How to Dress for an Engagement Photo Session
Embrace Your Style
The number one rule of engagement photos is to wear whatever makes you feel like you. When you feel comfortable in your clothing, it comes through on camera, resulting in natural, relaxed and authentic photos. If dresses and suit jackets make you feel stiff, don’t wear them. Choose items from your closet that you already know and love, and if you opt to purchase new outfits, make sure they are clothes that you would actually wear somewhere, not just for a photoshoot.
Dress with Confidence
I can assure you that you will look absolutely stunning in whatever you wear, but it’s important that the clothes you choose for your engagement shoot make you feel confident and beautiful. Rather than focusing on traditional beauty standards or what you think you should wear, choose clothes that flatter your favorite features and minimize the areas that you’re self-conscious about.
Coordinate vs. Match
When it comes to a color palette, aim for a cohesive color storyor play around with complimentary colors, rather than identical matching outfits. If one of you is wearing a pattern, choose a solid color pulled from the pattern for your partner. Of course, the one area you do want to match is formality. Both of you should be dressed at the same level, whether casual, formal or semi-formal.
Complement the Scenery
The location of your engagement photo shoot can, and should, help guide your clothing choices for the day. For instance, how you dress for photos in the mountains is very different than photos on the beach. Likewise, an urban setting might dictate more formal or sophisticated attire, while photos in a field tend to lean vintage Boho or casual chic. The season can also influence what you wear, with warmer tones being popular in fall, and lighter colors and fabrics in summer.
Change it Up
Outfit options are always a good idea, especially if we’re shooting in multiple locations. Most couples choose one formal and one casual, but why stop there? Think about the different sides to your personality and the vibe you want to create. Maybe one outfit is flirty and fun, the other sensual and romantic. It’s also a good idea to have alternatives in case of last-minute mishaps – i.e., spilled coffee – or to change out of wet clothes after a spontaneous photo shoot in the waves.
