young boy. Palm trees and ocean waves are in the background.


#1 Tip:
I recommend starting with Mom’s dress first:
Select your outfit first—something in the chosen palette that makes you feel confident and beautiful.
When you feel great, it shows in the photos! I do prefer lightweight maxi dresses (they blow beautifully in the wind!)

If you’re short on time, Zara and H&M usually have some great options, especially for kids.

Final Tip: Be Yourself

The best photos happen when you’re feeling relaxed, natural, and you. Wear something that makes you feel confident, comfortable, and ready to embrace the moment.
Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about what you wear, it’s about the love, the laughter, and the memories you’ll make.

I hope this helps!
xoSita

Family portrait outfit guide with pastel colors, featuring a green dress, floral dress, coral dress, gray shirt, coral shirt, and beige pants, alongside coordinated shoes and color swatches.
A collection of summer outfits including a straw hat, sleeveless blouse with ruffles, light blue button-up shirt, beige pants, and accessories like a necklace and bracelet. Also shown are children's clothes including a light shirt, denim shorts, and a blue patterned dress.
Family clothing set including a beige pleated dress, cream sweater with gray pants, white dress with buttons, gray long-sleeve shirt, beige t-shirt, and brown pants on a white background.