Minnesota summers are stunning—but they’re also warm, sticky, and unpredictable. And if you’ve ever stood in full sun trying to smile for a photo while sweat pools at the base of your back, you already know: looking great and feeling great don’t always go hand in hand during a summer photo session.

The good news? You can have both.

As a photographer who’s spent over two decades capturing families, maternity sessions, and couples in the heat of summer, I’ve learned how to help clients look incredible in photos without sacrificing comfort. And trust me—being comfortable is one of the biggest keys to authentic, relaxed images.

In this post, I’ll walk you through:

• What materials to look for (and which to skip)

• Color and texture ideas that complement summer light

• How to dress babies and toddlers comfortably

• What works well for maternity sessions

• Real-life outfit inspiration

• And a few style mistakes to avoid

Let’s get you dressed for the season, the camera, and—most importantly—you.

Summer Style Starts with Breathable Fabric

If there’s one rule I always share, it’s this: start with the fabric.

Outfits made from lightweight, natural materials help your skin breathe, prevent visible sweat marks, and move beautifully in the breeze (a major bonus for storytelling photos).

🌿 Best Fabrics for Summer Photos:

• Cotton – soft, easy, and timeless

• Linen – breathable and effortlessly elegant (wrinkles are natural!)

• Rayon – soft and flowy with excellent drape

• Chambray – a lighter, summer-ready alternative to denim

Avoid synthetics like polyester or nylon blends—they trap heat and show sweat easily, even if they look cute in the mirror.

Go Light, Go Loose, Go Layered (If Needed)

Tight clothes might look polished indoors, but they rarely work well outdoors in the heat—especially for families who will be lifting toddlers, crouching in the grass, or chasing littles barefoot along the lakeside.

Instead, aim for:

• Flowy silhouettes: maxi skirts, wrap dresses, loose-fit linen tops

• Comfortable bottoms: lightweight khakis, cuffed chinos, breezy skirts

• Soft rompers or one-piece outfits for babies (bonus: no shirt riding up!)

• Optional light layers: think gauzy cardigans, open kimonos, or cotton button-ups tied at the waist

Layers aren’t just for warmth—they’re great for adding texture and variety to photos. Just make sure they can come off if things get too warm.

Color + Texture: What Photographs Best in Summer Light

Summer light is warm, soft, and often golden—especially during golden hour. You want to wear tones that work with the light, not against it.

🎨 Best Summer Palette:

• Cream, beige, warm white

• Dusty rose, blush, soft coral

• Light sage, olive, or eucalyptus green

• Sky blue, periwinkle, faded denim

• Mustard, honey, or rust (in small doses)

• Terracotta or muted berry shades

These colors are flattering on most skin tones and help tie the image together with nature’s color palette.

Avoid:

• Neon or saturated primary colors (they reflect weird color casts)

• Stark white (blows out highlights)

• All-black outfits (can appear flat and absorb too much heat)

Textures like embroidery, eyelet, soft lace, or gauzy weaves photograph beautifully and help add visual depth without needing bold patterns.

Tips for Dressing Babies, Toddlers & Kids

Kids are adorable in anything—but comfort is everything if we want natural smiles and joy-filled candids.

👶 What Works:

• Romper or dress for babies: soft cotton or bamboo with snaps for easy changes

• Shorts or bloomers for crawling babes: flexible and cute

• Soft linen or cotton for toddlers: bonus points for movement and twirl-factor

• No shoes required (unless they love them): barefoot is totally okay in my sessions!

If it’s a particularly warm day, you can skip socks and shoes altogether unless the terrain is rough. And always bring a sunhat or hair clips—they’re cute props and useful between shots.

Maternity Sessions: Comfort + Glow

Pregnancy in summer has its own special considerations. You want to feel radiant—but the heat can be tough. I recommend:

• Off-the-shoulder maxi dresses in gauze or cotton blends

• Fitted ribbed tank dresses with open duster cardigans

• Wrap dresses that tie above the bump and offer movement

• Barefoot or sandal-friendly options for flexibility and comfort

Don’t be afraid to show off your bump—fabrics with a little stretch and dresses with cinching at the empire waist highlight your shape beautifully without clinging uncomfortably.

Accessories: Keep It Simple + Meaningful

Accessories can elevate your outfit without adding extra heat. Think:

• A wide-brimmed sunhat

• Layered dainty necklaces

• Leather sandals or espadrilles

• A family heirloom blanket to sit on

• A favorite stuffed animal for your child to hold

Avoid large watches, overly trendy sunglasses, or purses unless they’re part of the story.

Real Client Inspiration

Here’s what real families have worn to summer sessions with me—and why it worked:

• The Johnson Family: Mom wore a gauzy olive green maxi dress with embroidered detail, Dad in a short-sleeve button-up + light khakis, kids in soft cotton rompers. Everyone barefoot by the lake. Simple, comfortable, and stunning.

• Maternity Session (Elena): Fitted linen dress in dusty rose, barefoot, with a lightweight duster that moved in the breeze. She brought a straw hat that we used for a few creative frames. She looked—and felt—glowing.

• The Martens Crew: Mom in a breezy eyelet dress, toddler in bloomers and a sunhat, and Dad in rolled-up sleeves and tan pants. They brought a lightweight muslin blanket to sit on and play—zero stress, lots of smiles.

Quick Style Mistakes to Avoid

• Shoes that don’t stay on or hurt after 5 minutes

• Too many matching outfits (go for coordinated instead of identical)

• Logos or writing on shirts — they’re distracting and date your photos quickly

• Heavy jeans in 90°F heat — there are better, cooler options

• Tight collars or high-neck tops that make you tug and fidge