February 26th, 2024 by Alana Lynn Photography

You’ve booked your engagement session and now you’re wondering what in the world you should wear to your photoshoot. Choosing the right outfit for your engagement session can feel like a daunting task, I get it! Granted, the last thing you want is for the colors to not work, your outfit choice to be restricting, or your outfits to not match the vibe you were going for. BUT don’t worry, I got you covered! I’ll go over some key points for you to consider when looking for the perfect outfit.

First things first, think about the location and vibe of your photoshoot. Are you planning to have a silly beach session, a bold urban shoot, a cozy indoor coffeehouse shoot, or maybe even a laid-back pizza date in your yard? The setting will play a role in determining the style and vibe of your outfit.

Now, let’s talk about fit. It’s important to choose clothes that flatter your body shape and make you feel confident. Opt for outfits that highlight your best features and make you comfortable in your own skin. Avoid clothes that are too tight or baggy, as they may not photograph well. Super tight clothes can especially be challenging when it comes to certain poses and movement. I definitely recommend channeling your inner car dealership blow up noodle creature to make sure you have a good range of motion in your outfit.

Dresses are a popular choice for engagement sessions, and for good reason. They can convey elegance, femininity, and can easily be dressed up or down. Casual sundresses work brilliantly for outdoor shoots, while a form fitting cocktail dress exudes a more classy and bold vibe. If you’re not a dress person, that’s ok! You can go for a stylish and well-fitted pair of pants or opt for a jumpsuit that complements your style.

Color coordination is key when it comes to engagement sessions. Coordinate your outfits with your partner to create a cohesive and visually pleasing look. This doesn’t mean you have to wear matching outfits, but choose colors that complement each other. Soft and pastel shades often work wonders, but don’t be afraid to add a pop of color for a more vibrant look. And if you and your partner want to wear the same color, try to either wear different shades or the color on different parts of your body. For example you both want to wear black, maybe you wear black jeans and your partner wears a black top. I make note of this because if you both wear a black top, we may lose some definition in the photos and there is a possibility it may look like just a blob.

You figured out your color palette, next thing to consider is if you are going to wear solids or patterns. While solids are always a great choice, sometimes it can be fun to add a little pattern into your fit. Knowing what patterns will look good in photos can be tricky. A good rule of thumb is to opt for simple small patterns. So maybe dainty flowers on a sundress or little sailboats on a button down. Super crazy loud patterns may be difficult to pair with certain backgrounds and in the photos, can pull the attention away from you and your partner. Think about it for a second, we are capturing the love you have for eachother, you don’t want your outfits to be distracting and take attention away from you two.

Now, accessories. They play a significant role in adding that extra ~touch~ to your outfit. They also add more dimension to the photos and can be something fun to play with when it comes to posing. As for choosing how to accessorize, consider jewelry, scarves, belts, purses, hats, and maybe even an umbrella to elevate your style. But remember, less is often more. Avoid overpowering your outfit with too many accessories because, again, you don’t want to distract any attention away from your connection.

Lastly, don’t forget about your shoes! They may not be the star of the show, but they can complete your look. Choose footwear that matches the overall style and comfort level of your outfit. If you plan on going for a nature-packed shoot, comfortable shoes are a must, whereas heels can be perfect for a more formal or urban setting.

To sum it up, picking the perfect outfit for your engagement session is a combination of personal style, location, and color and pattern coordination. Don’t be afraid to showcase your individuality and let your outfits reflect the love and connection you share.