When taking pictures outdoors, choosing the right colors to wear can make a big difference in how the photos turn out. Certain colors don’t photograph well or can be unflattering. Here are some tips on what colors to avoid when taking outdoor photos and some better options to consider.
Bright neons and fluorescents
Avoid wearing bright neon or fluorescent colors like highlighter yellow, neon pink, or lime green. These tend to look extra garish and unnatural in outdoor lighting. They reflect a lot of light, which can blow out skin tones and overexpose the image. Stick to softer, more muted versions of brighter colors instead.
Stark whites
Solid bright whites can also overexpose easily and appear bleached out or washed out in photos. Softer off-whites, ivories, or warm creamy tones tend to be more flattering. Pure white clothing can also look very stark against colorful outdoor backdrops. Consider pairing white with softer neutral tones.
Jet blacks
On the other end of the spectrum, jet blacks can look overly harsh in outdoor photos. Deep black clothing can create too much contrast with the skin and light backgrounds. Charcoal grays, muted dark blues, or softer blacks photograph better. Black near the face can also cast unflattering shadows.
Large graphic prints
Loud, large-scale graphic prints tend to be very distracting in photos. Smaller and more subtle patterns are better. Opt for solid colors or simple stripes and pair with accessories if you want to make more of a statement.
Shiny satins and silks
Shiny, reflective fabrics like satin and silk can also cause issues with light reflection and odd highlights. Matte fabrics in linen, cotton, wool, and cashmere tend to look best and most natural. If you do want to wear something shiny, choose darker, more muted tones.
Short hemlines
Short skirts and dresses can easily blow up in windy conditions outdoors. Stick to midi or tea length hemlines to avoid wardrobe malfunctions and embarrassing moments. Longer skirts in flowy fabrics also tend to look very flattering outdoors.
Strapless and off the shoulder tops
Like short hemlines, strapless and off the shoulder tops are prone to slipping and needing adjustment outdoors. Opt for wider straps or tailored tops with higher necklines. Tops that stay neatly in place will keep the focus on you, not on what might be moving out of place.
All black or all white outfits
As mentioned above, both stark blacks and bright whites can be problematic on their own. All black or all white outfits can look very harsh and contrasty outdoors and overwhelm your natural coloring. Adding in different colors and tones can make the look more balanced and flattering.
Delicate fabrics and details
Avoid fabrics like chiffon or lace that can snag easily on plants and be high maintenance outdoors. Skip delicate details like rhinestones or intricate beading that can catch and reflect light oddly in photos. Clean, streamlined styles tend to come across as chic rather than fussy.
Red
Bright reds might seem eye catching, but they can actually be quite unflattering for pictures. Bright reds tend to make skin look ruddier and emphasize blemishes and shadows. Deeper burgundies, wines, and marsala tones are much more photogenic. Red lips also tend to look overdone.
Yellow
Like red, yellow is tricky to wear in photos. Bright yellows can wash out skin and make it look sallow. Soft buttery yellows, mustard tones, and warm goldenrod colors are safer options. Yellow works best paired with blue tones that provide contrast. Skip bright yellow accessories too.
Purple
Though a fun color for summer, bright purples and lilacs can also cast unflattering shadows on the face outdoors. Muted mauves, lavenders, and fresh green-based purples like sage are much easier to wear. Reserve bright purples for small pops of color in accessories.
Better colors to wear
| Color | Tones that Photograph Well Outdoors |
|---|---|
| Blue | Soft powder blues, periwinkle, duck egg, denim blue, navy |
| Green | Mint, sage, olive, forest, khaki green |
| Pink | Dusty pink, rose, carnation pink, terra cotta |
| Red | Wine, burgundy, brick red, rust red |
| Orange | Peach, coral, apricot, terra-cotta |
| Yellow | Buttery yellow, mustard, gold |
| Purple | Mauve, lavender, lilac |
| Brown | Tan, mocha, caramel, coffee, bronze |
| Grey | Dove grey, charcoal grey, pewter |
| Metallic | Rose gold, bronze, pewter |
Stick to softer, more muted versions of colors that complement your skin tone. Pair brights with neutrals to offset them. Add pops of color through accessories like hats, scarves, and shoes rather than clothing.
Tips for flattering photography
Beyond just color choices, here are some other tips for looking your best in outdoor photos:
- Wear sunscreen and powder – This prevents shine
- Style your hair simply – Avoid heavy products that can look stiff
- Curl your lashes and groom brows – Frames the eyes nicely
- hydrate with gloss or balm – Prevent chapped lips so you can smile
- Wear tailored, crisp fabrics – Avoid looking rumpled
- Have someone press/steam clothing – Eliminate wrinkles
- Limit patterns and prints – Can be distracting and busy
- Accessorize lightly – Avoid clashing metals/jewels
- Check makeup in sunlight – Colors can look different outside
- Use mattifying products – Prevents shine in humidity
- Use grooming tools – Hide flyaways and frizz
- Wear proper undergarments – Avoid lines and poking through
- Bring backup outfits and accessories – In case of spills or wind
Posing tips
Posing correctly makes a big difference too. Keep these tips in mind:
- Relax your facial muscles – Tension reads as unnatural
- Smile with your eyes – It looks more genuine
- Align your body diagonally – Creates a slimming effect
- Lean forward slightly – Prevents slouching
- Lift your chin – Defines your jawline nicely
- Pull shoulders back slightly – Good posture matters
- Let arms hang naturally – Avoid stiff or crossed arms
- Place weight to one side – Creates curves
- Bend a knee slightly – Appears more fluid and graceful
- Take candid shots too – Captures natural joy and connection
Conclusion
Avoiding colors that tend to be unflattering outdoors and choosing more photograph-friendly options sets you up for looking your very best. Pay attention to fabrics, silhouettes and tailoring too for a polished look. With some conscious color choices and smart styling tricks, you can feel confident and look amazing in all your outdoor photos.
