More timeless styling tips from fashion consultant Sharon Warten to help your family look and feel their best in warm-weather portraits — from breathable fabrics to subtle color theory and camera-friendly styling tricks.
👉 Check out Part 1 of our conversation here

Mother and daughter in matching denim outfits during a summer family photoshoot. — Mother and baby wearing matching denim outfits during a summer family photo session. Natural light outdoor portrait by Redmond WA family photographer.

1. Dress for the Heat — and the Camera

When choosing what to wear for a summer session, think about both comfort and how fabrics photograph. Sharon recommends breathable, natural-feeling materials like:

Linen or linen blends (yes, even if they wrinkle — your photographer can work with it!)
Flax
Bamboo-based fabrics
Chambray (a soft, lightweight alternative to denim)

“Chambray is a mixed blend of denim and is lighter weight — perfect for summer,” Sharon explains.

And yes — classic denim is always in style. Whether it’s a well-worn pair of jeans or a structured jacket, denim brings a relaxed, grounded look to your photos.

“Denim never goes out of style,” Sharon adds. “It’s always in — you’re always going to look good.”

Tip: Flowing dresses in soft, natural fabrics move beautifully in the breeze and photograph with a sense of softness and ease.

2. Choose Texture Instead of Pattern

Rather than bold patterns or loud prints, Sharon suggests leaning into texture — like linen, chambray, or cotton. Even man-made fabrics like bamboo can be beautiful and breathable, with a soft natural drape that photographs well.

Texture adds visual interest without distraction — especially important in natural light and outdoor sessions.

These fabrics also respond well to movement and sunlight, adding depth without overpowering your face or surroundings.

3. Coordinate with Nature — Without Matching It Exactly

Sharon walked through examples of how to dress when you're surrounded by colorful summer backdrops like fields of lavender or golden wildflowers.

Lavender flowers? A soft lavender outfit can complement the scene so long as it’s not the primary backdrop color — we don't want to overpower with a single color.
Yellow fields? It’s best to avoid wearing yellow in this situation so you don’t blend into the background. Still opt for earthy or creamy tones which are timeless and true.
Lush greens? Stick with earthy tones like warm beige, terracotta, soft blue, or cream.

“You don’t have to match the background — just make sure your tones work together and feel cohesive as a group.”

She also noted: always consider your own skin tone first — choose colors that flatter you personally, and then build the palette around that.

4. Style Tricks for Men (That Photograph Well)

One of Sharon’s go-to tips for men? Match your shoe color to your pants.
A clean pair of dressy sneakers or boots in a similar tone helps to:

✅ Elongate the legs (hence, look taller)
✅ Create a cohesive look
✅ Add polish without feeling too formal

“A navy pant with a navy dress sneaker makes men look taller — and just more pulled together overall.”

🧤 Sharon’s favorite go-to brands for mid-priced, stylish sneakers:

Cole Haan
Vince
Hugo Boss

They’re comfortable, elevated, and perfect for sessions that strike the balance between casual and refined.

5. Brands That Nail the Look for Women & Kids

Looking for textured, breathable clothing that reads beautifully in camera and holds up in the summer heat? Sharon recommends:

Anthropologie – consistently great for feminine silhouettes and light textures
Aritzia – Sharon raves about their Cruise Linen collection, which creases less than standard linen but still gives that soft, breezy look

“You don’t have to reinvent the wheel”, Sharon notes. Just lean on timeless pieces with minimal accessories, texture over pattern, and fabrics that move with you.

Also, don’t be afraid to go barefoot in certain outdoor settings — especially kids. It often looks more natural and adds a sense of freedom to your photos.

6. Real-Life Inspiration

Below are a few images from recent summer sessions that show these tips in action — from flowy dresses and soft linens to color palettes that blend beautifully with the scene.