Fun, relaxed, and beautifully effortless
One of my absolute favorite places to photograph families in Milwaukee is at the beach! It’s one of the most beautiful places, and we are so lucky to live right near Lake Michigan with all its beauty. There’s just something about the way the light dances on the water and how kids seem to come alive when their toes hit the sand. It’s relaxed. It’s real. It’s fun. And that same vibe should come through in how you style your family.
When you book a beach session, think laid-back coastal. We’re going for natural, effortless, and comfortable. The kind of look that feels like you belong there. You don’t need to be overly dressed up to look beautiful in your photos. In fact, I actually recommend avoiding anything too structured, overly formal, or high-maintenance , especially prairie dresses (they’re gorgeous, just not for the beach… they work better in a field type setting…hence the name!) No matter your session, it will always look the most authentic when you choose outfits that actually seem to work with the location!
So what should you wear instead?
Here are some tips to help you get that easy, breezy coastal look:
1. Choose coastal tones.
Soft blues, sandy neutrals, warm whites, olive green, seafoam, and even hints of peach or rust can work beautifully. Avoid neon colors or super dark blacks — they can feel harsh in this setting.
2. Go for flowy fabrics.
Linen, gauze, muslin, and lightweight cottons photograph so well in the wind and sunlight. These fabrics add movement to your images and help you stay cool and comfy. A huge bonus is that they don’t actually show much sweat if it happens to be a warm day!
3. Keep it casual.
Barefoot is perfect. Rolled sleeves, untucked shirts, loose dresses, easy shorts. Think “family walk on the beach”, not “formal holiday card.” Below, you’ll find some links to stores that have a great selection of options. I’m sure that you can find some pieces from Kohls or Amazon as well! I’ll include a few photos of the types of pieces that I would personally choose! Again, you want to make sure that the outfits match the location.
4. Avoid stiff or trendy pieces.
Prairie dresses with puff sleeves and high necks, blazers, super tight jeans, short dresses or anything you have to constantly adjust? Skip those. I want you to feel free to play, snuggle, run, and laugh without worrying about your outfit.
5. Coordinate, don’t match.
Pick a palette of 3–4 soft colors and mix textures and layers. Everyone should look like part of the same story, but shouldn’t be wearing the same outfit across the board. Choosing color palettes that are coastal-colored works WONDERFULLY for the beach. Think earth tones, blues, greens, browns. Don’t be afraid to throw in a few darker pieces for contrast!
Where to Shop
Here are a few of my favorite go-to shops that have great pieces for a beach session:
- Zara -stylish and effortless pieces for both kids and adults
- H&M – great for affordable linen, cotton, and basics
- Jamie Kay – beautiful neutral tones and soft textures for littles
- Rylee + Cru – dreamy, beachy kidswear in soft palettes
- Nothing Fits But -flowy, flattering dresses for moms (perfect bump-friendly options too!)
- J.Crew & J.Crew Factory -great coastal classics for men and women
- Abercrombie -surprisingly lovely pieces for moms (and even dads!) with great fit
Final Thoughts
The beach brings out the best in families like natural connection, playful moments, and the kind of beauty you can’t pose. When you show up wearing clothes that feel good and let you move, you’ll love how you look in your photos even more.
Have questions about styling for your session? I’m always happy to help with outfit planning!
Want to plan your own Milwaukee beach family session? Check out my portfolio HERE and contact me at abbyparkphotography@gmail.com for more information! I’d love to work with you!
