Putting an outfit together can be something that’s not always easy for everyone. Whether there are too many items in your closet or too few, it’s always a dilemma, especially when you’re prepping for something special, like an engagement session!

You might think, “Clothes are clothes! What’s the big deal?” and you’re kind of right, but for your engagement session, you would be doing yourself a huge favor by being intentional with your wardrobe! Your clothes can make or break the lighting and balance of your photos! You paid for your session so might as well make sure you’ll be getting the best turnout possible!

So how do you pick THE perfect outfit for your engagement session?? Here’s how…

Plan the Palette

From my perspective as a photographer and editorial wedding curator, PALETTE IS EVERYTHING. When you look at a painting, you might feel elated at how beautiful the colors harmonize or grimace at how they don’t work together. These reactions can also expected when looking at photographs — and honestly, I would prefer the former if I were you.

To create the palette that works best for you, it is much preferable to go for a color combination that complements, rather than wearing two dominant colors that are the same. For example, if you’re wearing a dress in a soft hue of blue with accents of nude and white, your partner can wear a white top with accents of blue and grey.

If you’re not very confident with your ability to harmonize colors, going for neutral tones would be the safest choice! Or you can opt for a monochromatic palette.

A little side note: just don’t wear bright or bold colors! You might look amazing in them but they tend to take away the attention from your face in photographs! Not favorable for a session that’s meant to capture the love in your expressions!

Be Comfortable

While making sure you look amazing in your wardrobe is great, taking your comfort into consideration is also essential. As I have mentioned, we want to focus on you as a couple. We want to share your story; we want you to express the emotions you have for one another and having shoes that are too tight or a dress that makes you feel self-conscious might be a hindrance! We want you to look back on your photos and remember a day well spent! Not a day filled with discomfort! Trust me, it will reflect on your photos! Pick something that will make you look amazing and feel like it too!

Yes to Classic!

It’s hard to go wrong with classy. Now, I’m very much aware of how tempted you might be to be with the tides of time — and that’s absolutely fine! It’s your day! But listen — trends come and go. What’s hot now might not have the same effect in 5 years.

For pictures that you’re going to display in your family home for decades, it’s best to look timeless! A safe selection would be choosing plain over a printed dress. Lace has been around the market for decades now and that might be something you’d want to try too! It also gives off a feminine and bridal look that suits the purpose of the session!

If you’re opting for a classy outfit, I bet you will still look fashionably on point 50 years from now in your engagement photos!

Opt for a Casual Dress

What I love about casual dresses is that you won’t look underdressed or overdressed in your pictures! Wearing jeans might make your pictures seem too casual, while choosing (business) slacks or trousers might make it seem like you’re having a branding session with your business partner.

We want to evoke romance! Plus, having your dress dance with the breeze can help us take breathtaking photos! Not to mention the number of romantic poses you can do with a casual dress is significantly much more than wearing pants!

Putting an outfit together could either be a challenging task or an enjoyable activity, but it all boils down to whether or not it’s right for the session! Now that we know more about the things to consider when choosing your engagement session wardrobe, we hope you already have something in mind to wear! If not, you may choose to save these wardrobe inspirations below!

Wardrobe Inspirations