40+ Photos & 5 Elegant Styling Secrets for a Flawless Plus-Size Beach Photoshoot (You Haven’t Heard Before)
This article is for the photographer and his or her subject. Click on the slideshow below and you can get a larger view of the images. All these images were created with AI to give us the best ideas of what to purchase and how style it.
“Wear a monochromatic color palette… This creates a smooth, uninterrupted visual line that elongates the body and looks refined in photographs”
Planning a Beach Photoshoot? Let Me Share a Few Gentle Tips for Curvy Women
If you’re considering a beach or lakeside photoshoot — first, let me say how lovely that is. There is something timeless about a woman standing against nature’s most serene backdrops: water, sky, sunlight, and wind. And let’s be honest, as plus-size women, we’re often told what not to do. But I’d much rather talk about what works beautifully and makes you feel both confident and elegant.
Photographers and stylists have shared their wisdom and fashion seems to be getting better as the years go on. These are great suggestions that align more with high fashion than quick-fix tricks.
1. Monochromatic Color Schemes: Soft, Seamless, and Stunning
Let’s begin with the most overlooked — and most effective — tip: wear a monochromatic color palette. That simply means keeping your outfit in one color family. This creates a smooth, uninterrupted visual line that elongates the body and looks refined in photographs.
But here’s the key: choose tones that complement the natural environment.
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At the beach, soft ivories, sand tones, blush pinks, and muted blues are stunning. They harmonize with the surroundings instead of competing with them.
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Avoid bold prints or busy patterns — they often distract and visually “break” the body into blocks.
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Earth tones like moss green, muted clay, and soft terracotta can also work beautifully near a lake or wooded shore.
A monochromatic look doesn’t mean dull — it means cohesive. Add visual interest with texture instead of color: a knit top with a flowing skirt, for example, or layers of gauzy fabrics.
2. Scarves and the Gift of Movement
One of the most beautiful things you can add to a beach photoshoot is a lightweight scarf. I know it may sound simple, but hear me out — when the wind catches a scarf and sends it trailing softly behind you, it creates something magical.
That movement does more than look artistic — it visually softens your silhouette and adds fluidity to the photo. Rather than a static, posed image, it gives the impression of effortless grace. That gentle motion helps to mask any areas you may feel self-conscious about, without hiding you.
Choose scarves made from natural fabrics like silk, linen, or a soft cotton voile. Let them wrap around your shoulders, drape over one arm, or even tie into your hair. Photographers love these elements because they give the image life.
3. Fabrics Matter More Than You Think
This is one of those details that separates a snapshot from something truly striking: the fabric you wear.
The best fabrics for beach or lakeside photoshoots are natural, breathable, and with just enough drape to move with the breeze. Look for:
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Linen or cotton blends – breathable and elegant
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Silk or silk-like fabrics – reflective in a soft, flattering way
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Chiffon, voile, or georgette – especially for layering or scarves
Avoid anything stiff or overly synthetic. Those fabrics tend to crease or cling in unflattering ways, especially with humidity or wind.
When dressing, think in layers. A soft tunic over a slip dress, a robe-style wrap over a swimsuit, or a long blouse over high-waisted trousers — all of these can create graceful lines and a sense of movement without being bulky.
4. Makeup and Hair: Subtle Elevation
Now, let’s talk about your face and hair — and not in a “cover it up” way, but rather in the spirit of gentle enhancement.
Makeup should be slightly more defined than usual, especially because natural light can wash out features. A few thoughtful suggestions:
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Use a light-reflective foundation or tinted moisturizer — nothing heavy.
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Add a little extra color to the cheeks and lips — coral, rose, or berry tones work well in natural light.
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Focus on the eyes and brows. They define your expression. A softly smudged eyeliner and groomed brows can go a long way.
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Finish with a setting spray, particularly if the day is humid.
As for hair — aim for movement, not precision. Perfect curls or slicked styles can look harsh outdoors. Instead, go for a soft wave, a low bun with gentle pieces framing your face, or even a scarf tied into your hairstyle. If the wind musses it a bit — embrace it. It adds realism and charm.
5. Understanding Lines and the Frame
Now here’s something rarely discussed — and it’s one of the most important things I’ve learned from professional photographers: pay attention to how your body exits the frame of the photograph.
When your arms, legs, or clothing “leave” the frame in a wide or bulky way, the image feels heavier. But when those exit points are narrowed or taper gently, it subtly slims the entire silhouette.
Here are a few ways to apply that:
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Instead of standing square to the camera, turn slightly and let your body angle away — this naturally narrows the frame.
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Let your scarf or dress taper downward or trail off in a soft line.
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When posing, avoid having both arms pressed against your sides. Leave gentle space between the arms and torso — it defines the waist.
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If seated, cross the ankles and lean slightly forward — not slouching, but engaged.
These small changes aren’t about hiding yourself — they’re about presenting your shape with grace, using techniques the fashion world has used for decades.
In Closing: You Deserve to Be Seen in Full Light
A beach photoshoot allows you to step into the scene — the wind, the sun, the sound of water — and allowing yourself to be present in it.
Style is not reserved for the thin. Elegance is not the property of youth. And beauty is not defined by a number.
With the right fabrics, thoughtful colors, gentle movement, and a few professional touches, you can create images that feel like they came out of a magazine — but more importantly, they’ll feel like you.
