What to Wear for Summer Photos

Summer is the perfect time for portraits with the warmth, sunshine, and soft golden light. Whether you’re planning a family session, senior photos, or creative branding content, what you wear can elevate your entire shoot — and help you stay cool and confident while doing it.

Here’s our 4 top tips for what to wear for Summer photos to look and feel your absolute best.

1. Lightweight Natural Fabrics Are Your Best Friend

Think breezy and breathable. Natural fabrics like linen, cotton, and lightweight gauze allow air to flow, helping you stay cool under the summer sun. Linen especially photographs beautifully — its soft texture and organic weave catch the light in just the right way. Even better? Natural fabrics move with you, adding a sense of ease and elegance to every frame.

2. Look for Eye-Catching Details

Summer style is all about the details that bring your outfit to life on camera. Consider clothing with:
• Embroidered patterns for subtle pops of texture
• Eyelet fabric that feels fresh and feminine
• Ruffles or tiers for soft, romantic movement
• Visible texture or a woven finish — these translate beautifully on camera, especially in natural light

These touches elevate even the simplest silhouettes and give your images a touch of visual interest without relying on loud prints or bold colors.

3. Prioritize Comfort and Freedom of Movement

Your outfit should allow you to move freely and feel at ease. Whether you’re walking barefoot through a field, lifting your little one into the air, or lounging for a relaxed seated portrait, you don’t want to be plagued with tight waistbands or stiff materials. Choose styles that breathe, stretch, and flow with your body. Sundresses, wide-leg linen pants, relaxed button-downs, or soft two-piece sets all make wonderful choices.

4. Dress for the Heat

Summer sessions are often scheduled during the golden hour — just before sunset — when the light is dreamy but the temperatures can still be warm. Avoid heavy layers or dark colors that can trap heat. Soft hues reflect light beautifully and pair perfectly with natural outdoor backdrops.

When you feel good in what you’re wearing, it shows. The right outfit brings confidence, ease, and joy — the very things we want to capture in your photos. So go ahead and pick that fluttery linen dress with the embroidery, or the breezy shirt with the textured weave. Summer sessions are meant to feel light and full of life — your outfit should too.

Need some help in planning your perfect summer look? Styling is included with our sessions so feel free to reach out to us at hello@kidlettephoto.com

If you need some tips for hair and makeup, you can find them by clicking here!

Let’s tell your story in the summer sun!

*Comissionable links for some of our tried and true favorites seen here.