Engagement Photo Outfits
what to wear for your session
When planning a couples session of any kind (engagement session, adventure session, etc.) proper outfit selection is crucial. In order to get the best photos, you AND your partner have to coordinate your outfits.
Ultimately, you should wear what you feel most confident and comfortable in. Above all else, you should feel like your outfits are completely “you” and reflect your personality and style. The information that follows isn’t to force you to wear something you normally wouldn’t, it’s to guide you in the right direction to select the best options out of what you already own!
With that being said, here’s a guide to help you choose outfits will photograph best so your photos turn out the best possible!
OUTFIT COLORS
choosing your color palette
Neutral & Earthy Tones Are Best
From experience, we’ve found that neutrals and earthy tones photograph best. This doesn’t mean you can’t wear colors- there’s neutrals for every color! Instead of green, try a soft forest green. Instead of bright orange, go with a burnt orange. Instead of yellow, go for a mustard yellow. Chose colors that compliment your features and skin tone. Since we are shooting outdoors in nature 99% of the time, bright fluorescent colors end up becoming more of a distraction which is why we recommend staying away from them.
Stand Out From The Background
Take into consideration the scenery and colors of the location you choose, and try to wear colors that will make you stand out from the background. For example, don’t wear green if you’re shooting in a field or forest, because you’ll blend in. You want to pop from the background! Bright colors like white, beige, and light earthy colors are great for separating you from dark backgrounds. Dark colored clothing is great for locations with lighter backgrounds, such as sand dunes or snowy locations.
Don’t Be Too Matchy-Matchy
Be sure to complement, not match, your partner. Don’t wear colors that are too similar to your partner, as you’ll blend together in the photos. Instead, select complementary colors and solid prints. This will help you look coordinated without distracting from the focus of the engagement photoshoot. You want to draw the eye to your faces and the love between the two of you.
It’s also a good idea to limit the amount of colors the both of you wear combined. If one of your is wearing a colorful outfit, the other may want to wear something more neutral. You can, however, tie your outfits together with a color scheme. Pick one or two colors and fabrics to incorporate into your outfits. For example, if you’re wearing a forest green piece in your first outfit, have your partner incorporate that color into their second one. This will help your photos look synergetic throughout the album without being too matchy.
Patterns & Designs
what to wear and what to avoid
One Pattern Only
If you wear a pattern, make sure that it’s only ONE pattern between both of your outfits, please avoid both wearing a pattern as it will likely clash. Soft, subtle patterns are fine. Flannels are generally fine as well, as long as they are neutral in color.
Patterns can really be hit or miss, which is why we generally recommend avoiding them unless you are bringing them as a spare option. Many times while shooting outdoors in nature, patterns can make the images too busy and distracting. However, if your favorite shirt or dress that you are so excited to wear has a pattern, don’t let this stop you from wearing it.
Avoid At All Costs
Avoid wearing stripes that are close together, as they create a moiré effect in camera. Big chunky patterns, logos and graphics can be distracting. Be sure not to wear multiple patterns between the two of you, as they will clash together.
MOVEMENT IS KEY
consider these points
Opt For Attire That Allows Movement
When choosing your outfits, anything that can show movement or catch wind is a huge yes! For example if you’re considering wearing a dress or skirt, you could opt for one that’s long and flowy instead of short and tight.
Wear Suitable Shoes
Wear shoes you can walk in and move around in easily, as a lot of our posing involves walking, running, spinning, etc. In addition to this, most locations we photograph in are on rugged terrain and it can be dangerous when not wearing the proper footwear. It’s best to avoid anything with a heel, unless it’s a boot with a wide, low heel. Otherwise, it will restrict us from doing a variety of “poses”.
Choose Outfits That Feel Like “YOU”
It’s important to wear clothes that feel like you. If you’re a jeans and tee-shirt type of couple, dressing up in a ballgown or tux might make you feel stiff and awkward. If you feel uncomfortable, it’s going to show in the pictures. Instead, opt for clothing that makes you feel comfortable and confident. The idea is to look like yourself at your absolute best!
Think about incorporating one or two accessories into your outfits as well. Statement pieces like scarves and necklaces add extra pizzaz to your outfits while drawing attention to your face. You should also layer up. This helps you be prepared for whatever mother nature throws at you on the day of the shoot and creates visual interest.
Casual Engagement Photo Outfits
A casual engagement shoot is a perfect time to showcase your passions as a couple. Stage a photo shoot of you and your partner enjoying whatever it is that you love most. From surfing to skiing to tasting beer, incorporate your favorite activity into the shoot. For casual outfits, slip into whatever makes you most comfortable doing the activity you love. Try wetsuits for surfing, ski suits for skiing, or an outfit that makes you feel confident. Make sure it matches the season and environment.
Formal Engagement Photo Outfits
Formal engagement photos always turn out gorgeous. For formal outfits, a good rule of thumb is to go one level of fancy down from whatever you’ll be wearing in your wedding photo shoot. Suit separates or a blazer and some jeans/chinos are a perfect choice. A dress in a luxe fabric that highlights your features is also perfect. If you don’t want to shell out money on formal wear, you can always rent a fancy outfit online.
Engagement Photo Dresses
Dresses for engagement photos should fit the season that you’re being photographed in. Sundresses are perfect for spring and summer. Lean towards light fabrics and seasonally appropriate colors. For winter and fall, look for dresses with thicker, warmer fabrics. Sweater dresses are a great choice and can be classed up with a scarf or chunky necklace. Prioritize dresses that highlight your best features and make you feel confident. Stick to classic shapes and styles that will still look good in twenty or thirty years.
Considering the Season For Your Engagement Photo Outfit
Fall Outfit Inspiration
One crucial step to building your perfect engagement outfit is coordinating with the season. If you’re getting engaged in the fall, pick outfits that feature fall colors and fabrics. Denim pieces are always a great choice for fall engagement photoshoots. Incorporate reds, oranges, yellows, browns, and whites into your outfits. Since the weather is cooler, layer up. Use scarves, jackets, shawls, and other pieces to add dimension to your outfits. Chunky necklaces and cute boots are other great choices.
Engagement Outfits for Winter
For a winter engagement, think about incorporating fabrics like fur and leather to add dimension and warmth to your photos. Go with dark jewel tones for colors like emerald greens and deep purples. If you and your partner are winter sports enthusiasts, a photoshoot in your ski gear is an adorable choice. Make sure you select clothing that is going to keep you warm and comfortable if you’re in a snowy environment. You should also avoid gimmicky holiday-themed clothes like Christmas sweaters. Let your engagement be its own event.
Summer Engagement Photo Outfits
A summer engagement is a perfect time to go barefoot for a beach engagement session. For a summer photoshoot, chose light and flowy fabrics like lace and cotton. For the summer, chose bright colors that compliment your skin tone. Pick one, maybe two bright colors that look nice on you and incorporate them into your outfits. If you go with patterns, keep them subtle. Don’t let your cool, vintage Hawaiian shirt take the attention away from your faces.
Spring Engagement Photo Outfits
Pastels and soft colors are perfect for spring engagements. Use light layers to create contrast and depth in your outfits. Fabrics like lace, cotton, and silk are great choices. Spring is also a great season for incorporating slender jewelry and open-toed shoes into your outfits. You can also opt for pastel button-downs and nice slacks.
Additional Engagement Photo Considerations
Hair & Makeup
Some choose to have their hair and makeup professionally done for the session. We recommend doing whatever is going to make you feel confident and happy with your appearance! If you don’t typically wear a lot of makeup, you probably want to avoid having heavy makeup done for the session since it won’t look/feel like you. Either way, you may want to consider bringing a mirror, brush and makeup for touch-ups (especially if the session is during the summer when it’s hot + humid).
Accessories & Props
Hats, sunglasses, scarves, jewelry, etc. adds interest to the outfits and photos. Consider incorporating props into your session such as your dog, a bouquet, champagne to pop (or beers to shotgun!), a blanket to sit on, a picnic, your favorite foods (pizza, donuts, etc.), even your car or motorcycle.
Important Tips
Please iron your clothing, we do not photoshop out wrinkles. If you have animals, it’s a good idea to bring a lint roller to get rid of any visible hair. Wear clothing that makes sense for your location. If it’s going to be cold, opt for warmer materials that hold in heat like flannel or wool. If it’s going to be hot, opt for cooler materials that can breathe.
Outfit Inspiration
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