Why Choosing Your Outfits Matters
Your engagement photos are a wonderful way to capture the joy and excitement of this special time in your life. You’ll want to look back at these photos and remember how happy you were, and part of that is feeling confident and comfortable in what you’re wearing. The right outfit can make or break your photos, so it’s important to put some thought and care into choosing what to wear.
To help you out, I’ve created this engagement session wardrobe guide with easy-to-digest information that will walk you through the process of choosing your outfits. So grab your partner, get comfortable, and take some time to go through this guide together. I promise you, it will be worth it.
Start With What You Already Have
Don’t immediately jump to buying something new for your photoshoot. Take a look in your closet and see if there’s anything that you love and that makes you feel confident and comfortable. You don’t have to wear something brand new to look great in your photos. Choose something that reflects your style and personality, and that you feel great in.
Movement
One of the most important things to consider when choosing your outfits is movement. You want to be able to move easily and comfortably, and you want your clothing to flow and move as well. Opt for flowy, airy, textured, and soft pieces that will look great in photos and allow you to move around freely. Avoid stiff, crisp, business-like attire that might make you feel constricted and uncomfortable.
Timeless
Your engagement photos are something that you’ll cherish for years to come, so it’s important to choose outfits that will stand the test of time. Look for pieces that you won’t regret wearing in 5, 10, or even 20 years. Choose something that’s classic, timeless, and that reflects your personal style. Use what I call the “5 and 5 rule.” If you could have worn it 5 years ago, and you can see yourself wearing it in 5 years from now, it’s a great choice.
All You
Choose something that reflects your personality and style. You want to feel like yourself in your photos, so make sure your outfit has that classic, trademark “you” stamp on it. Whether it’s something old or new, make sure it feels like you.
What to Avoid
There are a few things you’ll want to avoid when choosing your outfits for your engagement photoshoot:
- Crisp or starchy clothes that make you feel constricted or overly formal. We want to capture the comfortable, relaxed, and fun version of you.
- Sports/athletic wear, gym clothes, or gym shoes. Unless you want to incorporate them into your photos for a specific reason, it’s best to steer clear of them.
- Bright/neon colors that might not fit in with the natural surroundings of your photoshoot location.
Color
When it comes to color, neutrals and earthy tones are always a great choice. They blend in nicely with natural surroundings and create a timeless look. However, don’t be afraid to add a pop of color or two to your outfit. One or two pops of color pair nicely with neutrals everywhere else. If you’re not sure what colors will work best, take a look at your location and choose colors that will complement the surroundings.
Location and Season
The location where you take your engagement photos is an important factor in your wardrobe choices. Consider the colors and textures of the environment, and think about how you can complement or contrast them with your outfits.
If you’re taking photos in a city, you may want to go for a more formal look, with dressier outfits and accessories. If you’re heading out into nature, more relaxed, bohemian looks may work better. Think about the vibe of the location and try to match it in your clothing choices.
Additionally, the season can have a big impact on what you wear for your engagement photos. In colder months, layers and warm, cozy textures can help keep you comfortable while also looking stylish. In the warmer months, you may want to opt for lighter fabrics and breathable materials to keep you cool.
No matter what season it is, try to keep in mind the overall look and feel you want to achieve in your photos. By taking into account both the location and season, you can create a cohesive and visually appealing set of engagement photos that truly reflect your personality and style.
Don’t Be Afraid of Patterns and Textures
While solid colors can be great, don’t be afraid to mix it up with patterns and textures. Stripes, florals, plaids, and polka dots can all add visual interest to your photos. Just be sure to avoid small or busy patterns that can be distracting.
Similarly, textures like denim, wool, lace, and leather can add depth and dimension to your photos. Try pairing a leather jacket with a flowy dress or a denim shirt with a colorful skirt.
Add Some Accessories
Accessories can take your outfit to the next level and really make it pop in your photos. Consider adding a statement necklace, a colorful scarf, or a wide-brimmed hat. For men, a watch, tie, or pocket square can add a touch of sophistication.
Just remember to keep it simple and don’t overdo it with accessories. You don’t want them to overpower your outfit or take away from your natural beauty.
Think About Your Partner’s Outfit
When choosing your outfit, don’t forget about your partner’s outfit as well. Your outfits should complement each other, not clash. Think about coordinating colors and patterns, but don’t go overboard with matching outfits.
If you’re struggling to come up with complementary outfits, consider talking to your photographer for some guidance. They may have suggestions or ideas that you haven’t thought of.
Bring a Few Options
It’s always a good idea to bring a few different outfit options to your engagement session. This will give you some flexibility in case something doesn’t work out or if you’re just not feeling a certain outfit.
Just be sure to choose outfits that are all in the same style and vibe so that your photos have a cohesive look. And don’t forget to have fun and be yourself! Your engagement session is all about capturing the love and connection between you and your partner.
Keep In Touch
If you’re unsure about what to wear, don’t hesitate to reach out! I’m always happy to chat about outfits and offer suggestions. In fact, I encourage it! It’s better to communicate your concerns or questions in advance rather than stress on the day of the session. You can also send me photos of your outfit options to get my opinion.
Check Out Pinterest
If you’re still feeling stumped on what to wear, I recommend browsing through Pinterest or my blog for inspiration. Look for outfits that match your style and the vibe of the session location. You can also create a board and send it to me for feedback and suggestions.
Don’t Stress
Lastly, don’t stress too much about what to wear. Remember that the most important thing is to feel comfortable and confident in what you’re wearing. At the end of the day, these photos are about capturing your unique love story, so just be yourself and let your personality shine through!
