How to Choose The Perfect Outfit for Your Engagement Session

You’re finally engaged and it’s time to commemorate the season with a session of you and your boo. Your first thought: what the hell should we wear? Scroll on for tips for planning the perfect outfit for your engagement session.

There’s a phrase for portraits “No black, No white, No stripes!”

 Well, fuck the rules…with peace and love. 

And keep reading if you want a practical guide for choosing an outfit for your session. (One that has nothing to do with telling you what you can and cannot wear.)

Here are my 4 anti-rules to ensure your session looks and feels amazing from experience to end-result.

I’m calling them anti-rules, because you know my philosophy: Rules were made to be broken.

Anti-rule number 1: Wear what you would normally wear. 

Don’t try a new aesthetic out the day of your session because you found something trendy on Tik Tok. We want these photos to be an honest reflection of you and your relationship. No need to pretend or perform, you just get to be your natural selves. (It always makes the photos come out so much better anyway.)

This means, if you are normally a goth babe, you totally get to rock all black. 

And if you prefer a busy pattern to a solid color, you get to stay screw it to the rules if that’s what you decide. Just be sure to keep in mind step #3 and be sure to coordinate any crazy patterns with your backdrop.

Every now and then a client will message me and say what they “normally wear” is sweats and a stained t-shirt (#relatable).  So always feel free to send me pictures for outfit guidance if you feel like you don’t have a go-to style naturally.

Clients send me pics of things before they order them or raid their closet for the perfect fit. Treat yourself to something new or stay sustainable and stick to what you already own. Know that whatever you decide we can collab to find you something great. 

Anti-rule number 2: Include solid colors

When in doubt, go with solid colors. They are flattering, photograph well, and are versatile for me when it comes to editing your photos. 

While some photographers push this rule hard, I believe in anti-rules and you getting to do whatever the hell you want. 

I often tell clients to look into column dressing, where you wear the same color pants and shirt to create a “column of color.” Then you can add a cardigan, sweater, or overcoat of a different color to complete the look. Column dressing tends to photograph quite well and is easy-to-follow if you need a quick style tip.

 

Anti-rule number 3: Consider your backdrop

You wouldn’t wear orange or beige at Garden of the Gods.Think of complimentary colors for your backdrop to create contrast and ensure you stand out from the setting you’re in.

I play around with foreground, midground, and background in the composition of my images,  so making sure you stand out from the scenery is important to create compelling photos.

Consider complementary colors when planning your outfit. Complementary colors are colors that are across from each other on the color wheel and tell to contrast extremely well. 

You can use this complementary color feature on this color palette to find the best contrasting color for your fit!

Anti-rule number 4: Coordinate with your partner

Make sure you are complimenting your partner. If they are wearing a crazy pink pattern then you probably shouldn’t go with something neutral and understated.

Choosing a color palette first can be an easy way to set the vibe for your outfits before you begin planning together. 

I always tell my clients you are more than welcome to send me mirror selfies if you need help outfitting planning or just want a quick “fit check” before your session.

PRO TIP: If you’re feeling lost about where to begin for outfit inspo, head to pinterest and create a board to start brainstorming. You’ll be amazed at how obvious your style really is after pinning!

The bottom line when it comes to choosing an outfit is picking something that’s comfortable, suits your vibe, and takes the setting of your session into account. 

The single most important takeaway: The perfect outfit your engagement engagement session is whatever you feel the most yourself in.

Ready for your new favorite photo of you and your fiancé? 

Book your engagement session by filling out my inquiry form. I can’t wait to meet you!