Your engagement session should be a celebration of the love between you and your future spouse. But it’s hard to capture authentic images if you’re not feeling comfortable and confident in front of the camera. The first step to achieving that comfort and confidence is choosing the right clothing! It’s no wonder then that one of the most often asked questions from my clients is this: “What should we wear for our engagement photos?” Without further ado, here is my Engagement Session Style Guide with my favorite tips to ensure you feel and look your best for your engagement session!

Be Yourself

First and foremost, your clothing should trend towards timelessness while also reflecting your personal taste and style as a couple. There’s nothing better than feeling like your images truly capture who you are, and choosing the right clothing will contribute greatly to that authenticity. Twenty years down the road, you don’t want to look at your photos and think, “Why did we wear that???” If you’re not someone who likes wearing maxi-dresses, don’t go out and buy one for your photo session! If your future spouse doesn’t like wearing a tie, opt for a slightly undone button down with rolled sleeves. At the end of the day, whatever you choose to wear should feel like you.

Keep Comfort and Fit in Mind

I encourage my clients to go shopping or rent special wardrobe pieces particularly for their sessions, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you have to wear something new! Regardless of whether you choose to go with a tried and true ensemble or a brand new one, I always recommend selecting pieces that fit well and make you feel comfortable. If something is too tight, too low cut, or swallowing you, that can distract from the natural radiance of the love between you and your future spouse! If you do choose to wear new garments for your session, I recommend wearing them around your home to “break them in” so you can make sure that everything fits appropriately and feels good.

Coordinate, Don’t Match

Matching completely might feel like the easier option, but it often makes for bland photos. You and your spouse shouldn’t feel like twins, but rather compliment each other!  Instead of matching, consider putting together a color palette that compliments both you and your significant other.

Choose a Color Palette

When choosing your color palette, consider the season, the location of your session, and the colors you’re naturally drawn to. A good way to evaluate the latter is by looking at the pieces around your home that you love. Choosing wardrobe items in a similar palette will help ensure that any prints or photo products fit seamlessly into your home décor! After all, photos are meant to be viewed and shared!

Outfit Changes & Variety

I always advise choosing at least two but no more than three outfits to provide some variety without taking too much time away from your session. Select at least one casual and one more formal option. For the formal option, consider a long flowing maxi dress for ladies; it’s universally flattering and photographs beautifully!

Hair & Makeup

Budget permitting, consider having your hair and makeup professionally done. If you’ve already booked your hair and makeup team for the big day, consider your engagement session the perfect trial run. Not only will this allow for a little well-deserved pampering, it will also provide an idea of what to expect in terms of timing and how everything will photograph on your big day!

Details Matter

Make sure your nails are manicured. We want to show off that beautiful ring your fiancé spent so much time and thought selecting. And don’t forget to select accessories that help tie your outfit together.

Props

Props are a wonderful way to personalize your photo session, and (bonus) they can give you something to focus on to make your session feel more natural, particularly if you’re nervous about being in front of the camera. I love it when my clients bring props that are meaningful – a bottle of wine that reminds you of a special date or anniversary, an heirloom that will be incorporated into your wedding day, even an item associated with a special hobby you and your partner share.

Basic Prep

In order to eliminate any stress, try to take care of all the above details at least a week before your session. Designate a special bag or box for everything you’ll need to bring with you and place it in a visible, easily accessed location so you don’t forget to bring it along. And don’t forget to lay your clothes out the night before!

Interested in seeing some wardrobe ideas for your session? Visit my Pinterest style guide here.