For The Best Photo Ops, Pack These Clothing Colors On Your Trip To Santorini Island

We've all seen the epic flying dress photos from Santorini, Greece, featuring a silky gown of outrageous proportions billowing against a backdrop of whitewashed buildings and the Agean's deep blue waters. Simply imagining the photoshoot is enough to make you feel like a goddess and add Santorini Airport (JTR) to your Google Flight alerts. However, choosing the right color combination can make or break your flying dress experience or any photo op in Santorini. 

While some of us can rock a bright white dress, others might feel more like Casper the Friendly Ghost or a frat bro at the world's worst toga party. Similarly, black is a chic choice for a rooftop bar in New York City, but comes across as drab in photos at the best places to watch the sunset in Santorini. Instead, top flying dress photographers recommend selecting colors that complement your skin and hair tones while working with Santorini's stunning environment and architecture. 

Although your hair and skin tone matter, most people can't go wrong with at least one of the following: soft pastels, ocean-inspired blues, timeless whites, sunset colors, rich earthy hues, or vibrant jewel tones. Fortunately for us, these color recommendations apply not only to the island's signature flying dresses but to any photoshoot in Santorini.

If you're planning a photoshoot in Santorini, you probably already know the colors that work with your skin and hair tones. However, if you don't, we recommend doing a little research before your trip. A pro tip — make sure you know whether your skin undertones are warm, cool, or neutral. Once you have a good understanding of your color palette, it's time to get packing. 

To stand out against Santorini's famous white-washed walls and blue roofs, choose between jewel tones or bright sunset hues like magenta, hot pink, fire engine red, or even tangerine (although this last color is a bit tricky). Not only do these tones add an eye-catching pop to your photos, but they also complement the bougainvillea blooming during the hot summer months. Keep in mind that these colors look richest in full sunlight, so time your photoshoot according to the shadows. Generally, the early mornings and late afternoons are your best bet, but it depends on the specific location. 

For a more subdued color scheme that blends in with the cobbled paths and soft dusk lighting, opt for pastels. These hues are ultra-romantic and add an airy feel. However, make sure your clothing isn't transparent before you shoot an entire camera roll. 

According to professional stylists on the ideal colors to wear for a glammed-up vacation, white ranks as number one. Whether you pack a lacey bohemian gown or a laidback linen shorts set, white is a timeless choice for your Santorini adventure. However, selecting the right white for your skin tone is important. For example, if you have warm undertones, avoid bright white as it'll wash you out. Instead, opt for creamy off-whites that bring out the radiance in your complexion. 

Although the combination of white and an ocean-inspired blue tone is Santorini magic, rich earth tones like brown, khaki, rust, tan, olive, and taupe create harmony with the island's dramatic cliffs and volcanic geological formations. These hues bring an even gentler aesthetic than pastels, adding a serene, grounded quality to photos, especially with a beachy backdrop.

Speaking of beaches, like other Mediterranean islands, Santorini gets quite hot during the summer months, leading to an embarrassing yet inevitable fashion faux pas — sweat stains. Although dark colors are usually recommended for hiding sweat stains, they don't match the atmosphere in Santorini. Consider packing extra whites, pale pinks, or changes of clothing if you tend to break a sweat so you can fully enjoy your visit to one of the top 25 places to visit in your lifetime.