Engagement Photo Outfit Tips & Inspiration

“WHAT DO I WEAR???”

Clothes are hard, it’s as simple as that! We often find ourselves in our daily lives asking ourselves “what do I wear?!” On a big occasion such as engagement photos, the desire to find the right outfit is a universal experience. This is where I come in, I have curated the best engagement photo outfit tips and more in this blog of expertise!

Especially when multiple bodies are involved, for such a monumental moment. Having poor quality outfits will impact your photos more than you think (and how you feel during your photo session, resulting in photos that may not feel like you). Of course, there is NO reason to fear! Let’s walk through my biggest tips, trick, inspiration, and shopping spots to help you feel completely prepared as you walk into this new territory with your lover.

WHY DO CLOTHING CHOICES MATTER AT YOUR ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS?

First, let’s paint the picture.

You’re freshly engaged, relishing in these new moments with your partner, ready for this next season! Not only are you planning your wedding day together, but, you’re planning all the little moments in between now and your marriage vows. Engagement pictures are an incredible time to capture this season, and all those giddy, once in a lifetime emotions. You desire for these photos to FEEL like you, and most importantly, for you to feel comfortable, and authentically captured during the photo session.

Now, if your outfits and clothing choices are poor quality, do not represent your styles well, or are stiff and rigid, you can assume your photos may not be your favorite. At the end of the day, the photographer can only do so much on their end. Outfits are usually completely in the couples hands. As a photographer myself, I always extend guidance and direction to my couples, and offer a helping hand in this area. It’s always best to get a pros opinion!

The goal here, comes down to three things:

1. Feel completely like yourself + your style, while also being able to move freely
2. Not be turned off by a fashion/trend choice when you look back on the gallery
3. Coordinate with your partner + the surroundings in an expert manner

WHERE TO BEGIN

I suggest starting with what is already in your closet.

I completely understand the initial desire to jump onto Amazon and browse all the possibilities, BUT consider what is comfortable and feels like you. Sometimes we purchase one article of clothing for one event, and then we will never wear it again. While this may be necessary for some events or special occasions, this adds to the fast fashion/overconsumption nature of our society. And usually, 99% of the time, it is unnecessary for most photo sessions to buy a completely new outfit.

Engagement clothing choices should feel like you, and truly SCREAM ‘you’!

Start with gathering some inspiration, by looking in your closet and maybe make a Pinterest board! I have a wonderful Pinterest board with ideas, linked here, that I have curated. Lay out a few options you currently have, or articles of clothing you want to start with as a base. There is nothing wrong with buying something new and special, and that may be what you need to do to build your outfit! If you do buy something new, I highly suggest wearing potential outfits with these new pieces either around your home together, to work, or out with friends or date nights to truly get an idea of how these articles make you feel and how you move in them.

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF

Ask yourself these questions before jumping on any purchases or outfit choices:

1. HOW DOES THIS ARTICLE MAKE ME FEEL IN PUBLIC? Am I comfortable, insecure, confident, pulling and adjusting the article?
2. IS IT TIMELESS? Can I wear this in 5 years? We may never fully avoid trends, but trying to be as timeless as possible is key.
3. CAN I MOVE AROUND FREELY? Especially for my own photography style, movement is a key component. Being stiff, not able to lift your arms, too short of dress, are all red flags for photo sessions.
   • TRY: Flowy, textured, soft, long, linen, cotton, etc.
   • AVOID: Stiff, crisp, business, athletic, tight, sharp creases, etc.
4. IS THIS ME? Don’t wear something just because Sally down the street wore it.

LET’S TALK CLOTHING COLOR

I always recommend neutrals and earthy tones that will blend in well with your surrounds, the location itself, and your partner. Instead of color making you look out of place, you want to look like you BELONG at the location.

Avoid highly manufactured colors, neons, and aggressive colors. Instead, focus on jewel tones, neutrals, and deeper hues with an occasional pop of color or pattern if desires. It is best to use 1-2 neutrals with one pop of color. All neutrals is also a great choice.

I especially want to note, avoiding bright reds, oranges, and yellows is very important. These tones tend to reflect off of skin tones, making your skin appear unnatural.

WHAT TO AVOID WHEN PICKING OUTFITS

1. Avoid clothing that feels stiff, crisp, business, tight, or starchy.
2. Unless the photo session is athletic centric, avoid athletic clothing, golf shirts/polos, gym clothing or shoes.
3. Avoid ultra high-heels and short dresses.
4. Hats are great on occasion, choose wisely. And do not wear the hat to the location, hat hair is rampant!
5. For patterns, avoid large and trendy patterns, loud plaid/buffalo print, large florals, animal print, large stripes, and mixing patterns. If you’re unsure about a pattern, ask your photographer! Sometimes matters can also photograph strange, and have an optical illusion effect (if ya know, ya know).
6. If logos, words, and branding on clothing is larger than a quarter, avoid wearing it. Try to find an item with no brand marks.
7. Avoid colors that would not compliment your skin tone. Maybe get a color analysis done! Make sure to wear appropriate colors for the season. A great example of this, would be to avoid wearing pale pinks or white during winter if you have a pale complexion.
8. While a lot of brides default to wearing white to their engagement photos (which is of course a gorgeous idea), do not feel as if you have to do the same! I challenge you to think outside the box, and wear clothing that you love even if it’s not the standard white dress.

WHERE TO BUY – IF YOU CHOOSE TO BUY SOMETHING NEW!

As I mentioned previously, I usually find it unnecessary to purchase new items for a photo session. But, there are always opportunities where that is the best route!

Find my favorite resources and shoppes below:

1. Thrift Store / Antique Store Hunting – Of course, had to mention this one. As an avid thrifter, you really cannot go wrong with browsing your local thrift store. Especially if your style is very vintage, sourcing an item from a thrift or antique store would be epic!
2. Wearing family members clothing – I have had couples in the past source items, jewelry, and full outfits from their grandparents, parents, and friends. Borrowing is always great! Especially if your grandparents or parents kept clothing from when they were your age, I find this even more special. A past bride of mine wore a satin dress from her grandma, which had been stored away for 20+ years. It was the perfect touch of vintage, memorable, and meaningful.
3. Local Boutiques – I always try my best to support local businesses. This is a great opportunity to browse a boutique you may have never been in before and support someone in your community.
4. Rent the Runway or Nuuly – If you’re not sure you will wear these items again, go for something like Rent the Runway or Nuuly! Rent the Runway is a great source for more formal attire, while Nully has offerings across the board from casual to formal.
5. ASOS – While ASOS is considered fast fashion, the quality is WAY better than typical fast-fashion retailers. ASOS has a wonderful blend of affordable items, from shoes, formal wear, jewelry, and everything in between for both men and women. They have a wonderful blend of timeless and modern appeal.
6. Anthropologie or Urban Outfitters – Both owned by the same company, Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters items are high-quality with unique aesthetics. A common place to shop!

MORE OUTFITS I LOVE FOR INSPIRATION

Explore a few pics here, and find a few other blog posts on my site to really check-out the details of engagement outfits:

1. Grace + Will’s Beach Engagement Session
2. Bailey + Juliana’s Forest Meadow Engagement Session
3. Kelsey + Sam’s Wedding Reception Dinner Party
4. Elli + Caleb
5. My Pinterest board of Couple’s Outfits