What to wear… what to wear….
Engagement shoots are a ton of fun! The wedding jitters aren’t in full swing, there’s still time before the panic sets in, and you get to be relaxed and have some fun with your fiance. I always get asked by the couple what to wear, so here are my tips on the best clothing options for your engagement photography shoot.
First, the do’s and don’ts.
DO - be yourself, and wear what makes you feel most comfortable. On your wedding day, this will not be the case! Unless your James Bond, or a wedding dress fashion model, chances are you haven’t worn a suit or wedding dress very often. They won’t be the most comfy! So, this is photoshoot where you get to be you!
DO - bring some clothing options in case something goes wrong. If you bend over to pick up a flower and your pants split, or you trip and fall into the lake you’re posing in front of, you definitely will need to make a clothing change! Those are extremes, but you could spill coffee on your drive over, or get makeup on your collar. Bring some options for safety!
DO - bring a positive attitude to the shoot along with your outfits. You will be kissing and hugging and holding hands a ton - it’s going to be a tough hour to keep your pearly whites showing, but you’ll appreciate putting in the effort and many kisses when you get the processed images back!
DON’T - try to reinvent yourself for this shoot. Don’t use this shoot as a way to show your friends and family the “new” you. You want them to easily and quickly recognize you on the save-the-date card, not gasp in shock. This isn’t the time to try a new fashion choice.
DON’T - try to be someone you’re not. No need to dress in trendy tuxedos and low-cut dresses to look extremely fancy or well-off. You don’t want to look like you're trying too hard. Desperation is a stinky cologne. No need to go buy a Versace dress for this - find something you love in your closet that makes you feel beautiful.
Now, onto what to wear!
For the Ladies:
Warm Weather (Summer):
Best Option: Bright, flowing summer dresses that can catch a breeze, preferably in a single color. While patterns are okay, the larger and bolder the visual pattern, the more it can upstage you and drown out your man!
Outdoorsy Couples: If you're shooting in a field and want to look a little rustic country, short jean shorts and a classy top would also look nice.
City Couples: City chic prep style with a breezy button down with pants and high heels makes you look all “sex in the city”
Cooler weather (Spring/Fall):
Best Option: The classic cool-weather look with thick button-downs with puffy vests, or a nice thick sweater with a beautiful scarf or pashmina looks great.
Outdoorsy Couples: Bring some warm, attractive blankets to wrap around you - looks great in the setting, and super romantic!
City Couples: A beautiful business coat, open to show a business-casual attire with high-heels works well in the city when it is cool.
For the Men:
Warm Weather (Summer):
Best option: A nice, fitted button down with either small pattern or singular color. Super think stripes look funky on camera, so avoid those. Tucked into some dark-wash jeans and some modern boots and he’s ready to go!
Outdoorsy Couples: A bold pattern plaid button down can contrast nicely against a bright dress.
City Couples: A stylish button-down in some modern-fit pants with a nice pair of brown dress shoes will make him look classy and city appropriate.
Cooler weather (Spring/Fall):
Best option: A warm sweater with a bomber or leather jacket with a dark jean fits the weather perfectly
Outdoorsy Couples: A thick plaid shirt with jeans and a scarf can look nice in a field.
City Couples: Adding a tie to help stand out underneath the wool business coat with dress pants and shoes can elevate the entire couples attire.