A family of four wearing white and beige tones with straw hats and sunglasses and dancing on a pier at Le Meriden, Mauritius

The best beach photos aren’t just about the backdrop; they’re about you, your love, your laughter, and those little in-between moments that make your family uniquely yours. My biggest advice is to wear something that is totally you, or as close to you as you can get. You don’t want to look back on these beautiful moments and say, “What was I thinking?” Your outfits should feel like ‘you'; comfortable, confident, and a little breezy.

Here are some guidelines to help plan for your packing:

1. Soft, Earthy, and Coastal Tones

Think colors that complement the sand, sea, and sky rather than competing with them.
Here are a few go-to palettes that always work:

Neutrals & Earthy Tones – Ivory, beige, tan, warm browns
Soft Pastels - Blush, dusty blue, sage, pale peach
Ocean-Inspired Hues - Deep blues, teals, seafoam greens
unset Shades - Terracotta, warm rust, soft coral

Avoid neon and super-bright colors as these can reflect onto your skin and overpower the natural tones of the beach.

Parents wearing soft blush and blue tones on a beach with 3 boys at Le Morne, Mauritius

Parents wearing white and sea inspired tones on a beach with 2 kids boys at Le Morne, Mauritius

2. Flow Over Form

The magic of beach photography is in movement: wind through your hair, waves at your feet, and fabric that flows just right.

Opt for:
Light, breathable fabrics like linen, cotton, or gauzy materials
Flowy dresses, skirts, or wide-leg pants for effortless movement
Button-down linen shirts or relaxed-fit tops for a laid-back feel

Parents wearing coral and sage tones while walking with two young children on a plam tree lined beach at Beachcomber Le Victoria in Mauritius

A mother and 4 year old girl wearing blue tones and embracing on a beach at Heritage Le Telfair in Mauritius

3. Mix, Don’t Match

Forget the outdated all-white or identical outfits. Instead, choose colors and textures that complement each other without looking like a uniform.

Start with a base color and build around it with varied tones
Mix solids with subtle prints (think soft florals, stripes, or delicate textures)
Layers (light cardigans, shawls, or open linen shirts) add depth

The goal is coordinated, not copied.

4. Barefoot & Beach-Ready

The best part about a beach shoot? No need for fancy shoes.
Barefoot is always best (or go for simple sandals you can slip off)
Keep accessories minimal; think delicate jewelry, straw hats, or a relaxed woven bag

If kids are involved, let them wear something comfy they can run and play in!

Parents wearing pastel yellows, cream and blues swingint heir young daughter on a white sand beach at One & Only Le St Geran, Mauritius

5. Avoid These Common Mistakes

Neon, harsh blacks, or super bright colors that clash with the natural setting
Logos, loud patterns, or distracting text on clothing
Tight, restrictive outfits that make movement feel awkward
Heavy makeup; keep it fresh, glowy, and natural

#1 Tip:
I recommend starting with Mom’s dress first:
Select your outfit first—something in the chosen palette that makes you feel confident and beautiful.
When you feel great, it shows in the photos! I do prefer lightweight maxi dresses (they blow beautifully in the wind!)

If you’re short on time, Zara and H&M usually have some great options, especially for kids.

Final Tip: Be Yourself

The best photos happen when you’re feeling relaxed, natural, and you. Wear something that makes you feel confident, comfortable, and ready to embrace the moment.
Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about what you wear, it’s about the love, the laughter, and the memories you’ll make.

I hope this helps!
xoSita

P.S. If you have any questions about where to shop in Mauritius, reach out below!

REACH OUT