Top Outfit Ideas for Underwater Photoshoots: Style Tips to Look Stunning in your Cenote Portraits

 

So you've booked your first underwater photoshoot and you are probably feeling nervous and excited! Suddenly, in the middle of all the excitement, you realize you have no idea what you are going to wear. Don’t worry! I'm here to guide you through this process with some general tips and recommendations for my underwater photoshoots.


These guidelines are a great starting point, and they'll work wonders for most underwater shoots, but hey, even mermaids have to get creative sometimes, right? So feel free to add your own personal touch and break a rule or two—as long as you feel comfortable doing so! After all, the ultimate goal is to capture YOU feeling confident and beautiful underwater.


Disclaimer: This post might contain some affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase, and I so appreciate it.

 
Underwater photoshoot Tulum

Versatility is Key! Choose an outfit that can be styled in multiple ways

Underwater photoshoot Playa del Carmen

A vibrant, solid color that pops against the aquatic backdrop

Trash the Dress Cenote Underwater photography

A long and flowing fabric, like chiffon, silk, or mesh, creates a sense of movement and elegance

 

Dress for magic! Think about an outfit that transforms underwater! Here's what makes the perfect ensemble for your breathtaking underwater photoshoot:

  • A vibrant, solid color that pops against the aquatic backdrop.

  • A long and flowing fabric, like chiffon, silk, or mesh, creates a sense of movement and elegance.

  • A shimmering fabric that catches the light beautifully underwater.

  • Versatility is Key! Choose an outfit that can be styled in multiple ways to suit your personal taste.

 
Riviera Maya underwater photography

Skirts are another fantastic option like this green skirt! Pair them with a swimsuit top or nothing at all

Playa del Carmen underwater photography

Long, flowing dresses are a classic choice for underwater photoshoots

 
  • Skirts are another fantastic option! Pair them with a swimsuit top or nothing at all. Choose long, flowing fabrics that will flow gently underwater, creating a stunning visual effect. Short skirts tend to restrict movement, so longer styles are ideal for capturing that beautiful underwater dance.

  • Long, flowing dresses are a classic choice for underwater photoshoots. They look elegant, and the fabric moves naturally in the water.

 
Underwater photoshoot Riviera Maya

For kimonos and cover-ups I recommend going for vibrant colors

Underwater photoshoot

Long kimonos and cover-ups add another layer of sophistication

Underwater photoshoot Cancun

Darker fabrics tend to blend in with the water

 

​​Long kimonos and cover-ups add another layer of sophistication to your underwater photos! These versatile pieces can be tied in the front to create a revealing look or left loose for a flowing silhouette.

For kimonos and cover-ups I recommend going for vibrant colors. Since they're often made from lightweight, semi-transparent fabrics, a bright color will pop beautifully against the cenote's backdrop.

Darker fabrics tend to blend in with the water, so keep that in mind when choosing your outfit.

 
Maternity underwater photoshoot Tulum

I recommend choosing a maternity dress that accentuates your curves and leaves the belly area exposed

Cenote Underwater maternity photography

For your partner, swim shorts and no top work especially well when you plan to wear your swimsuit

Tulum Maternity underwater photography

For maternity shoots, the spotlight is naturally on the beautiful baby bump!

 

For maternity shoots, the spotlight is naturally on the beautiful baby bump!

  • I recommend choosing a maternity dress that accentuates your curves and leaves the belly area exposed. Think flowy styles with empire waistlines or form-fitting silhouettes that flatter your figure.

  • You can also combine a bikini or a simple swimsuit with kimonos or cover-ups: These versatile pieces will add a touch of elegance and beautiful, flowing movement underwater. 

For your partner, It's best to keep their outfit simple and complementary to yours. Here are some underwater photoshoot outfit suggestions for your partner’

  • Classic white: A white shirt and white pants or jeans create a clean and classic style.

  • Neutral tones: Dark pants and white or a light-colored shirt offer a versatile option.

  • Swimwear: Swim shorts and no top work especially well when you plan to wear your swimsuit with the addition of an optional fabric.

 
Couples Underwater portraits in Playa del Carmen

Choose outfits that share a similar style aesthetic

Couples Underwater photoshoot

A flowy maxi dress for you can be beautifully balanced with your partner's tailored linen pants and a button-down shirt.

Playa del Carmen Couples underwater photography

Pick a color palette that works well together

 

For couples' photoshoots, try to wear outfits that complement each other! Perfect matching isn't necessary, but aim for a coordinated look. Here are some tips:

  • Similar style themes: Choose outfits that share a similar style aesthetic, whether it's classic elegance, bohemian chic, or playful and vibrant.

  • Color coordination: Pick a color palette that works well together. You can both wear solid colors within the same palette, or one person can wear a patterned piece that incorporates the other's solid color.

  • Balance is key: A flowy maxi dress for you can be beautifully balanced with your partner's tailored linen pants and a button-down shirt.

Remember, simplicity is your friend! Avoid overly busy patterns or excessive accessories that might detract from the natural beauty of the underwater environment.

cenote-portrait-capejpg
Couples Underwater photoshoot Playa del Carmen
Mermaid Cenote Underwater photography

Have fun adding props like mermaid tails, wings, or even a delicate crown. These can elevate your underwater photos to a whole new level of enchantment.

 
Tulum Jungle photography
Jungle photoshoot Riviera Maya

You can pair your jungle shoot with my beautiful angel wings

Jungle portraits in Playa del Carmen

Opt for vibrant, warm tones that will pop against the vibrant jungle backdrop

Jungle Chic: If you are planning to combine your underwater shoot with a jungle session, you can follow these two options

  • Opt for vibrant, warm tones that will pop against the vibrant jungle backdrop, like flowy dresses in orange, or yellow. 

  • If you want to capture a more adventurous and nature-inspired look, try adding some green, brown, and animal print elements to your outfit, for example, a flowing maxi dress with a subtle leopard print, or a bikini paired with a sheer green cover-up. The possibilities are endless!

  • You can also pair your jungle shoot with my beautiful angel wings

With these guidelines in hand, you're on the right track to creating a stunning look for your underwater or jungle photoshoot! If you still need more inspiration, browse my galleries for more ideas, and let's capture some underwater magic together!

 
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