Deciding what to wear for your couples photoshoot can feel like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be! You may be hoping to use these photos for your wedding invitations or save-the-dates, or wanting updated photo prints to frame and decorate your home. Whatever the reason, you’re capturing a season in time — and we know that you want to look wonderful for your couples photoshoot. So we're here to help! We've completed a guide (along with outfit inspiration) to help you decide what to wear for your couples photoshoot.

Be Yourself and Keep It Comfy

Don't feel like you have to force yourself to wear clothes that you don't like. If you wear clothes that are itchy, tight, hot, or always need to be readjusted, you'll be distracted and you won't have a great time. And trust us, your discomfort will show up in your photos.

Instead, wear the clothes that feel the most like you and your personality. As your photographers, we want you to be as comfortable as you can for your couples photoshoot. When you're comfortable and you're feeling yourself, you'll have the best time with your partner — and with us!

Decide the Vibe You Want to Go For

Talk it over together and choose the vibe for your couples photoshoot. After all, what you wear will set the entire tone for your photos. Do you want to keep it casual? Or maybe you prefer to go for a modern, editorial or dressy vibe.

For a casual vibe, like hanging out on the beach while eating shave ice and running in the waves, consider loose layers, fun prints or denim. You could even pair your loose layers with a swimsuit underneath if you plan on getting in the water for your couples photoshoot!

For a more dressed-up vibe, like a romantic beach date while watching the sunset, go for timeless neutral colors and flowy fabrics.

Choose the vibe that reflects what you treasure most about this current season of life that you’re in.

Coordinate, Don't Match

Unless you're intentionally going for the matching Christmas PJs kind of vibe, your clothes don't need to match if you don't want them to! Choose colors and styles that complement each other but could still stand alone as outfits that highlight your unique personalities. Aim for a cohesive look without being too matchy-matchy.

Consider neutral colors

Ideally, all the attention should be on you and your partner (and the gorgeous Hawaiian landscape all around you!). We want to minimize visual distractions by sticking with neutral color palettes and minimal patterns. Busy patterns, neon colors and visibly branded logos can be distracting. Neon colors especially can reflect odd tones on your skin too.

Now, this doesn’t mean you can’t have fun with your wardrobe! Don’t compromise your personality here, but make sure your outfit choices are cohesive with the overall vibe you’re going for. If you do want to incorporate a print, stick with just one partner wearing the print and have the other wear complementing colors.

Add in textures and layers

A great way to add visual interest is by incorporating different textures and layers! In general, flowy fabrics like light cotton, satin, and tulle give great movement. Pair that with a heavy contrast like denim or a leather jacket, and that creates a dynamic look that looks amazing in photos. Hawaii may be known for warm, tropical weather, but that doesn’t mean you can’t layer! Wear a loose button-up over a swimsuit, or drape a jean jacket over your shoulders as the sun sets. Extra layers can double as cute props, too!

Couple both looking at the camera while sitting on the sand at their couple photoshoot

Don't Be Afraid to Add Some Accessories

If accessories are your thing, don't hesitate to wear them for your couples photoshoot! Whether it's a cute hat, a sentimental necklace, or a funky hairpiece, adding an accessory will add interest to your outfit. As Hawaii-based photographers and videographers, we also give our couples the option to purchase a tī leaf lei and lei po’o to wear during your couples photoshoot, handmade by us! When you place a lei order with us, we can coordinate the colors to your outfits, depending on what florals are seasonally available, and hand deliver the leis to you on the day of your photoshoot.

Couple wearing tī leaf lei and lei po’o on their couples photoshoot

Bring an Extra Outfit

This option may differ depending on your photographer. But in our couples portrait packages, we offer up to 2 outfits within one location and multiple outfits in multiple locations. Having an extra outfit (or two) will allow you to mix up the vibe you want for your couples photoshoot!

Couples Photoshoot Outfit Inspiration

For more visual inspiration, we've put together some examples below of outfits our couples have worn for their photoshoots. We also have Pinterest boards filled with outfit inspiration for your couples photoshoot!

Light Neutral Colors

Light neutral colors like white, beige and tan will glow beautifully in the sunlight and make everything look crisp and clean. We love how Madaline and Nolen rocked this look! Madaline's white dress and Nolen's white t-shirt and beige pants complement each other so well!

Swimwear

We always encourage our couples to end their photoshoot in the water. A lot of our couples choose to splash around in their clothes, but another option is to commit to the swimwear! Princess and Brandon's couples photoshoot felt like third-wheeling a romantic waterfall adventure date. They coordinated their outfits with Brandon wearing black swim trunks, and Princess pairing her black swim top with a printed bottom.

Princess and Brandon sitting under a branch while in the water

Princess and Brandon walking into the water next to a waterfall

Dark Neutral Colors

Dark neutral colors like black and brown, or neutrals with a pop of color make your outfit bold. Virginia and Sebastian's choice of dark neutral colors for their engagement photoshoot looked elegant. Virginia wore an emerald green dress and Sebastian wore a black shirt with dark denim jeans.

Virginia and Sebastian smiling at each other while holding hands

Fun Prints

Fun prints are a great way to add personality to your outfit! We love how Rachel and Chandler incorporated fun prints into their couples photoshoot. For their first outfit, Rachel wore a floral white and blue dress while Chandler coordinated with a white shirt and light blue pants. For their second outfit, Chandler wore a chalk blue/grey Hawaiian shirt while Rachel coordinated with a white blouse and blue denim shorts.

Rachel and Chandler sitting down at the shore

Flowy Fabrics

Flowy fabrics create beautiful movement on camera. Casey and Ben are perfect examples with Casey wearing a white dress and Ben wearing a white shirt with khaki pants.

Ready for Your Couples Photoshoot?

We hope this guide helped you with deciding what to wear for your couples photoshoot! The most important thing is that you're comfortable and confident in your outfit!

If you're looking for a Hawaii-based photographer to capture your photoshoot, whether it's a date night, surprise proposal or engagement celebration, we would love to capture your love story. Reach out to us via our inquiry form and we'll get back to you as soon as we can!