The Ultimate Guide to Dressing for Your Engagement Session – Style Guide and Tips from your Photographer
As a photographer, one of my most asked questions is, “What should we wear?” for our engagement session. So I’m here to help you look and feel your best. Here are my top tips for choosing your engagement session outfit.
Two Outfits for More Options
Casual Look:
Your engagement photos should reflect your personalities. A casual outfit is perfect for capturing your everyday style and making you feel comfortable. Think of what you’d wear on a nice date or a weekend outing. This could be jeans and a cute top or chinos and a well-fitted shirt. Casual attire works well for more relaxed, candid shots and can help ease any nerves in front of the camera.
Dressy Look:
For a touch of elegance, a dressier outfit is a great choice. This is your chance to look your best and add a timeless touch to your photos. A beautiful dress, a suit, or dress shirt and trousers will elevate your photographs and provide a nice contrast to the casual shots. This outfit is perfect for more posed and romantic photos.
Neutral Colors for Timeless Photos
Choosing neutral colors for your outfits can significantly enhance the look of your photos. Neutrals—such as whites, creams, grays, blacks, and muted tones—are timeless and won’t distract from the both of you. These colors also blend beautifully with various backgrounds and locations, ensuring that your photos have a cohesive and timeless look.
Coordinating, Not Matching
Coordinating your outfits will create a seamless look. Choose colors that complement each other and avoid clashing patterns. For example, if one of you is wearing a patterned outfit, the other should opt for a solid color that picks up a tone from the pattern. This coordination helps your photos look balanced and visually appealing.
Comfort is Key
Make sure you choose outfits that you feel comfortable and confident in. If you’re uncomfortable, it will show in your photos. Try on your outfits ahead of time and move around in them to ensure they fit well and you feel good wearing them. Your comfort will result in natural and beautiful photos.
Consider the Location and Season
Think about where your engagement session will take place and what the weather will be like. For a beach session, lighter fabrics and barefoot shots might be perfect. For a city shoot, a dressier look would work well. Also, consider the season—layers and cozy outfits for fall and winter, and lighter, breezier options for spring and summer.
Final Touches
Hair and Makeup: Professional hair and makeup can make a big difference. Even a light touch-up can help you look polished and feel more confident in front of the camera.
Grooming: Ensure your nails are clean and groomed, as they may be visible in close-up shots of your hands and rings.
Final Tip: If you are worried about wrinkles, try changing into your outfits once you arrive to the location.
Conclusion
Your engagement session is a celebration of your love story, and what you wear plays a significant role in how your photos turn out. By bringing two outfits—one casual and one dressier—and opting for neutral colors, you’ll create a versatile and timeless look that you’ll cherish for years to come. Remember, the most important thing is that you feel comfortable and yourselves. Happy planning, and I can’t wait to capture your beautiful moments! Still looking for a engagement and wedding photographer? Fill out my contact form here!
