Your session is coming up and you are

SO PSYCHED for it… but what do you wear?

Here are my wardrobe styling tips!

Whether you are preparing for your engagement photos, adventure session, or just ‘cause you want some updated photos with your boo- planning your wardrobe is one of the hardest parts! Keep on reading for all of my tips for your engagement session outfits & wardrobe. Also PS. All of my booked sessions get access to my client closet dresses!

Your engagement session can fill you with excitement AND nerves. One of the biggest planning parts that tend to always make brides anxious is, “What do we wear!?” Well, girl, I am here to give you some tips to look your best in front of the camera!

Let’s start with some wardrobe “rules” and then go into outfit suggestions!

“Rule” Number One:

No matter what you wear, make sure it is flattering on you and your body type AND that you feel 100% confident & comfortable in it!

“Rule” Number Two:

When picking out both you and your fiance(e)’s outfits, try not to be too match-y. You want clothes that compliment each other, not replicas of each other’s outfit. This first picture up top is a great example of complimenting each other without being match-y. One common mistake is wearing the same colors as each other. There’s a good chance you two will blend in with each other if you both wear too similar of colors.

“Rule” Number Three:

Stay away from busy patterns and bright or neon colors. Reds can be great, but a bold/”true”  red can reflect color onto other surfaces such as your faces or your fiance(e)’s outfit. I highly recommend neutrals and earthy tones (ie. see below for the color palette tips!) Also, please stay away from tennis shoes for the entire shoot unless your pristine white converse shoes are your staple item.

Ok, so what do we actually wear to our engagement session?

I always suggest my clients bring options for a “formal” outfit and a more casual one. The level of formality really depends on the location and your personal tastes! Usually a cute, flow-y dress or skirt is always going to look good! Formal also does not mean men need to dress all the way up in a suit- nice jeans or khakis and a nice shirt or sweater will do the trick!

With that said, I like to have my clients arrive in their more casual outfits so we can save the fun dress/skirt/etc for the prettier light as the sun gets lower & more golden. Or you can stay in the more fun outfit the whole shoot!
Going casual doesn’t mean you have to wear jeans and a loose tee or graphic tee (unless that’s the exact carefree style you want.) It just means you are in more everyday clothing! Typically women will wear sweaters, cardigans, or their favorite top with their favorite distressed jeans. Men often wear plain, casual tops or sweaters with jeans and boots. Don’t let them wear sneakers, flip flops, or tacky sandals just because it’s a casual outfit! Think about what you would wear to the hottest date of your life!! Aka, your fiance(e).

You can also forgo classifying one outfit as casual and one as formal. If you want, you can just pick two outfits you love! Whatever you decide to wear, I find it helps to think of dressing for your raddest date night ever!

However, some locations do make an outfit change harder or impossible. Be aware you may be changing in your car! If we shoot at a location like this, I will always opt for the flow-y dress/skirt or your favorite outfit!

Client Closet

Oh, and guess what!? If you are a booked client of mine, you have access to my little collection of client dresses! How does this work? Firstly, just let me know you’re interested in using a dress and I can send you photos of them. Or you can also take a look at them right here! I’ll bring the one(s) you’re interested in to your session and from there we’ll finalize your outfits!

Color Palette Tips For Your Engagement Session Outfits

You don’t have to be a color theory master with your outfits, but the colors you choose do influence the vibe. I’ve noticed the best colors for photos right now are earthy tones: rusty burnt orange, forest green, beige, white, burgundy, etc. Here are some beautiful colors that I found on Pinterest in that range.

Now to wrap all this up, here are some final tips for your engagement session outfits!

The Pro-est Tip: We LOVE movement, so if your outfit provides more movement or flow-y fabric that is a major win!

Tip #1:  If you do not feel skilled at doing your hair or makeup, consider getting your hair and makeup professionally styled! This can make a world of difference because pro’s know how to make you look your best AND you will feel 110% confident!

Tip #2: Oh pleease, please make sure your nails are in good condition! Sometimes our hands are an after thought when we are so focused on our clothes, hair, and makeup. But we are going to want to flaunt that ring on your finger, and nobody wants to look at chipped polish or super uneven nails. This will bother you later on even if it doesn’t bother you in the moment.

Tip #3: Check out my Pinterest board FULL of outfit ideas, right HERE!

Are you ready for your session!?

FOR MORE ENGAGEMENT SESSION TIPS:

“Needless to say… the photos turned out PERFECT.”

Kassi & John