Tips and Tricks About What to Wear for Your Beach Family Photos from a Veteran New England Photographer

Planning family beach photos in MA is exciting, but figuring out what everyone should wear can feel overwhelming. As a North Shore family photographer, I’ve helped countless families choose outfits that look amazing against our stunning coastal backdrops. In this guide, I’m sharing my best beach portraits styling tips. From picking the perfect family beach photo outfits to coordinating colors that complement the ocean and sky, I’ve got tips for it all. Whether you’re dreaming of timeless neutrals, soft pastels, or bold pops of color, these ideas will help you look and feel your best for unforgettable North Shore beach photos.

Choosing Neutral Color Palettes for North Shore Beach Family Photos

When planning family beach photo outfits, I always recommend keeping your style timeless. One of the easiest ways to achieve this is by choosing a neutral color palette that complements the natural beauty of North Shore beach photos. Shades of white and cream photograph beautifully and feel effortlessly classic, while beiges and tans blend perfectly with the sandy shoreline. You can also never go wrong with blue, whether it’s a rich navy, a denim inspired hue, or a soft sky blue that mirrors the ocean.

The examples below offer plenty of beach portraits styling tips for dressing the whole family in a cohesive, neutral look. Think pops of blush pink, sky blue, navy, and beige, layered with soft whites and creams for a timeless, elegant feel in your beach family photos in MA.

Prints, Patterns, and Hero Outfits for Beach Family Pictures

One of my favorite beach portraits styling tips is something I like to call the “Hero Outfit.” This is when one family member wears a standout piece, either a bold print or a bright color. Then the rest of the family beach photo outfits are coordinated around it. For example, your little one might wear a brightly patterned dress while mom and dad each choose a color pulled from that print. Or, you could have most of the family in a soft, neutral palette while one person wears a vibrant pop of color.

This approach works beautifully for North Shore beach photos because it adds visual interest without overwhelming the scene. Whether you opt for playful patterns or a single striking shade, a well planned Hero Outfit helps create cohesive, polished, and memorable beach family photos in MA.

Dressing for the Weather for Massachusetts Beach Photos

One thing that is very important to keep in mind for your photos is that this is New England, and the weather can be very unpredictable. That might mean that your session starts out warm and slowly gets chilly, or vice versa. Or it could mean that when you bought your outfit the weather apps were saying 75 and sunny but then come time for your photos it’s suddenly 66 and breezy. I always suggest that clients bring layers and plan for any weather option. Because at the end of the day, comfort is king. If your kiddos aren’t comfortable, they’re not going to be as happy. And trust me, it shows.

Jean jackets, cardigans, or linen blend shirts are all great options. For younger kiddos, fuzzy sweatshirts on the beach are still adorable. You can keep things casual with jeans and long sleeve tops, or pair your perfect sundress with an extra layer.

Where to Shop for Family Beach Photo Outfits

There are so many great options these days for buying perfect beach family portrait outfits. If you’re looking for matching outfits for different age groups and sizes, I recommend Boden, Children’s Place, Hanna Andersson, and Modern Moments by Gerber.

For a more luxurious option, there’s Hill House Home, Lilly Pulitzer, J. Crew, or Janie and Jack.

For a more budget friendly option there is Zara, H&M, Cat & Jack from Target, and Old Navy.

Ready to Style your Beach Family Photos North of Boston MA?

Your North Shore beach photos should feel as effortless and beautiful as the shoreline itself, and the right styling can make all the difference. With these beach portraits styling tips, you’re ready to choose family beach photo outfits that will look timeless in every frame. If you’re ready to book your own beach family photos in MA, I’d love to help you plan every detail from location to wardrobe. Browse more outfit inspiration on my Pinterest board, see recent sessions on my Instagram, or email me to start planning your session today. Let’s create beach portraits you’ll treasure for years to come!