Outfit Guide

“What Should I Wear to My Session?”

Hi, I’m Renée Rivas —I’m a photographer based in Oahu, Hawaii, and if you’re reading this, you’re probably prepping for your upcoming photo session and wondering what to wear.

Choosing outfits can feel overwhelming, especially when there are so many styles and options out there. I’ve created this guide to make things simple and stress free. These tips come straight from my experience photographing couples in all kinds of settings—beaches, mountains, cities—and seeing firsthand what looks best in real life and on camera.

The best outfit is one you can move in, breathe in, and laugh in. Oahu is relaxed and nature filled—whether you’re barefoot on the sand or hiking to a scenic overlook, wear something that lets you enjoy the moment.

Think about pieces you already love wearing. Whether that’s a flowy dress, a button-up, or linen pants, pick outfits that feel like you. If you’re uncomfortable, it’ll show.

Bright, bold colors can overpower a photo—especially in vibrant natural light. Instead, go for tones that compliment the landscape:

  • Soft whites, creams, beiges

  • Pastels

  • Olive, sage, forest green (one of my personal favorites)

  • Dusty rose, navy, charcoal

Choose 1–2 stand out tones and balance them with neutrals. The goal is to keep the focus on you, not your clothes. And no, you don’t need to match your partner exactly. Instead, think about coordinating outfits with complementary tones and textures. Patterns can also be quite distracting; if your set on wearing a patterned outfit, try to pick one that is as minimalistic as possible.

My personal favorites are earth-tones, neutrals, & pastels. If your still not sure what to wear, maybe go with one of these safe options.

Earth Tones & Neutrals

Plan For The Environment

Oahu’s landscape is incredibly varied, so what you wear should match where you’re going. Sticking to earth tones—like olive, brown, black, beige, and soft whites—not only looks good in photos, but also blends well with the natural environment. Whether you’re heading to the beach, a waterfall, or a mountain trail, it’s about being comfortable, functional, and in tune with the surroundings.

For the beach, keep it simple and breathable. Barefoot is always fine, but neutral-toned sandals work well if you prefer something on your feet. Lightweight fabrics like linen or cotton are perfect— loose pants, a flowy skirt, or an oversized button-down you can throw over a bathing suit. These pieces move well in the breeze and are easy to slip on and off.

If you’re headed to the mountains or a scenic trail, choose something that feels easy but still looks pulled together. Instead of typical activewear, go for loose linen or cotton pants with a tank or cropped tee. Add a lightweight long-sleeve or button-up shirt for layering—especially helpful in higher elevations or early mornings. Avoid bold patterns or flashy colors.

For waterfall locations, it’s best to wear a swimsuit underneath your outfit in case you want to get in the water. Choose darker, earthy tones—like deep green, brown, black, or warm beige—that look good against the greenery and don’t draw too much attention. Over that, a loose linen shirt, sarong, or wrap skirt makes it easy to change in and out of the water.

Hair, Makeup, & Accessories

The goal is to look and feel like yourself. Whether you’re working with a stylist or doing everything on your own, keep things simple and low-maintenance. If you don’t normally wear much makeup, stick to what feels comfortable—a natural look that enhances your features is more than enough. Lightweight products that hold up in humidity are key. A tinted moisturizer or concealer, a bit of bronzer or highlighter, and waterproof mascara can go a long way. Avoid anything heavy or overly done—it won’t hold up well in the heat.

For hair, keep it relaxed and workable. Beachy waves, soft curls, or hair down are staples. Don’t overthink it—slightly undone hair often looks better than anything too polished, especially outdoors. If your hair is prone to frizz, bring a small smoothing product or leave-in conditioner/oil to tame it if needed.

Accessories can elevate even the most basic outfit. A wide-brimmed hat, a lightweight shawl or scarf, a woven bag, or statement jewelry pieces can add interest and texture without requiring a full outfit change. They also help give variety to photos and allow for quick styling shifts. Jewelry should be simple—small earrings, a few rings, or layered necklaces are enough. Stick with pieces that are meaningful or neutral and won’t distract from your overall look.

Even if you don’t end up using everything, it’s smart to bring a few extra pieces—like a headband, clip, hat, scarf, or second pair of earrings—just in case. Props and accessories can add movement, shape, or a new vibe to the moment, especially if the lighting or weather changes. Having a few easy options on hand makes it easier to adapt and add some variety!