This is the most exciting time of your life so far!
Then after the initial excitement dies down and you want to document this special time with an engagement photo session, you begin to panic:
"What are we supposed to wear?"
Suddenly you're staring at your closet like you've never owned clothes before.
Do you match? Coordinate? Dress up? Dress down? Wear jeans? A dress? Two outfits? Three? Do you need to buy something new?
Take a deep breath.
The goal is simple: you should look and feel like yourselves.
Here's everything I'd keep in mind when choosing your outfits!
First Things First: Don't Match
This is a cardinal rule of mine.
But unless you're intentionally recreating a JC Penney's christmas card shoot from 1997, you probably don't need to wear identical shirts.
Instead, think coordinating rather than matching.
Choose colors and textures that look good together without being exactly the same.
For example:
- Cream + tan
- Soft blue + neutral
- Olive + beige
- Black + denim
- Warm earth tones
- Soft neutrals
You want your outfits to feel connected without looking forced, if that makes sense. Because the outfits are most likely one of y'all's ideas!
Choose a Color Palette
Before you start pulling everything out of your closet, choose a general color palette.
Neutrals and earthy tones tend to photograph beautifully because they don't compete with the environment.
Think:
Cream, beige, tan, brown, olive, denim, black, soft blue, muted greens, warm neutrals.
That doesn't mean you can't wear color.
If you're a bright-red-dress person, wear the red dress.
Engagement photos are different than a regular family sessions, where neutrals are preferred to focus on the family itself.
For engagement, it's all about your personalities and the bling bling.
The most important thing is choosing colors that work well together and complement the location.
Dress for the Location
Your outfits should make sense for where we're photographing.
A flowy dress and dress shoes might look amazing at a garden location.
But if we're hiking through a field, climbing over rocks, wandering a historic site, or wandering around a beach, you may want something a little more practical.
Think about the overall feeling you want.
And please avoid large logos, bold graphics, and heavy patterns.
Want something romantic?
Try:
- Flowing dresses
- Skirts
- Soft neutrals
- Dress shoes
- Textured fabrics
- An oversizes cardigan slipping off the shoulder
Want something more casual?
Try:
- Jeans
- A nice sweater
- Button-down shirts
- Simple tops
- Clean sneakers or boots
Want both? Bring 2 outfits!
Which brings me to....
Wear Something You Can Move In
This is a big one.
We're probably going to walk.
We're probably going to sit.
We may run.
You may spin.
You may get picked up.
You may end up dancing in a field.
You can't create flowy images if you are stuck in an outfit so tight, you walk like a penguin.
So if you can't comfortably move in it, it's probably not the outfit.
This is especially important for shoes.
If we're walking around outside, consider bringing comfortable shoes to wear between locations and changing into your cute shoes when we get there.
Or barefoot if it's a beach session. Ever try walking in sand in heels? It's hard enough in flip-flops.
Your feet will thank you.
Think About Movement
This is one of my favorite things to photograph.
A dress that moves in the breeze.
A skirt that sways while you walk.
A jacket that moves when you turn.
A loose button-down.
Flowy fabrics can create beautiful movement and make your photos feel more natural.
You don't have to stand perfectly still and smile at the camera.
We're going to move, and your clothes should be able to move with you.
Don't Be Afraid to Dress Up...
If you're wondering whether an engagement session is a good excuse to get a little fancy...
Yes.
Absolutely.
Wear the dress you've been waiting for an excuse to wear.
Put on the heels.
Wear the suit jacket.
Do your hair.
Get your makeup done if that makes you feel amazing.
Your engagement photos are a chance to celebrate this season of your relationship, and there's nothing wrong with getting a little dressed up for it.
... But Don't Wear Something That Doesn't Feel Like You!
This is just as important.
If you never wear heels, don't suddenly show up in six-inch stilettos because Pinterest told you that's what engagement photos require.
If you're most comfortable in jeans and boots, wear jeans and boots.
If you're a dress person, wear a dress.
If you're a little more laid-back, lean into that.
I want to photograph you, not a copy of someone you saw on Tik Tok or Instagram.
Consider the seasons in florida
Spring
Think:
- Light layers
- Soft colors
- Dresses
- Skirts
- Lightweight fabrics
Summer
Think:
- Breathable fabrics
- Flowy dresses
- Linen
- Light colors
- Comfortable shoes
- Probably a water bottle. It's HOT.
Fall
Think:
- Layers
- Sweaters
- Boots
- Earth tones
- Denim
- Richer colors
Winter
Think:
- Jackets
- Sweaters
- Scarves
- Layers
- Boots
- Cozy textures
What About Accessories?
Keep them intentional.
A hat, simple jewelry, watch, belt, scarf, or statement earrings can add personality without overwhelming the photo.
And don't forget the little things:
Clean your engagement ring.
You're about to spend a significant amount of time holding hands and showing it off.
It deserves to sparkle.
What About Hair and Makeup?
If professional hair and makeup is something you enjoy, an engagement session is a great excuse to do it.
It also gives you a chance to test out your wedding hair and makeup before the big day.
But again—you don't have to.
Wear your hair how you normally feel best.
The goal is to feel confident.
What Should Your Partner Wear?
If one person starts with their outfit first, build the other outfit around it.
For example, if you're wearing a patterned dress, your partner could pull one or two subtle colors from the dress and incorporate them into their outfit.
If you're wearing a neutral outfit, your partner can add texture or a slightly darker tone.
You don't need to perfectly coordinate every detail.
Just make sure the outfits look like they belong in the same photograph.
A Few Things I'd Skip
Not rules. Just suggestions.
I'd generally avoid:
- Clothing that is extremely uncomfortable
- Shoes you can't walk in
- Giant logos
- Outfits that wrinkle the second you sit down
- Clothes that require constant adjusting
- Anything you don't feel like yourself in
- Extremely bright colors that clash with your location
- Trying to coordinate every single detail
When in Doubt, Bring It
If you're standing in your closet thinking:
"I don't know if this works..."
Bring it.
Seriously.
You can send me photos of your outfit options beforehand, and I'm happy to help you decide what will photograph best with your location and the overall feel you're going for.
That's part of the process.
At the End of the Day...
Your engagement session isn't really about your outfits.
It's about celebrating the two of you in this weird, wonderful little season where you're planning a wedding, answering the same questions about your date approximately 700 times, and realizing you somehow get to marry your favorite person.
So yes, let's make your outfits look amazing.
But let's not overthink it.
Wear something that feels like you.
Coordinate without matching.
Choose something you can move in.
And most importantly...
Come ready to have fun.
Let's connect and I'll take care of the rest.
