What to Wear for your Engagement Session – 10 Tips to Help you Look and Feel Great

So you’ve finally booked your wedding photographer, and it’s time to schedule your engagement session – Woohoo! Now comes the tough part…what to wear? Let’s face it. Choosing what to wear for photos can be stressful, but finding the perfect outfit(s) is easier with a little bit of guidance. Lucky you! I’ve put together 10 tips to help make planning outfits a smooth (and dare I say….fun!) process.

1. Choose tones and stick with them

Pick a color palette of 3-4 colors and let this be your starting place. Try to think in terms of tones – Neutrals, pastels, earthy tones, etc. Dress in similar tones so that the outfits don’t clash, but complement each other.

2. Coordinate, don’t match

Gone are the days of matching outfits. But really, take my advice here. I suggest starting with a basic color palette, and going from there. Find colors that complement each other and look cohesive together, and it will make for much more beautiful (and timeless) engagement session photos!

3. Use patterns sparingly

I love a good print or pattern, but when multiple outfits incorporate busy patterns, it can be overbearing and take the focus off of you. Try to keep patterns to a minimum. Consider sticking with only one pattern or print, and playing off the colors within it when planning the other outfit. The clothing should coordinate, not take over the photo.

4. Textures photograph beautifully

Textures are a great way to incorporate some visual interest when only including one pattern. When thinking about texture, choose different ones that will give photos some interest such as velvet corduroy, cozy knit sweaters, and textured fabric. These look so beautiful when photographed – trust me 🙂

5. Location, location, location

Always keep your session location in mind when choosing your outfit. Thinking of a beach session? Flowy dresses, bare feet, and soft neutral colors can all give that beachy vibe you might be looking for. Is your location surrounded by trees and green grass? Take that into account and avoid colors that blend in with your surroundings.  Put some thought into the location and try to find pieces that will complement and match the vibe of your surroundings.

6. Neutrals are timeless

When in doubt, you can never go wrong with neutrals. They photograph beautifully, and really lend themselves to my specific style. Steer clear of bright, bold, or neon colors and stick to softer, muted colors. 

7. Comfort is KEY!

A lot of my work is based on capturing real moments, movement and playful behavior. If an outfit is going to hinder you from running around, a piggy back ride, or laying down in the sand (Yep, I might ask you to do that 😉 – then save it for another time. Pick clothes that will let you run around and be carefree. If you wouldn’t normally wear a long flowy dress, then don’t! Your comfort is the most important thing, and it will show through the photos.

8. Perfection is boring

I live for the imperfect moments. It’s honest, real, and what we’ll look back on several years down the road and smile at. Wind blown hair, belly laughs, imperfection and chaos is my jam. So don’t stress if your hair isn’t perfect, you get a little sandy or wet, or your clothes aren’t perfectly in place. In the end, it will make for better more authentic photos – I promise!

9. Don’t forget about shoes!

This one can frequently be overlooked. I mean, who has time to think about shoes when you’re worrying about the rest of the outfit?! I’m not saying you need to buy new shoes, but maybe think twice about wearing ratty old shoes or wearing heels at the beach. While they may not be visible in every photo, there will be full-body shots and they can really tie the whole outfit together. At the beach? Forego the shoes altogether and go barefoot!

10. Ask for help

I’m here to help! Did I mention that I LOVE to help clients’ pick out their outfits and offer advice? Couples often send me photos of outfits or options within their closet, and I love to help piece everything together!

Haven’t chosen a photographer for your engagement session yet? Let’s chat!