How to Choose Your Flying Dress: Color, Style and Size
The color, neckline and size that work for you, how to check a dress is available at your destination, and how to choose your dress with your photoshoot.
Choosing the dress is the most exciting decision of a flying dress photoshoot. The short answer: choose a color that stands out from the place where you will be photographed, a neckline you can relax in, and a dress in your size that is available at your destination. You don't have to decide before you book. You can choose later, with our team.
Here is how to get there, step by step, from what we have learned photographing flying dresses in Santorini since 2018, and in Athens, Mykonos and Dubai. New to flying dresses? See how a flying dress photoshoot in Santorini works first.
1. Start with where you will be photographed
The backdrop decides which colors stand out. A dress that glows against a white wall can disappear into golden sand, so think about the place first and the color second. White villages and blue domes suit almost any strong color, dark volcanic sand makes bright colors glow, green gardens flatter white and yellow, and the desert favors gold, fuchsia and green. Our Santorini photoshoot pages describe each spot, and step 2 below points you to the colors.
Not sure where you will shoot yet? In Santorini we usually recommend Imerovigli: almost any strong color stands out against its white terraces and blue domes.
2. Choose a color that suits you, and the light
Contrast with the background matters most. After that, think about your skin tone, your hair and the time of day:
- At sunset, warm, saturated colors such as red, fuchsia, orange and gold glow in the golden light. Very pale colors can look washed out.
- Close to your skin tone, colors such as beige and nude tend to blend in. Choose something with more color.
- Your everyday favorites are a good guide. If a color always looks good on you, it will in the photos too.
From our own experience behind the camera, the colors that photograph best are red, blue, yellow and fuchsia. Our flying dress color guide goes through each backdrop, skin tone and hair color in detail. If you want a short list, these are the dresses our clients choose most and the ones we reach for first:
- The classic Santorini red: Red No.20 and Red Satin No.10 are our most popular dresses.
- Deep blue against white walls: Royal Blue No.23, another favorite.
- Bright and joyful: Yellow No.92
- For darker skin tones: orange, fuchsia and yellow make a beautiful contrast. Orange Satin No.17 is one of our favorites.
- A color that suits everyone: Bordeaux No.21
- For a bride or an anniversary: White Satin No.19, best with the sea or the sky behind you rather than a white wall
3. Pick a neckline you will feel comfortable in
A flying dress shoot is full of movement: walking, turning and lifting your arms while the fabric flies. If you keep adjusting your dress, it shows in your face. These are the styles you will find in our collection:
- V-neck: our most common style. It lengthens the neck and suits most figures. Some V-necks have a belt and an adjustable front and back for a close fit.
- Off-shoulder: shows the collarbones and shoulders, for a romantic, elegant look.
- Halter neck: fastens behind the neck and leaves the shoulders open. Lovely on athletic figures.
- Corset: a structured bodice that shapes the waist, with a more formal, bridal feel.
- Long sleeve: full-length sleeves and a high neckline, for anyone who prefers more coverage, for personal, cultural or religious reasons. See Red Long Sleeve No.80 and Royal Blue Long Sleeve No.85.
- One-shoulder and cold shoulder: a few striking, modern designs.
Which shapes suit which figures is explained in our guide to flying dress styles for every body type.
What to wear underneath: every dress page tells you. Some dresses can't be worn with a bra, and some work best with nude or matching underwear. Seamless, skin-tone underwear is a safe choice for most dresses, and each dress page says what it recommends. If support matters to you, check this before you fall in love with a dress.
4. Find your size
Our collection covers sizes XS to XXL, but not every dress comes in every size:
- Many dresses are one size that fits a range of sizes, for example "fits XS to M (US 0 to 10)".
- Some come in two versions, such as Red Long Sleeve No.80, made in XS to M and in L to XL.
- If you wear XL or XXL, filter the collection by size first, then choose your color from the dresses that fit.
Each dress page has a size guide with bust, waist and hip measurements. If you are between sizes, tell us when you book and we will suggest the best fit.
5. Check the dress is available where you are shooting
Most of our collection is in Santorini and Mykonos. In Athens and Dubai the selection is smaller. Every dress page shows where the dress is available, and you can filter the collection by destination: Athens, Dubai, Santorini, Mykonos.
One dress or more?
One flying dress is included in Jeane, Marilyn, Happy Birthday and both Cruise Day packages; Mr. President includes two, and Diamonds three plus a casual look. In Group & Celebrations each lady wears her own dress, and Lifestyle is photographed in your own outfit. An extra dress can be added to any package for €120, although we don't recommend it for the 30-minute packages: changing takes time, and a short shoot is better spent in one dress. A girls' dress can be added for €70: each one shows its age range, for example Red Satin No.100 for ages 4 to 6 and 7 to 10, so mother and daughter can wear the same color.
Mistakes to avoid
- Too little contrast: a very pale dress against white walls, or a beige one in the desert.
- A neckline you have to keep adjusting: comfort shows in every photo.
- The wrong size or place: a dress you love that doesn't come in your size, or isn't available at your destination.
Choose now, or after booking
You don't need to choose your dress before you book. Secure your date with a 50% deposit, then choose your dress whenever you are ready, at least 3 days before your shoot. When you know, tell us the dress name, its number and your size, for example "Yellow No.92, size M". Our team is happy to help you decide, and our photoshoot checklist covers everything else to prepare.
Every flying dress package includes a dress from our collection, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before your shoot.
Questions and answers
Is the flying dress included in the price?
Yes. Every flying dress package includes a dress from our collection. Only the Lifestyle package is photographed in your own outfit.
Can I wear more than one dress?
Yes. Mr. President includes two dresses and Diamonds three plus a casual look. An extra dress can be added to any package for €120, but we don't recommend it for 30-minute shoots, because changing takes time.
What sizes do your flying dresses come in?
Our collection covers sizes XS to XXL. Each dress page shows its size range and a size guide. Fewer dresses reach XL and XXL, so filter the collection by size first.
Can I wear a bra with a flying dress?
It depends on the dress. Each dress page tells you what to wear underneath: some are worn without a bra, and seamless, skin-tone underwear suits most.
Do you have flying dresses for girls?
Yes. Girls' dresses can be added to your photoshoot for €70. Each one shows its age range, so mother and daughter can match.
When do I need to choose my dress?
You can book first and choose later. Let us know your dress and size at least 3 days before your shoot, so we can have it ready for you.
