What to Wear for Your Engagement Photos & What to Avoid

One of the things I love most about being an engagement and wedding photographer is watching a client's face light up when they see how amazing they look in their photos. Their reaction is usually an ear-to-ear grin and a statement along the lines of "Aww I love it! That was so much fun!" As a photographer, I operate under many hats; most of those hats are in regards to helping clients look and feel their best! It's my job to prepare my couples for success, which begins with basic tips and styling ideas for engagement photos. I've photographed hundreds of engagement sessions, in dozens of locations, in every season -- this gives me a thorough perspective on things that work well and things that don't work!

Let's begin with a few tips for what to wear for your engagement photos and what to avoid.

HOW TO CHOOSE WHAT TO WEAR FOR ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS

Consider the Season

With the quickly changing weather conditions in Colorado, my biggest (and easiest) tip is to simply allow the season to influence your attire choice! If you plan to do fall photos, a cozy vibe fits the season and wearing a sweater and jeans will keep you warm if there's a chill in the air. Or if you dream of warm summer evening photos, a sundress and sandals would be perfect. In the summer, be aware of passing thunderstorms, especially in the mountains. I always bring 2 clear umbrellas for couples who want to dance in the rain! Having a light rain jacket is a good idea to stay warm in between photos or locations.

Coordinate & Complement - Don't Match

Stick to a color palette of 2-3 colors to create a cohesive look. Neutral colors, such as ivory, white, navy, and gray work to ground brighter, bolder colors. Patterns work well in the same manner - they can tie two outfits together without matching.

Dress for the Location

If your session is at a park or in the fall, casual or boho styles work well, along with cozy vibes. For a more formal venue like a city or a historical building, consider dressing up a bit - perhaps a more polished look with a suit or a dress. Photos in the mountains can go both ways! Start with a casual outfit and change halfway through the session to a more formal outfit to chase the sunset for perfect variety! That leads me to my next recommendation...

Bring a Second Outfit

It can be challenging to select a look for your engagement photos. You want to feel comfortable and "you" but also want to fancy up a little. For that reason, I strongly suggest bringing two outfits! Some locations are less convenient for a place to change (sometimes it's just in the car!) but most couples love the ability to start in a more casual outfit and dress up later.

Be Comfortable

Choose outfits that reflect your personal style and make you feel confident. When you feel comfortable in your clothing, it will show in your photos. If you're not used to formal clothes, try to find something that's still polished but more your speed, like a nice top with jeans or a casual blazer. Be sure your clothes fit well -- not too tight or too loose. Clothing that is too tight can cause discomfort and accentuate the wrong areas, while ill-fitting items might cause you to be constantly adjusting.

Add Layers for Interest

Accessorizing in small doses is your friend! Adding layers like jackets, cardigans, scarves, or even a hat can elevate your look and add visual interest. Different textures can add variety as well!

Let's Talk Color

Color is a completely personal preference! Consider your photographer's style and editing preferences, as some styles will work better with certain colors. My photography style lends itself to vibrant, bold colors - black, navy blue, terra cotta orange, mustard gold, emerald green, deep burgundy, deep teal, charcoal gray, and eggplant purple. White or cream is always a safe bet as well!

THINGS TO AVOID FOR ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS

Logos & Tight Patterns

Avoid wearing clothing that has a small logo on it. These tend to be distracting and don't add anything to your photos. Some couples ask if they can wear their favorite sports team jersey for a few photos and the answer is YES! But if you plan to wear a polo shirt that has a well-known brand symbol on it, consider finding something without the logo.

Patterns are a tricky subject. Plaids, florals, and dots work well, however avoid small (tight) patterns like thin stripes. They render unpredictably over digital media and can create an odd effect in the photo called "moiré".

Avoid Too Much Reveal

Engagement photos are about celebrating your connection as a couple. Revealing clothing can sometimes divert attention from the emotional connection and love between you two, shifting the focus to your appearance instead. More modest outfits keep the emphasis on your relationship and ensure you feel comfortable and confident!

Colors to Avoid

You want to avoid colors that match your skintone too closely such as beige or tan, as you may appear nude in the photos. Another consideration is avoiding colors that negatively accuntuate skintone. For example, red tends to make many people's facial skin appear more red (ruddy) than usual, especially in cold temperatures. If you have olive or dark skin, red can work well!

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I hope this article helps you on your journey of planning engagement photos!

Are you engaged and planning your dream wedding? Reach out today to learn more about how we can make your big day a big deal together!

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