Clothing Do’s And Dont’s For Engagement Sessions
don’t match, do compliment
I know it’s so tempting to just buy clothes in the same color and be done with it, but the last thing you want to do is match! In my experience, matching clothes give off more of a “family” vibe than a “madly in love about to begin the rest of our lives together” vibe. Wearing matching shirts in the same color is a fast track to your portraits looking like sibling pics and I think it’s safe to assume you don’t want that!
Ok, Victoria, THEN WHAT DO WE WEAR?!
The key is to Compliment! The difference between matching and complimenting is NOT wearing the same thing.
Take Rebecca and Bill as a great example! Bill chose a plaid pattern and Rebecca chose a main color that was part of Bill’s pattern. Take note that Rebecca is wearing a SOLID color to compliment Bill’s pattern. She also could have gone with any of the shades of blue from Bill’s pattern as well.
Bonus Tip: If you’re going to wear patterns, only ONE of you should be wearing a pattern. Two patterns together never ends well!
2. Don’t wear uncomfortable clothing and rely on posing, do wear clothes that are flattering and feel good
Sometimes when we’re trying to look our best it’s tempting to squeeze into that perfect outfit that’s just not quite right for our own beautiful body shape. Resist that temptation!! Can your photographer pose you in the most flattering way? Of course! However, if you’re uncomfortable then YOUR personality won’t get a chance to shine in your photos. My specialty is helping my couples feel comfortable enough in front of the camera to really capture your personality and connection in your photographs. That becomes so much harder to do if you’re uncomfortable in your clothes.
Wear clothes that are flattering for you as an individual. When you feel comfortable and confident it shows in your photos and you’re able to enjoy your engagement session experience as the CELEBRATION that it should be!
If Kimberly and Ryan hadn’t been comfortable and confident in their clothes, I would never have been able to capture this intimate and cuddly photo!
3. don’t dress in a way that’s not you, do dress as the best version of you
Don’t dress up in cocktail attire if that’s not your element. Don’t dress in jeans and t-shirt if that’s not your element! The goal of your engagement session is to CELEBRATE everything about you, your partner, and the journey you’re about to take together. You don’t want to look back at your engagement photos in 20 years and feel like that’s just not you in those photos.
Think about what you wear when you’re at your most comfortable with yourself. (I know you just thought about sweatpants and house slippers. Don’t get sassy with me! I will turn this engagement session around and we will all go home!) Think about that go-to outfit your hands reach for when you want to look like a snack. (Again, put the sweatpants down. I said when you want to LOOK like a snack, not when you WANT a snack). Try to replicate that go-to outfit in a new way.
For example, Lindsay has a quirky personality so she went with an adorable and quirky dinosaur pattern for their bookstore engagement session! (Notice they’re wearing one print and Adam’s gray solid compliments Lindsay’s dress).
BONUS TIP: Don’t Get Anxious About Your Session, Do Use It As An Opportunity To Celebrate
I know it’s easier said than done, but try not to stress about your engagement session. I believe the engagement session is a time to stop and celebrate the journey you and your partner just started together. Wedding planning can be so stressful and busy that it’s easy to forget it’s all supposed to be a CELEBRATION. That’s why I tell my couples to view their engagement session as a small break from wedding planning. It’s an afternoon to spend together and connect before you throw yourselves into the whirlwind of wedding planning. Your engagement photos should be a celebration of who you are as a couple right now. When you approach the session as a celebration, it’s easier to relax and just enjoy the experience!