What Do I Wear For My Engagement Session?!
You’ve booked your engagement session and have chosen a beautiful location that is meaningful to your story (or just an EPIC spot you’ve seen on Instagram), but what do you wear?! My clients get the option to have an outfit change during their portrait session, so I will walk through what I recommend work best for these type of photos. At the end of the day, you have to feel true to yourself and like what YOU look like in the photos, so always wear what you feel comfortable in - these photos are for YOU.
Scroll to the end for IMPORTANT reminders!
A DRESSIER OPTION
I like to save the dressier option for the second outfit, so the golden sunset photos can really shine. However, I am covering this option first because IF you do not get an outfit change then I would go with this one.
Flowy clothing add an aspect to portraits that we all love to see in photos: MOVEMENT. If the wind blows just right, we want to see the billowing of the dress and your hair blowing in the wind.
When it comes to colors, think bold yet simple. Busy or large patterns tend to be distracting in photos. Simple, subtle patterns work or finding a solid statement color can really give the photo a pop. You also don’t want your partner’s outfit to clash with yours, so choosing non-competing colors and patterns is essential.
For the guys (or people who choose to wear pants!), think business casual at least (you can go dressier!). I’m talking button-up dress shirts (no polo shirts) with dress pants (without excessive pockets - ie cargo pants). For dressier options, avoid shorts.
THE CASUAL OPTION
This option can be a bit more fun and playful. Maybe you feel more comfortable in this option? I feel ya!
Jeans: I really love the look of darker-colored jeans. This tends to look more sleek and less distracting.
Tops: This is where you can apply the color ideas that I mentioned in the previous section: no distracting patterns, non-competing colors/patterns with your partner, and a bold pop of color.
You can see that there is a spectrum you can work with here. What are you more comfortable in? Simple and straight-forward? Trendy and accessorized? Neither is better than the other from a photographer’s perspective. What matters is what is true to YOU!
IMPORTANT THINGS TO REMEMBER:
Remove items from your pockets! We’re talking cell phones, keys, chapstick, etc. If I’m your photographer, then I will hold your stuff for you.
Get ready for your close-up! Check your teeth, don’t forget to moisturize, and remove any chipped nail polish.
Do you have a favorite side to be photographed on? Let your photographer know and don’t hesitate to remind us.
Iron or steam your clothes. Wrinkles happen, of course, but overall try to have your clothing pressed and ready to be photographed.
Have fun! I repeat this often, but these photos are for you. No one else. There is no pressure to live up to any expectations. These tips are to help you feel prepared, but are not to add any pressure. Your photographer knows you are not a professional model - we are here to serve YOU!