A Boutique Guide to Coastal Country Style
I get asked this question more than almost anything else. “What should we wear?”
It’s easy to get stressed out when you’re planning a professional photo session, but I want to let you in on a little secret: Island style is all about comfort and intention. On the Windward side, we live a life that is functional, beautiful, and deeply connected to nature. When you dress for your session, we want to invoke that same spirit.
Here is my no-stress guide to looking like a local and feeling like your best self during our time together.
Embrace Local “Coastal Country” Fashion
If you want to move away from the “tourist” look and lean into authentic island fashion, look for patterns and brands that have deep roots here.
- Palaka Prints: Originally worn by plantation workers for its durability, Palaka has made a huge comeback. It’s a classic two-tone checkered pattern that screams “Local Country.”
- Inspired by Pua (Flowers): Look for patterns that invoke our local flora—think Gardenia, Plumeria, Maile, or Ti Leaf. Unlike generic floral prints, these designs feel intentional and grounded in the islands.
- The “Waterman” Brands: For the men, you can’t go wrong with a classic Aloha shirt from brands like Reyn Spooner, Sig Zane, or Tori Richard. For the ladies, Fighting Eel or Manuheali’i offers that perfect blend of stretchy, breathable, and chic.
- Earthy Tones: When in doubt, stick to colors that occur naturally around us. Blues, greens, soft pinks, oranges, and warm tans always look incredible against the Windward backdrop.
The Golden Rule: Comfort is Everything
This is a boutique lifestyle experience, not a stiff studio session. I’m going to ask you to run, move, and play. If you aren’t comfortable, it will show in your photos.
- Breathable Fabrics: It’s humid and breezy here. Linens and light cottons are your best friends.
- The “Runway” Test: If you put on an outfit and feel like you could own the world, wear it. Even if it feels “eccentric,” your confidence will shine through the lens.
- A Note for the Keiki (Kids): If your child hates their outfit, it isn’t worth the meltdown. Let them be comfortable. A happy kid in a “second-choice” outfit is a thousand times better than a crying kid in a tiny button-up.
The Absolute “Don’ts.”
There aren’t many rules in the islands, but I have one big one: Please, no shoes and socks at the beach.
The beach was not made for sneakers. They look out of place, they’ll get ruined, and they make it harder to move. Wear easy-on, easy-off sandals (slippers). Better yet, go grab a pair of Locals from the store—everyone here wears them, they’re affordable, and they are the ultimate “pro tip” for looking like you belong on these shores.
Planning for the Windward Elements
It’s called the Windward side for a reason! Trade winds are part of the magic here, but they require a little bit of planning:
- Hair: Embrace the breeze. I love hairstyles that look good from all angles—half-up, half-down, or a loose bun. If you have long hair and want to keep it in a braid, just make sure we can see it from the front!
- Flowy Dresses: Long skirts and flowy dresses look stunning in the wind, but if you’re wearing a shorter dress, plan for a pair of shorts underneath just in case of a big gust.
Coordination vs. Chaos
You don’t need to be perfectly matched. In fact, “collected chaos” can be stylish.
- The Anchor: Start with the girls’ outfits first. Once they are coordinated, it’s easy to find a solid or a simple Aloha print for the men to round out the look.
- The Timeline: Try everything on before the session and cut off the tags. You’d be surprised how often a stray price tag makes a guest appearance in a photo!
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, this is your story. Whether you’re the family that likes to be perfectly color-coordinated or the eccentric crew that wears whatever feels good, I am here to capture you. As long as you are staying true to yourself and enjoying the moment, the photos will be beautiful.
Ready to book your Coastal Country session? Let’s talk story and find the perfect spot on the Windward side for your family.
