Deciding what to wear for your engagement photographs can seem like the most stressful part, but no need to panic — I’m here to give you my best photoshoot outfit tips to creating a stunning outfit combo that will photograph beautifully!
No matter what style you choose - elegant, casual, luxury - your outfit should overall be a reflection of you! However, certain colours, textures, and styles will translate better on camera, so here are my golden nuggets of wisdom:
1. You’ll be admiring these photos for YEARS to come, so aim for a look that can stand the test of time.
2. The last thing we want to do is distract from your beautiful face, so opt for warm neutral, earthy colours and avoid busy/intense patterns!
3. Movement creates drama in our photos — chose clothes with movement/layers to add interest. Skirts, dresses, decorative sleeves, etc. are just a few great options. (P.S. if your matching shoes are a bit hard to move around in, feel feel to bring a flat soled pair so we can get to locations easier.)
4. Certain fabrics catch the light in very unique ways and can add an extra dynamic to our images. Some fun fabrics to look for are satin/silk, chunky wool sweaters, denim, etc.
5. Incorporate accessories for added interest — jewelry, a hat, scarf, etc. can really go a long way and add an extra flare.
1. Multiple layers instantly make an outfit more fashionable. A t-shirt can be too casual sometimes, but add a nice leather or jean jacket and it’s a home run.
2. Avoid baggy jeans, unfitted shirts, polos, running shoes, or graphic t-shirts.
3. Go for fitted clothing and choose neutral muted colours. Earth tones, blacks, whites, and pastels are all great.
4. A nice watch, hat, necklace, or ring goes a LONG way (and by hat I don’t mean baseball cap…)
5. Cut your hair if you wish, but do it at LEAST 3-4 days in advance, so the hair has time to blend a bit.
No matter what you choose to wear, it needs to be comfortable! The stiffer your clothing feels, the less you’ll be able to move and the more uncomfortable you’ll feel. I love to incorporate movement into my sessions because not only does it create a more natural feel, but it also adds energy to the images. Comfort also means to dress for the weather! For example, if you are in the snowy mountains (or effing cold and windy Saskatchewan) a jacket would probably fit, and you could always add a toque. Without a doubt, on the beach by the ocean, you'd probably feel more comfortable in a swimsuit. Similarly, if you are in your own home, sweatpants and a t-shirt (or no shirt) would be just fine. Try to think of what your location is like and what the weather will be, and then dress accordingly. Remember, if you feel uncomfortable, it can take away from the emotions and moments that we are able to achieve.
And that’s all there is too it!
If you’re feeling stuck and need to look for some inspiration, spend some time browsing my Pinterest board here.
PS: I always recommend to bring up to 3 outfits: one classic, one casual and something specific (e.g. swimsuits if your engagement photos are taken by the lake).
