So here you are, all excited for your upcoming engagement session (as are we) and then you think, “What do I wear?”. Well, I am here to help you with some do’s and don’t of your wardrobe for your session as well as offer some tips and tricks! It can actually be quite easy with our handy style guide.
Do: Mix patterns and prints! Patterns and prints are a great way to bring that fun-factor to your session while also showing off your personality!
Don’t: Just be careful about mixing both to an extreme. Both of you wearing extreme print/patterns can be overwhelming to the eye. The whole idea is to compliment each other!
Do: Wear colors! Don’t be afraid to rock some color- it will help you stand out against the background and add some spunk!
Don’t: Wear colors that will be too distracting for the eye, also don’t wear the exact same color. Also, if you MUST wear white, play is up with some colorful accessories! Just remember, white will be even brighter in the Florida sun! Save white for the wedding day.
Do: Have a casual outfit and a dressier outfit. This way we can see the fun- flirty side, and dressy-romatic side of you as a couple! We always like to capture two looks at your engagement session. Changing looks is also a great way to explore different areas of your engagement location. Ladies, your “LBD” (little black dress) is always acceptable to wear as well. Can’t go wrong with that!
Don’t: Wear street clothes or a club dress. Yes, we want a “casual” outfit, but think of casual as a little bit fancier than t-shirts and flip-flops. As for dressier, sexy is always a good thing; but let’s steer away from tiny club dresses- we want to show off your sophisticated side!
Be mindful of your body type!
I know, I know.. the dreaded body type talk. We see it in almost every magazine we read, in big, bold letters,”Dress for Your Body Type.” For certain occasions, like your engagement session, it is worth doing a little research to look your best. For women and men both, there is lots of information about our general body shapes and clothes that will be the most flattering for those body shapes. Put in the effort for this one, trust us, and dress accordingly. (Example: almost no one looks good in a tube top and super short shorts). Try on your outfits at home, stand in front of the mirror and ask yourself if you feel comfortable and confident in that outfit. If the answer is yes, then it is probably good to go. Not too sure? You can always email us a picture and we will share honest opinions.
Variety is the spice of life! It is always best to bring a few different outfits so that you can change for your specific location. Our couples typically bring 2-3 outfits depending on the locations. They almost always end up doing at least 1 wardrobe change.
Most importantly: Be comfortable and have fun with it! You will have a much better time which will make for better photos.
Makeup and Hair:
Consider getting your hair and make-up done for your engagement session. It is always great to have a professional when you can (plus, it is a great opportunity for a trail run). I am sure you are absolutely wonderful at doing it yourself on a day-to-day basis. But a professional will know what photographs best and how to make you look perfect for your engagement session (and just a tip…lash extension are AMAZING on camera!).
So to sum up:
Things Not to Wear
– Bright white matching shirts and Khakis
– Tops with big logos or a lot of writing on them – keep it clean and classy.
– Shirts with short hemlines and mid-drifts. Dress for your shape.
– Super short skirts.
– Exact matching outfits. Look coordinated, not matching. White shirts and jeans don’t have much personality and your engagement session is your time to let your personality shine.
Finally, the most important thing to remember about preparing for an engagement session is that we are trying to photograph you, so be yourself! Dress nice, but don’t get so “dressed up” that you are uncomfortable. Interact with each other the way you normally would. Goof off, make faces, cuddle, laugh, play. In short, have fun and bring your ‘A’ game! And don’t worry, I tend to act silly so couples naturally just laugh….at me!
Here are just a few examples of some great outfits that couples have put together, ranging from casual to more dressy and a mix of both! Just remember, we are here if you need us.
