One of the questions I get asked most often is how to choose the right outfit for a photo session in Amsterdam. Since the city can surprise you with all four seasons in one day, what you wear really makes a difference. Today, I want to share my best tips for outfits that match the vibe of Amsterdam: relaxed, timeless, and comfortable.

1. Start with comfort

Amsterdam is a city for walking, cycling, and exploring, even in winter. Choose comfortable shoes like sneakers or boots with good grip and warm lining. Skip flats or heels; the cold goes straight through them, and cobblestones can be tricky. Warming layers are essential, so think cozy socks and shoes that keep your feet dry and comfortable throughout your session.

2. Choose timeless over trendy

Neutrals and soft tones always look beautiful in Amsterdam, especially in winter when the light is softer and the streets have that calm, cozy atmosphere. Think beige, cream, navy, olive, or dusty blue; they blend naturally with the city’s canals and brick façades. If you want a bit more warmth, muted shades like pesto green, rust, or soft burgundy look lovely against the winter background. You can also play with texture: wool coats, knits, and scarves in different materials bring depth to your photos and make you feel warm without losing elegance.

3. Layer smartly

The weather in Amsterdam changes fast, and in winter, layers are everything. Start with a warm base layer, something thin but insulating, like thermal tops or merino wool shirts. These help you stay cozy without making your outfit look bulky. From there, build your look with knits, jackets, or coats that you can open, carry, or rest on your shoulders for a different mood.

If you’re traveling with kids, base layers become even more essential. They feel the cold faster, and since most sessions last around 60 minutes outdoors, that extra warmth makes a big difference. The goal is to stay comfortable and natural, so you can focus on enjoying your time instead of feeling the chill.

4. Coordinate, don’t match

If it’s a couple or family session, try to build everyone’s outfit around a shared color palette. Choose two or three main colors and make small variations within those tones: for example, one person wears beige pants, another a cream sweater, and someone else a navy coat. The idea is to look connected but not identical.

A great tip before your session is to lay all the clothes on the bed together. Seeing them side by side helps you check if the colors and textures feel balanced. This quick test often shows whether something feels too bright or out of place.

Think of it like creating a little color story: navy, beige, and rust work beautifully for warm tones; or cream, olive, and soft blue for something softer and calmer. Coordinating outfits this way makes the whole group look naturally harmonious in photos, without anyone blending into the background.

5. Avoid distractions

In winter, many jackets and hats come with big logos or bold patterns, but keeping things simple often looks best in photos. Try choosing pieces without large prints or text so the attention stays on you and your expressions, not on the label. Soft, solid colors or gentle textures always photograph beautifully against Amsterdam’s calm winter tones.

Neutral or muted outerwear like beige, navy, or dark green blends naturally with the city’s streets and canals. The same goes for accessories: scarves, gloves, and hats in simple shades bring the whole look together in an effortless way.

7. Wear something that feels like you

The best outfit is the one that makes you feel confident, comfortable, and your best. It should let you move freely, laugh, and enjoy your time without worrying about adjusting anything. When you feel at ease in what you’re wearing, it shows; your posture softens, your smile feels natural, and the photos capture the real you.

Think of your outfit as part of the experience, not just something to wear. Choose what feels authentic to you. Amsterdam’s charm is subtle and real, and when you show up feeling like yourself, that same quiet beauty comes through in your photos.

Dressing for the season helps you enjoy every moment of your photo session. When you feel comfortable and relaxed, Amsterdam reveals its beauty in the most natural way, and that’s when the magic happens in front of the camera.

See you soon in Amsterdam ✨

Joanna

Your vacation photographer in Amsterdam