Let’s talk about tips for shooting in the heat, and tips for what to wear to bear it! Below you will find two different summer photo outfit palettes. We have a neutral option and a brighter one for ya! There are additional suggestions within the color palette under the photo as well as links to the featured products. My current clients are all military families serving overseas so everything below CAN be shipped to an APO address–because you know I understand that struggle! To see my complete list of clothing retailers that ship to APO/FPO addresses, click here. I recommend shopping your own closet first.
A Note About My Aesthetic
I love making soft and neutral color palettes for sessions so my clients and their interactions shine. My work has a timeless feel with bright and clean editing. I want your photos to look good forever, not just be “in style” now! I also tend to lean towards a cool palette because I love cool colors, but for summer I wanted to mix in warmer colors! It is really important to choose a photographer that matches your style and whose work you love.
I always ask my clients to avoid too much of anything that is too vibrant, like red, as it can leave an odd colorcast on your skin in bright light. See all of my basic tips here. The most important thing is that you feel really comfortable in what you are wearing so you can enjoy your session!
Below you will see two color palettes with a variety of suggested pieces. Links to the pieces are listed below the image. I linked some extra options there, too! Again, try to see what you already have first that may work. I think it is great to actually show up to photos wearing clothes you already own and love! None of these are affiliate links or sponsored in any way and the individual clothing images do not belong to me–I just collaged them in Photoshop! Sources linked and marked on photos.
Summer Palette #1
Linen blends are nice and breathable for the summer heat, and give off that polished-but-casual vibe. I went for all soft, light and colors and neutrals in this palette to reflect off that heat! The neutrals are also nice because there are so many beautiful colors to show off in the summer landscape. Since you can’t really layer in the hat, a great way to add variety to your outfits is to look for different textures. Summer makes me think of cotton, linen, eyelets, and seersucker.
Ladies
Crinkled Dress (H&M), Linen Blend Dress (H&M), Pleated Skirt (H&M), V-neck top (H&M), Patterned Maxi Skirt (H&M)
Gents
Short Sleeve Baird McNutt Linen Shirt (J. Crew). Seer Sucker Shirt (GAP). Slim Baird McNutt Linen Shirt (J. Crew), Regular Fit Linen-blend Shirt (H&M). 770 Straight-fit pant in stretch chino (J. Crew). 9″ Stretch Short (J. Crew)
Children
Floral Cotton Romper (H&M), Ochre striped Linen Shirt (Zara), Seersucker Short Overall (H&M), Button Top T-shirt (H&M)
Toddlers/Baby
Cotton Romper (H&M), Sleeveless Romper (H&M), Linen Blend Bib Overall (H&M), Cotton top (H&M), Cotton Romper (H&M), Toddler Dino Print Shirt (Gap), Boys stretch pull-on short (J. Crew)
Summer Palette #2
Can we stop to imagine these colors paired with a summer sunset?! 😍 I wanted to kick the colors up a notch for this one. I am dying over that Madewell Jumpsuit! Rompers and jumpsuits don’t typically work for my tall frame so please let me live vicariously through you. 🤣 If jumpsuits aren’t your thing check the other options in the links below! I do think the jumpsuit would work with the first palette too. Any sort of chambray additions would look great with this too, as well as some blush.
Ladies
Linen-Cotton Pleat Sleeve Jumpsuit (Madewell), Embroidered Dress (H&M), Eyelet Embroidery Dress (H&M), Lyocell Dress (H&M)
Gents
Short Sleeve Baird Linen Shirt (J.Crew), Linen Easy Camp Shirt Setting Suns (Madewell), 9″ Easy Short (Banana Republic), 770 Straight-fit pant in stretch chino (J. Crew), 9″ Stretch Short (J. Crew)
Children
Kids Pull-On Easy Shorts with Stretch (Gap), Printed Built-In Flex Short-Sleeve Oxford Shirt for Boys (Old Navy), Kids Short Sleeve Chambray Shirt (Gap), Linen-Blend Flutter-Sleeve Jumpsuit for Toddler Girls (Old Navy), Fit & Flare Button-Front Striped Dress for Toddler Girls (Old Navy), Cotton Jersey Dress (H&M), Button Up Skirt (H&M), Embroidered Cotton Blouse (H&M), Ruffle Trim Dress (H&M)
Toddlers/Baby
Sleeveless Fit & Flare Striped Bow-Back Dress for Toddler Girls (Old Navy), Fit and Flare Yoke Cami Dress (Old Navy), Denim Overalls (H&M), Denim Shorts (H&M), 5-pack cotton t-shirts (H&M), Built-in Flex Shirt Pink (Old Navy), Linen overall shorts (H&M), Cotton Romper (H&M)
Don’t forget to pin this for later! ⤵️
