What to Wear for Your Engagement Session
I am often asked about what you should wear for your engagement session. There are many things to consider when choosing appropriate clothing- so, to make your life easier, I’ve put together some helpful tips for wardrobe selection!
First and foremost, be sure to coordinate!
Please note, this does not mean that you both match each other exactly!! The days of everyone wearing white shirts and khaki pants are back in the 90’s. Coordinate by choosing colors that compliment each other, or have similar shades, and avoid wearing clothing with large logos or strong patterns. If you generally wear patterns, your partner should chose something solid. Either way, please be sure to dress on the same scale. If you are sporting a little black cocktail dress, your partner should not be rocking jeans and band t-shirt!
That being said, be sure to choose clothing that complements your surroundings. This means considering your location when choosing your wardrobe for the day. If you plan to have an urban session downtown, jeans and a t-shirt may be the way to go. If have chosen a more formal location, you may wish to dress it up a bit.
Also, avoid choosing clothing that is too trendy. You will want to look back on these images in 30 years and think “wow, we were so in love”, not “wow, what on earth were we wearing?”. A simple outfit of comfy jeans and a nice top can help prevent your images from becoming ‘dated’.
I like to suggest wearing clothing with texture as well as adding layers. Textured clothing, like cable-knit sweaters or weaved cardigans, add dimension to the images; while wearing layers will allow you to take on and off items to add variety to your session. Cardigans are an easy way to make a big change in the overall look of an outfit. For the ladies, V-neck shirts and shirts with sleeves tend to be the most flattering, while the guys tend to look sharp in shirts with a high collar.
Feel free to bring a change of clothes! You can spend the first half of your session in your ‘dressier’ clothes and the second half in your favorite jeans. Just be sure to bring clothing that you can easily change in and out of while on the go. Clothing can also serve as a fun prop. Did you meet at college? Go ahead, rock that school hoodie. Have a favorite sports team? Bring some jerseys to throw over your outfit for a few fun shots to show your team spirit.
Don’t forget the little details like jewelry and shoes! These accessories will really polish off your outfit. If you plan to sport your favorite pumps, you might wish to bring a simple pair of flats to slip on and off between locations. Keep in mind that, depending on where you choose to hold your session, there may be a bit of walking between poses! Also, what better time to treat yourself to a mani/pedi? You will want your nails looking their best while sporting that new shiny rock!
Dress comfortably! Choose clothing that is easy to move around in and you are comfortable and confident both sitting and standing. Sometimes dresses or short skirts can be difficult to sit in, and can limit the types of poses you are comfortable getting into. Also, opt for clothing that has a flattering fit and isn’t too tight or too baggy. Clothing that is too loose can often cling in a less than flattering way when you walk or if it gets windy outside and clothing that is too tight can create unwanted bulge when sitting. And, don’t forget to choose a wrinkle-free fabric! Nothing is worse than looking like you grabbed your outfit from the bottom of the hamper.
Most importantly, be yourself! This session is about capturing a very special time in your lives. One day you, and your loved ones, will look back on these photographs to tell a story. Choosing clothing that fits your personality will allow the images reflect who you are!