I know what you’re thinking right now. Now that you’ve booked your photographer for your engagement session, you’re probably wondering along the lines of “Oh my gosh, what am I going to wear?!”. Don’t worry, I’m here for you! Let’s plan out some outfit inspiration for your engagement session!
This is a such common worry for couples. Literally, everyone else is thinking the same thing. Trust me. Don’t put too much stress on what you’re wearing. Our time together is going to be so much fun and what is most important is that you and your partner are feeling comfortable in your own skin, having a great time, and genuinely loving each other through my lens and in real life!
I realize that preparing for your engagement session can be a little overwhelming. Below are some tips that can help you in your clothing decision!
First things first, you need to feel comfortable and confident! No matter how amazing the location or the technique of the images, if you are wearing something you don’t feel your best in… you aren’t going to LOVE the images! We also want them to accurately portray YOU as individuals and as a couple. If long flowy formal dresses aren’t you, then don’t wear one! Simple as that! It doesn’t matter if you see other people doing it or it is all over Pinterest, you need to do you!
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? You don’t want to be those people both standing there with overly cheesy grins in white shirts and jeans. Hello, 90’s! Plus then your bodies blend into one making you look like a two headed blob. Think coordinating with similar color families!
If you plan on wearing something more formal for part of your session, remember that movement looks great in photos! If you’re considering a dress then bring on the flowy bottom! They’re great for twirling, tossing, running, etc and just add a fun element to everything. You can find a couple of my absolute favorite stunners here and here!
Furthermore, you can’t go wrong with convertible dresses. You can find them lots of different places for pretty decent prices, then you can wear them again over and over in different styles and no one will ever know it is the same dress! Here is an example of a convertible dress and it comes in so many colors! I have that dress in burgundy that I bought for a wedding last year and now I wear it for everything. You can even borrow it if you want to!
MOST PATTERNS are actually okay… However, graphics are not favorable for portraits. If you’re wearing a pattern, make sure it’s not overwhelming and distracting. I typically say if one person is wearing a pattern, the other should wear a solid so it isn’t too distracting. Two different flannel patterns and colors is very distracting to the eye, while one with a coordinating solid is one of my favorite combos!
Clearly if we’ve gotten this far in the planning process, you know I am a big fan of color! There are a lot of recommendations out there that your outfits should only be neutral in color but I disagree! Obviously we don’t want you both out there looking like a couple of highlighters but definitely incorporate pops of color if you desire! Patterned scarfs, red dresses, floral, I’m here for it! It also fits in with the above comment however of keeping it limited to one person. Some of the best photos from bold engagement outfit options! I like these examples because they show the pops of color, while the other person is wearing coordinating solids. Win win!
I encourage my couples to bring a change of clothes so we can have some good variety within the session. A lot of couples opt for one dressier option and one more casual option. We typically start with the dressier one then switch it up to the casual so then we can really frolick and play a bit more! Most people do have to change in the car because we are on location generally so keep that in mind. There’s nothing wrong with bringing multiple outfit changes. I can definitely see you in cute, casual every day wear. But for another location in our shoot, let’s switch it up! Show all sides of you and your partner’s incredible personalities. Check out this epic elopement in Mt. Hood for some inspiration!
Most importantly, relax! 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, and make a date out of it! Plan dinner afterwards and celebrate! I get texted about engagement outfit inspirations, ideas and options on the regular, so please don’t hesitate to do so!