What should you wear for your engagement session? I get asked this question so many times and girl, I understand! Choosing outfits for pictures is hard especially knowing that what you wear can make or break how you like the pictures. If you don’t feel your best, chances are you’ll look back and not love your photos as much as you could have. And my goal is for you to adore absolutely everything about your pictures!

Don’t stress though, I got you! Having photographed dozens upon dozens of engagement sessions, I know alllll the tips and tricks to help choose the best outfit for you that will have you feeling like a million bucks!

First things first, how many outfits should you bring? Most couples choose to bring two outfits. One more casual outfit and one dressy outfit. This will give you two totally different looks!

Alright lets dive in, time for me to share some tricks and tips to help choose outfits that will make you both look and feel absolutely amazing!

Neutral colors and pastels work well with any backdrop!

So first you have to consider the type of location you are having your session at. But as a general rule, neutral colors and pastels will work well with literally every backdrop. You will want to avoid bright, neon colors. They can create a weird color cast on your skin in photos as well as take the attention away from the important subjects in the photo, you!

Some other things to think about, if you are going to be in the sun on a hot day bring more breathable clothes in a material that won’t show any sweaty pit stains. And if its going to be a chilly day or in a windy location, bring layers and clothing that will keep you warm.

Shoes matter too!

Now thinking shoes, if you are having a sandy beach engagement session, wear shoes that you can easily slip off to walk around in the sand. If you are having you session in the mountains or a place that will require a lot of walking and hiking, make sure to wear shoes that have good grip and will give you support. It’s also super important to make sure your shoes are on the same level of dressy. It looks very unbalanced when one of you is rocking a dress and high heels and the other is wearing cargo shorts and tennis shoes.

Coordinating colors and patterns

Don’t try to MATCH…try to pick outfits and accessories that coordinate instead.  If everyone wore the same exact color at their e-shoot, how boring would those images be?

As for patterns, MOST PATTERNS are actually ok…. however, graphics are not favorable for portraits.  If you’re wearing a pattern, make sure it’s not overwhelming and distracting. Also, if one of you is wearing a pattern, you’ll want the other to wear a complimentary solid color.

Props

First, if you have an adored fur baby lets include them!!! They are a part of your family and I will ALWAYS be on board with including them for some adorable portraits! Now for props. They don’t have to be cheesy, if done right they can actually be a great touch to elevate your engagement photos! Some of my favorite props include: hats (I’m a huge Gigi pip fan), blankets, ice cream, coffee, pizza picnics, cool cars, champagne. etc. In addition bouquets are always a gorgeous and glamorous touch of color!

Don’t forget about the pockets!

 Empty your pockets! Literally.  You don’t want to have key chains or phones showing through your pockets. (This is for the guys especially!)

Bling bling!

Clean the ring! I love to shoot a few rings shots while you change outfits!  The cleaner the better!

Golden hour goes quick!

BE ON TIME!  The sun is only out for so long! The later you arrive, the less time we have to shoot! And nobody wants that!

Hair and Makeup

If you are nervous about doing your own hair and makeup or considering when to use your wedding hair/makeup trial, you might consider getting it done by a pro for your session. Overall, the most important thing is that you feel confident!

Need more inspiration?

If you are still struggling a bit, be sure to check out my Pinterest boards for more outfit inspiration! https://www.pinterest.com/amandaeloisephotography/boards/

And if you ever have any outfit questions I am always a message away to help! Feel free to send me pictures of outfit options and I would be happy to share my opinion on what I think will photograph best in your chosen location!

Have fun!

Finally, Relax and have fun! You don’t have to be a pro at this! I’m going to help you along the way and it’s going to be a blast! Enjoy this time together, make a date out of it! You could even plan dinner afterwards and celebrate!!

Happy shopping and/or outfit picking! I am so excited to spend the evening with you for your engagement session so soon!

xx,

Amanda