At 808 Pictures, we’ve photographed thousands of families and weddings across Maui, Oʻahu, Kauaʻi, and the Big Island, and one of the most common questions we hear is: “What should we wear?”
Clothing makes a huge difference in how polished, timeless, and harmonious your photos look. Choosing the right outfits helps highlight your family’s personality, ensures everyone looks cohesive, and blends beautifully with Hawaii’s beaches, sunsets, and tropical backdrops.
Here are our top tips and suggestions for modern, stylish, and uniform looks that always photograph beautifully:
👗 1. Coordinated, Not Matching
- Instead of identical outfits, aim for coordinating colors within the same palette.
- Think: soft pastels, earthy tones, or elegant neutrals that complement the beach and lush greenery.
- Example: If Mom wears a flowing blush dress, Dad could wear khaki linen pants with a white shirt, while the kids wear light blue or beige accents.
🌺 2. Colors That Work Best in Hawaii
- Neutrals & Earthy Tones: White, cream, beige, sand, light gray.
- Soft Pastels: Blush pink, sage green, dusty blue, lavender.
- Tropical Pops (as accents): Coral, teal, mustard, or hibiscus red.
- Avoid super bright neon or busy logos — they can distract from your natural beauty.
👨👩👧 3. Family Portrait Clothing Suggestions
- Mom: Flowing maxi dress, light sundress, or linen jumpsuit. Barefoot or simple sandals.
- Dad: Linen shirt (rolled sleeves), khaki shorts or chinos, loafers or barefoot.
- Kids: Soft cotton dresses, collared shirts, or rompers in complementary tones. Keep them comfortable!
- Grandparents: Light layers like linen tops, maxi skirts, or loose trousers. Comfort with elegance.
💍 4. Wedding Portrait Style Ideas
- Bride: Flowy, breathable dresses (lace or chiffon are dreamy). Beach-friendly veils or flower crowns.
- Groom: Linen or light suit, open collar, or aloha shirt with neutral tones.
- Bridal Party: Choose a color palette (like soft pinks or ocean blues) so everyone coordinates while still showing individuality.
- Guests: Recommend light fabrics — cotton, linen, chiffon — in solid tones or subtle floral prints.
🌞 5. Fabrics That Photograph Best
- Linen, cotton, and chiffon — breathable and soft, perfect for Hawaii’s warmth.
- Avoid heavy or shiny fabrics (they reflect light awkwardly).
📸 6. Accessories & Finishing Touches
- Leis or flower crowns (haku) add an authentic Hawaiian touch.
- Simple jewelry, woven hats, or neutral shawls for seniors.
- Barefoot is always beautiful on the beach — or stick to neutral sandals.
🌴 7. Seasonal Tips
- Morning sessions: Light colors pop beautifully in soft light.
- Sunset sessions: Deeper jewel tones (emerald, burgundy, navy) look dramatic against the golden glow.
🌺 Final Thoughts
Your clothing choices should feel natural, comfortable, and true to your family’s style. At 808 Pictures, we recommend choosing outfits at least a week before your session so you can relax and enjoy the experience. Remember, the goal is harmony — not perfect matching.
✨ No matter your island — Maui, Oʻahu, Kauaʻi, or the Big Island — thoughtful clothing choices will make your Hawaii family portraits or wedding photos timeless treasures.
👉 Ready to book your session? See our Maui Beach Weddings Packages for inspiration.
