Why it matter!
One of the first questions couples ask me when they book a surprise proposal or couple photo session in Málaga is: “What should we wear?”
It’s a great question, because the outfit you choose will heavily affect the general look and story of your photographs. The right clothing can complement Málaga’s vibrant colours, set the tone for your shoot, and make you feel confident and comfortable in front of the camera.
This guide will walk you through the do’s and don’ts so you can prepare for the best possible outcome.
Consider Your Location Before Choosing Your Outfit.
Málaga offers so much variety when it comes to beautiful locations. Prior to your couple session, I will guide you through the options and help you select the perfect place for your shoot. Choosing an outfit that matches your location will help tell the story and simply make for better portraits.
Here are some of the most common location types we have in the Málaga province:
Beaches → Think light fabrics that catch the sea breeze and create movement. Wear soft, light colours like white, beige, or light blue. Sandals or going barefoot will create a natural and relaxed vibe that matches the tone of the beach perfectly.
Cities and villages → In the province of Málaga, we have plenty of stunning town and city locations. From the historical centre of Málaga city — mixing modern style with historical architecture — to completely white villages with cobblestone streets and colourful flowers hanging from the walls. Here, slightly dressier outfits work best. Women might opt for a dress or tailored jumpsuit, while men could wear trousers with a button-down shirt. Think elegant casual.
Gardens & Parks → The cities of Málaga are filled with green oases and beautiful parks. For places like these, casual stylish works perfectly, just like in the cities.
Mountains & nature parks → We can still go for a stylish look to truly stand out in a beautiful remote location, but here it’s crucial to bring comfortable shoes. You can always change shoes while we shoot.
Choose Colours That Pop Against the Backdrops.
One of the easiest ways to make your photos stand out is by choosing colours that complement, not compete with, the scenery.
Avoid wearing colours too similar to the environment — for example, an all-beige outfit on a sandy beach might cause you to blend in too much. Instead, think contrast: if the background is warm and golden, try cooler or brighter tones; if the background is cool and blue, go for warmer, earthy shades.
Coordinating Without Matching.
You should definitely try to match your outfits in terms of style and colours, but try not to look too similar. Wearing the exact same colour can make it harder to see separation between you in photos, making it less clear where you end and your partner begins.
Think of it like decorating a room — everything should work together, but each piece should still have its own personality.
The best approach is to choose colours that complement each other while also ensuring you stand out from the background.
Comfort vs. Style.
Of course, we want to look stylish in our photos — but when you’re comfortable, you move more naturally. That authenticity shows in every photo. A stiff pose because your shoes pinch or your dress is too tight can ruin an otherwise amazing photo and moment.
My advice is to consider where we are going, how much walking is involved, and what the weather will be like. Málaga can have both warm and cool days depending on the season, and being sweaty rarely leads to great photos.
Pro tip: If we’re going on a more adventurous hike in the mountains, bring a comfortable pair of shoes with you and change into your photo shoes once we’re ready to shoot.
Avoid Busy Patterns and Logos.
While a beautiful summer dress with a floral pattern can be stunning, be aware that busy patterns can be very distracting in photos. Logos and text will also draw the viewer’s eye away from you and your partner.
Instead, aim for solid colours or very subtle prints like micro dots or a discreet logo.
Remember: the simpler your clothing, the more the photo focuses on your connection.
Wear Something That Makes You Feel Amazing.
Confidence is the most photogenic accessory you can bring. When you love how you look, it changes the way you move, smile, and interact.
I recommend wearing something you already love from your wardrobe, or treating yourself to a new outfit. If you go for the latter, make an excuse to go on a date with your partner in your new outfit — it’s a fun way to test if it’s right for you!
Think about your personality: if you’re playful, choose something that flows and moves with you. If you’re elegant, go for sleek lines and timeless shapes.
Bring a backup: If you’re unsure between two outfits, bring both. Sometimes the second choice ends up being the winner once we see the light and location.
Final Thoughts.
Your outfits are part of your story. Whether we’re capturing your surprise proposal or a romantic couple session, your clothing choices help shape the mood of your images.
Aim for timeless, comfortable, and location-appropriate — and let the magic of Málaga (and your love for each other) do the rest.
