When preparing for family photos at the Oregon Coast, it’s important to keep a few things in mind as you plan what to wear. The beach setting and weather conditions will influence your outfit choices greatly. In this post I’ll share my top ten styling tips for Oregon Coast family photos, my favorite dress shops, and links to a few other helpful post to help you prepare for your coast session.

Styling tips to help you plan what to wear for your Oregon Coast family photos:

1. Opt for layers: The weather on the Oregon coast can be unpredictable, so it’s a good idea to dress in layers. Choose breathable fabrics like cotton or linen that will keep you comfortable throughout the day. Bring jackets or sweaters that can be added or removed as needed. You’ll notice in the gallery below that we had a textured blanket during the shoot that we used to warm the little boy up in.
2. Embrace coastal colors: Consider the natural surroundings of the Oregon coast when choosing your color palette. Soft, muted tones such as blues, greens, grays, and sandy neutrals tend to complement the beach environment and create a cohesive look. I absolutely love blush, sage, and dusty blue for Oregon Coast sessions.
3. Coordinate but don’t match: Instead of wearing identical outfits, aim for coordinated looks that reflect your family’s style. Choose a color scheme or a few complementary colors and have everyone incorporate them into their outfits. This will create a visually pleasing and harmonious look without being overly matching. In the gallery below, no one is wearing the same color. But they all coordinate well because they are wearing a combination of neutrals and earth-tones that create a cohesive color pallet.
4. Avoid busy patterns: To avoid distractions in the photos, it’s best to avoid busy patterns or large logos. Solid colors or subtle patterns work well for beach photos and allow the focus to remain on your family.
5. Consider textures: Incorporate different textures into your outfits to add visual interest. For example, you could wear a chunky knit sweater, a flowing maxi dress, or linen pants. These textures can add depth and dimension to the photos.
6. Dress for movement: The beach offers plenty of opportunities for movement and play. Choose clothes that allow you and your family to move freely and comfortably. Flowy dresses, lightweight shirts, and breathable fabrics work well for beach photos.
7. Footwear choices: Since you’ll be on the beach, consider footwear that is practical and comfortable. Bare feet, sandals, or beach-friendly shoes are all great options. Avoid high heels or shoes that could sink into the sand.
8. Accessories: Keep accessories simple and in line with the beach aesthetic. Avoid excessive jewelry or accessories that could easily get lost or damaged in the sand or water. Consider hats, sunglasses, or beach-themed accessories to add a touch of personality.
9. Hair and makeup: Keep hair and makeup natural and relaxed to match the beach setting. Opt for beachy waves, braids, or a simple updo. Choose makeup that enhances your natural features and withstands the coastal elements.
10. Be weather prepared: Oregon’s coast can be windy and cool, so bring along extra layers, blankets, or scarves to keep everyone warm and comfortable.

Remember, the most important aspect is to be comfortable and true to your family’s style. By following these clothing suggestions, you can create a cohesive and visually pleasing look that complements the beautiful Oregon coast backdrop.

My favorite beach friendly dress shops:

Worth Collective offers light and beautiful bump-friendly dresses that are practical during pregnancy and postpartum

Joyfolie dresses come in women’s and girl’s sizes with casual and elevated options that are amazing for movement in photos, especially at the Oregon Coast

Baltic Born has dresses for pretty much all occasions, they are well made and comfortable to wear

Bohme is great if you’re looking for trendy and affordable dresses

Free People maxi dresses are light, flowy, and have such a fun bohemian feel

More Oregon Coast session information

Check out these other posts with Oregon Coast session specific tips:

Oregon Coast Maternity Session

Oregon Coast Maternity Session

Prepare for Oregon Coast Family Photos

Prepare for Oregon Coast Family Photos

I hope you gained some helpful tips for planning your upcoming Oregon Coast family session with me! Get in touch if you have any questions. I can’t wait to see what we create together!

Lux Marina Photography | Oregon Coast Family Photography