What to Wear During the Hot Summer Months for Family Sessions in Northwest Indiana

Planning a family photo session in the heat of summer can feel tricky—especially when you want to look great and stay comfortable. As a photographer in Northwest Indiana, I’ve learned a few things about dressing for the sun, humidity, and lake breeze, all while keeping your photos timeless and beautiful.

Here are my favorite tips for choosing the perfect outfits for summer family sessions.

1. Stick with Light, Breathable Fabrics

Summer in Northwest Indiana can be humid, so avoid heavy or clingy fabrics. Instead, opt for:

• Cotton

• Linen

• Rayon blends

• Light gauze textures

These fabrics allow your skin to breathe and help you stay cool, even when the sun is blazing.

Pro Tip: Linen wrinkles are totally okay! They add a casual, natural vibe to your portraits that feels relaxed and real.

2. Choose Light, Neutral, or Earthy Colors

Soft, natural tones always photograph beautifully—especially against the golden dunes, lush parks, or open fields common in our area.

Consider wearing colors like:

• Cream, beige, or ivory

• Dusty blue or soft sage

• Muted blush, mustard, or terracotta

• Light grey or faded denim

Avoid neons or overly bright whites, which can reflect light harshly and distract from faces.

3. Coordinate Without Matching

Gone are the days of everyone wearing the same white shirt and jeans! Instead:

• Choose a color palette (2–4 coordinating tones).

• Mix in textures, subtle patterns, and layers (like a kimono, vest, or flowy dress).

• Aim for harmony, not identical outfits.

This helps your family look cohesive, but with everyone’s personality still shining through.

4. Keep Comfort in Mind for the Kids

Happy kids = better photos. Make sure little ones are comfy:

• Avoid tight waistbands or scratchy materials.

• Skip anything they might fuss with (like itchy collars or too-tight shoes).

• Bring water and snacks to keep energy up in the heat!

Bonus tip: Bring backup clothes—just in case of spills, grass stains, or surprise summer fun.

5. Consider the Location

Whether you're planning a beachy session in New Buffalo or a nature shoot at Potato Creek, let the location guide your outfit choices:

• Beach or dunes: Flowy dresses, rolled-up linen pants, and barefoot looks are gorgeous.

• Parks or gardens: Earthy tones and sandals photograph beautifully against the greens.

• Urban sessions: Feel free to bring a bit more edge—like denim, subtle patterns, or casual sneakers.

6. Style for the Season (and Yourself!)

Want to beat the heat while still feeling like you? Consider:

• Flowy maxi dresses

• Light rompers or wide-leg pants

• Loose button-downs with rolled sleeves

• Sandals, espadrilles, or even barefoot (if location allows!)

And don’t forget:

• Light makeup + SPF

• Minimal jewelry to avoid sticking or overheating

• Hair ties or clips for breezy options if it’s windy

7. When in Doubt—Ask Me!

If you're unsure what to wear, I’m always happy to help. You can even send me outfit options beforehand or take advantage of my client wardrobe (especially great for maternity sessions).

Your session should feel effortless and fun, and your outfits should reflect that too. With the right planning, your family can stay cool and look amazing—no sweat (well… maybe just a little).

Ready to plan your perfect summer session?

Book your session or reach out with any styling questions—I’m here to make your experience joyful from start to finish.

📸 Book your session now