Outfit Guide from an Engagement, Wedding, and Elopement Photographer

So you’ve booked your engagement photos, yay! Now it’s time to plan what to wear – something that can be both very exciting but also overwhelming if styling isn’t your thing. Don’t worry, I’m here to help! Here are my recommendations to help you and your partner look and feel your best.

1. If it doesn’t feel “you,” don’t force it for a photoshoot!

It can be tempting to try a whole new look for your session (you do you), but prioritize your comfort and authenticity for your clothing choices first! You can always bring a second, more experimental outfit for a different look. If you feel good in what you’re wearing, that confidence and comfort comes through in the pictures. This is a simple but often overlooked tip! The best photos capture you and your natural style – whether that’s athleisure or dresses.

2. Prioritize Timeless > Trendy

Opt for timeless pieces like your favorite denim jacket, a simple white shirt, or those worn-in sneakers that you can’t seem to get rid of. Photos are such a special keepsake, and it’s helpful to think about if what you’re wearing you will like in a few years OR see that photo in your living room thinking, “What what I wearing?!” 🙈

3. Consider the Mood and Setting

Where are you shooting, and what feeling do you want your photos to give? For example, a beach session with relaxed vibes pairs perfectly with jeans and a casual light t-shirt. And if you’re wanting moody photos in the middle of the forest, a darker outfit with layers might pair better. Let the vibe of the location guide your outfit. PS – If we work together, I will give you custom recommendations for your setting and a personalized style guide.

4. Approach Patterns with Caution

Patterns can add some fun to your look, but proceed carefully! Subtle stripes, muted florals, or a casual plaid can add some fun and a different edge to your photos. Important to note: for sessions with more than 1 person, ideally only one person has a pattern to avoid clashing! Choose your favorite subject, no pressure. 👑

5. Be comfortable!

Wear something you can comfortably move in, especially for adventure sessions that might require quite a bit of mobility! So you might love your skinny jeans from 2018, but can you actually move in them? (Don’t ask if they’re still in style – I’m a conflicted millennial). Ask your photographer (who, me?!💁🏻‍♀️) if they can help carry a change of shoes or clothes if you want a few different looks – you might be able to grab some shots with an outfit you’re excited about that wouldn’t be the most comfortable to wear for your adventure so you can get the best of both.

6. Accessorize – But Minimally!

If you like to wear jewelry, feel free to accessorize for your photo session! Keep it low-key with a simple pendant, a bracelet, or your go to cap (if you’re a hat person). Tip with hats: if your partner is wearing a hat, getting intimate photos (think kisses, faces close together, etc) can hide the other person’s face, so wearing a hat for more playful portions of sessions can be best. Less is more when it comes to accessories.

7. Coordination > Matching

Think complimenting colors – gray and navy, beige and pretty much any color – for examples. Neutrals tend to be the exception to this! If you and your crew want to both wear white, beige, or black that looks less super matchy than a bolder color. And PSA to couples especially… remember those holiday photos where it was very clear that you and your sibling were, well, siblings? That’s not the vibe we’re wanting for a couples session. I like to tell couples that if you think you could look like fam photos with your partner (yikes), let’s match a liiiiittle less!

Hey, you made it! The TLDR if you lazily scrolled (I get it) – coordinate but don’t match, avoid super flashy patterns and colors, accessorize minimally, and prioritize your comfort and authenticity.

If you want some inspiration, checkout my Pinterest board with a few outfits I love for photos. And shoutout to the couples I’ve had the opportunity to photograph below! They understood the assignment. 💖