What to Wear and How to Do Your Hair for a Flying Dress Photoshoot
Underwear, shoes, jewelry, hair in the wind and makeup in the sun: everything to decide before the day, in one place.
The dress is taken care of: it is included in every package, and you choose it from our collection. What people ask us about is everything else: what goes underneath, which shoes, what to do with their hair in Santorini's wind, and how much makeup for photos in strong sun. Here are the answers, in the order you will need them.
What to wear underneath
It depends on the dress, so start with its page: every dress in our collection has a "wear with" line. Some dresses can't be worn with a bra, some work with a strapless one, and a few recommend a particular color of underwear. The general rules:
- Seamless, skin-tone underwear is the safe choice for almost every dress. Nothing shows through, and nothing shows at the slit.
- Bras: V-necks and corsets are the most supportive styles; off-shoulder and one-shoulder dresses take a strapless bra; halter necks are usually worn without one. If support matters to you, choose the dress with that in mind. Our guide to styles for every body type explains each neckline.
- Avoid prints and dark colors under light fabrics.
- Bring a light layer for before and after, especially for sunrise and sunset shoots in spring and autumn.
Shoes
You will walk between spots in your own shoes and take them off for most photos: barefoot on a white terrace looks best, and the dress covers your feet anyway.
- Between spots: comfortable flat shoes that slip on and off easily. Santorini's villages are built on steps and cobbles, Mykonos Town on cobbled lanes, and Kavouri's rocks are uneven.
- For the photos: bare feet, or a simple sandal. No heels on marble, at the Academy of Athens for example, and nothing that sinks into sand in the Dubai desert.
- Columbus Beach and the desert: sand and pebbles, so easy shoes for the walk and bare feet on the sand.
Jewelry and accessories
Less is more. The dress and the view are the picture; earrings and a bracelet are usually enough, and a necklace works with a V-neck. Leave the watch and the sunglasses with your bag, and take your phone out of your pocket before each photo. A hat rarely survives the wind.
Hair in the wind
Santorini is often windy, which is wonderful for the dress and less so for your hair.
- An updo is the easiest choice: your face stays clear and your features show in every photo.
- Hair down: beautiful when it works, so bring a clip and some hairspray to tame it between shots, and expect a few photos where it flies with the dress. Soft waves hold better than straight hair.
- Long hair: tell us, and the assistant keeps it off your face at the moment the dress is thrown.
- In the desert, loose waves and an updo both work; the wind is gentler than on the caldera.
Makeup in strong light
Outdoor light is bright, and photos are taken in the hour before sunset or in the morning, when it is warm but not harsh.
- Natural and radiant photographs best. Heavy contouring can look hard in strong light.
- A bold lip looks wonderful with a flying dress, especially red with a red dress.
- Waterproof mascara, for wind and warm days.
- Sunscreen without a white cast for daytime sessions.
- Bring lipstick and powder for touch-ups between spots.
Hair and makeup done for you
If you would rather not do it yourself on holiday, we can arrange it: full makeup and hairstyling is €310, makeup or hair alone €160, and it is included in Happy Birthday, Mr. President and Diamonds. Tell us when you book so we can plan the timing before your shoot.
What your partner wears
Couples pay the same price as one person, and your partner is in many of the photos. Light, neutral colors work best next to a flying dress: white, cream, beige or light blue. A linen shirt and light trousers are a classic choice in Greece; in Dubai, light colors against the sand. Avoid logos, busy patterns and anything that competes with the dress for attention.
What to bring
A small bag with water, sunscreen, a hair clip, lipstick and your comfortable shoes. Your photographer looks after the equipment, and your hands are better free. The photoshoot checklist has the full timeline from booking to your photos.
Still choosing the dress? Start with our guide to choosing your flying dress, then the color guide.
Questions and answers
Can I wear a bra with a flying dress?
It depends on the dress. Each dress page says what to wear underneath: some are worn without a bra, some with a strapless one, and seamless skin-tone underwear suits almost all.
Which shoes should I bring to a flying dress photoshoot?
Comfortable flat shoes for walking between spots. Most photos are taken barefoot, and the dress covers your feet.
Should I wear my hair up or down?
An updo is the easiest in the wind. If you prefer it down, bring a clip and hairspray; soft waves hold better than straight hair.
How much makeup should I wear?
Natural and radiant, with a bold lip if you like it. Heavy contouring looks hard in strong outdoor light.
Can you do my hair and makeup?
Yes. Full makeup and hairstyling is €310, makeup or hair alone €160, and it is included in Happy Birthday, Mr. President and Diamonds.
What should my partner wear?
Light, neutral colors: white, cream, beige or light blue. No logos or busy patterns.
