10 Engagement Outfit Tips
10 Engagement Outfit Tips
That don’t suck
If you’re here, you’re probably getting ready for an engagement photoshoot or some other couples photoshoot. There are seriously a million blog posts on this topic but I have a bit of a unique view on this topic. I worked for Stitch Fix for two years and spent countless hours telling clients what “goes together” and what doesn’t. I’m also a photographer who LOVES unique photos and fun vibes so I have some thoughts on bright colors and patterns!
Andddd, without further adieu…Here are my tips:
Avoid bold patterns
But Steph — I LOVE BOLD PATTERNS! Bold patterns can be SO fun. And if you’re already a pro at mixing and matching patterns, I say go for it! But most of the time, they take away from the natural beauty of your surroundings and they distract from you guys as a couple. If you’re not a “pattern pro,” I suggest you go for a simple/super small pattern or no pattern at all unless your location is a downtown or urban location. If you’re dying to wear something with a bold pattern, bring it! Ask your photographer when you get there what they think!
Go for neutrals or earth tones
These look good on everyone and go with most, if not all, photoshoot locations. Think: white, black, gray, beige, rust, forest green, mustard, dusty blue… Any color that could be found in nature will probably photograph well.
When are bright colors good?
Downtown or urban locations like Palm Springs can be a fun place to experiment with bold colors and patterns! Just be mindful of colors that compliment your skin tone and the colors of your location. If you’re not sure, just bring extra outfits and ask your photographer!
Location, location, location
Choose outfits that “go” with the vibe of the location of your photoshoot. Are you taking photos in the mountains on a trail? You could totally wear denim cutoffs with hiking boots! Are you going to the beach? Grab your birkenstocks and your boyfriend jeans or bring your swimsuit too! Heading to downtown palm springs? Wear something super funky!
Bring multiple outfits/options for both of you
Bring like three outfits for both of you and ask your photographer what they think of the outfit you’re wearing when you show up to the shoot. Be aware that you might have to change by your car so bring a big blanket or something to change behind if you want!
How would you describe yourself and your relationship?
This is a big one for choosing an outfit. I generally suggest one casual outfit and one fancier outfit but that can really be up to you. If you’d describe yourself or your relationship as adventurous and outdoorsy then maybe both your outfits lean toward more of a polished hiking vibe. If you guys spend a ton of time on the beach maybe you wear your swimsuits for part of the photoshoot and sweaters/ripped jeans for the other part! A great idea is to hop on Pinterest and make a board filled with engagement photos that stand out to you. Notice: do the photos have anything in common? Are the couples mostly wearing casual outfits or are the more dressy? Do their clothes have a lot of movement and flowy or are they more fitted?
A note on logos
Avoid them. This is super hard for guys ‘cause most t-shirts have logos on them. You can usually find a plain t-shirt at Target or TJ MAXX or something and trust me, it’s worth it. Logos are so distracting in photos!
Accessories
Do you or your partner love wearing hats? Bring some! Do you love wearing huge oversized cardigans? Bring one! Do you normally wear lots of jewelry or do you tend to be more minimalist? It doesn’t hurt to bring some accessories to switch things up!
Comfort
This is my TOP tip. STAY COMFORTABLE. Not just in how the clothes feel on your body, but also how you feel emotionally in them. Do you have a pair of jeans that make you feel superhuman every time you put them on?? Wear them! You should feel like your best version of yourself - it will totally translate to your photos!
Compliment, don’t match
When outfits “go together” they look more natural than when they look too alike. If one of you is wearing a color, have the other wear white or a neutral.
That’s it! If you’re not sure, bring options with you to your session and ask your photographer! I always have some thoughts on what will look best in photos!