For beautiful holiday photos, calm colours such as white, cream, navy and light blue work well. Choose fabrics that drape smoothly or move lightly. Avoid large logos, busy prints and bright neon colours: they draw attention away from you and the place. A good fit and one accent are usually enough.
Why some outfits photograph better
Clothes can look different on camera than in real life. Bright colours often look even brighter in a photo, small prints can start to flicker and shiny fabrics reflect the sunlight. Calm colours and matte fabrics usually give a calmer image. Simplicity therefore often works well: a white blouse by the sea, a navy stripe on a terrace or light trousers in an old town.
You often look at holiday photos for years to come. Calm, classic clothing tends to stay timeless in photos for longer.
Seven tips for photogenic holiday clothes
- Choose plain over print. A solid colour or a calm stripe is always safer in a photo than a busy print.
- Match the surroundings. White and blue by the sea, warm neutral shades in old towns, green and beige in the countryside.
- Leave logos at home. Large brand names or text on clothing stand out immediately in a photo and distract.
- Look for movement. A wide leg or a fluid dress that moves in the wind brings a photo to life.
- Pay attention to fit. Clothes that fit well look more polished in a photo than the most expensive piece that does not quite fit.
- Choose matte fabrics. Knitwear, cotton and linen reflect less light than shiny synthetic fabrics.
- One accent is enough. A straw hat, sunglasses or a colourful bag: choose one.
Which colours for which place?
| Setting | Colours that work | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Beach and sea | White, cream, light blue, navy | Calm and fresh against the blue of the water |
| Old town with warm facades | Cream, beige, navy, white | Blends with sandstone and terracotta |
| Green landscape | White, beige, light blue | Light colours stand out beautifully against green |
| Sunset | White, cream, soft shades | Catch the warm light and give a glow |
Outfits for women
By the sea. The Marianne polo dress in white is one of the easiest pieces for holiday photos. White against the sea looks fresh, and the polo collar adds a polished touch. Combine with flat sandals and a straw hat.
In the city. The Fiori fine-knit T-shirt in navy striped with the Florence flared ankle-length trousers in white. The stripe is classically maritime, and the flared leg moves beautifully as you walk. A photo of you strolling across a square becomes elegant on its own with this combination. See more tops in the T-shirts for women collection, or be inspired by Boulevard.
Outfits for men
By the sea. The Theodore fine-knit open polo in light blue is 100% lyocell and drapes smoothly. Light blue blends seamlessly with water and sky, and the open collar looks relaxed. Combine with light trousers or smart shorts.
For a dinner or terrace. The Atticus striped cotton polo in white with the Harrison tapered trousers with pleats in beige. Light shades with a fine stripe give a calm but not dull picture, especially in the golden light of the evening. You will find more styles in the polos for men.
In the photo together
If you are having your photo taken with your partner, family or friends, coordinate your colours without literally wearing the same thing. Choose a shared palette of two or three colours, for example white, navy and light blue, and let everyone choose their own piece within it. That creates a calm picture. Avoid one person standing in a bright colour while the rest are dressed in neutrals. The eye then keeps going to that one colour.
Practical on the road
Because photos are often spontaneous, it helps if your clothes stay neat after a long day. Fine knitwear and fabrics with a little elastane crease less than cotton or linen. Hang your outfit for the next day in the bathroom in the evening while you shower, and small creases will drop out on their own. And bring a small pack of stain wipes: an ice cream drip on a white shirt is unfortunately clearly visible in a photo.
The time of day makes a difference
The light changes throughout the day and influences how colours come out in photos. In bright midday light, hard shadows appear and white fabrics become almost blinding. A light blue or cream shade is then often more flattering than bright white. In the morning and at the end of the afternoon the light is softer and warmer. That is when white and ivory are at their most beautiful, because they catch the golden light and give a soft glow.
After sunset, on a terrace or in a restaurant with candlelight, dark and deep colours work better instead. Navy and black then bring calm to the picture, while light colours can turn yellow or dull in artificial light. If you are planning a dinner at a special place, deliberately choose a darker outfit for the evening.
Small details that make the difference
- Sleeves and collars: a collar that lies neatly and sleeves that fall at the right length show immediately in a photo.
- Bags and belts: choose natural materials such as leather, straw or canvas. Plastic glints in the sun.
- Jewellery: a few subtle pieces catch the light nicely. Too much jewellery creates restlessness.
- Sunglasses: a classic shape ages less quickly in photos than a trendy one.
Shop the look
Fiori: fine-knit T-shirt with tweed look and buttons, navy striped
Florence: flared ankle-length trousers, white
Marianne: polo dress, white
Theodore: fine-knit open polo without buttons, light blue
Atticus: striped cotton polo, white
Harrison: tapered trousers with pleats, beige
Frequently asked questions
Which colour of clothing looks best in photos?
Plain, calm colours such as white, cream, navy and light blue almost always photograph beautifully. They bring out your skin and the surroundings well.
Are stripes suitable for photos?
Wide or medium-width stripes work well. Very fine, dense stripes can flicker in a photo, so choose a clear stripe instead.
How do I prevent creases in holiday photos?
Choose fine knitwear or fabrics with a little elastane and hang up your clothes straight after unpacking. Steam from a warm shower helps small creases drop out.
