Engagement photos are a memorable way to commemorate the start of a new chapter in your life. It’s a special time, and you want to make sure that your photos look perfect. Here are 9 styling tips for engagement photos that will help you select your outfits and ensure your photos look amazing!
What to Wear Engagement Tips | 9 Styling Tips for Engagement Photos
01. Determine the Vibe You Want
The first step to looking your best in your engagement photos is to determine the vibe you want. Do you want your photos to be fun and playful or more sophisticated and elegant? This will help you decide on the clothing, accessories, and other elements of your photo shoot. If you’re going for a fun and playful vibe, pants or jumpsuits might also be a good option so you can easily do lifts and other fun poses. If you’re going for a more sophisticated, elegant look, opt for dresses, heels, and elegant, timeless accessories. Once you decide on the vibe, you’ll be able to narrow down your outfit choices.
02. Choosing the Right Color Palette
Once you’ve decided on the vibe for your engagement photos, the next step is to choose the color palette. While some colors look great in person, they may not translate well on camera. To make sure that your photos look their best, it’s important to select colors that will look great on camera. Neutrals are my go to! They photograph beautifully and will stand the test of time when you look back on your photos in 20 years. In addition to neutrals such as whites and tans, lighter pastel colors are also great options that will look beautiful.
03. Colors to Avoid
While there are some colors that work great on camera, there are also some colors that should be avoided. Colors like neon green, bright orange, and hot pink are all colors that you should stay away from. These colors can be too bright and overwhelming on camera and can take away from the overall look of your photos and even reflect their colors on your skin. If you want to add a bit of color to your photos, opt for pastels or muted tones that will add a subtle pop of color without being too overpowering.
04. Selecting the Right Fit
The next step in looking your best in your engagement photos is to select the right fit. It’s important to find clothes that flatter your body type and accentuate your best features. If you’re wearing a dress, opt for a flattering silhouette that looks good both standing still and in motion. If you’re wearing a suit, make sure the fit is tailored and not too baggy or too tight. More than anything, you want to feel comfortable and confident. If you are wearing something that doesn’t fit correctly, it will likely come across on camera.
05. Match Your Outfits to the Location and Season
When selecting your outfits, it’s important to take into consideration the season and location of your engagement session and match them accordingly. If your photos are in the summer, opt for lightweight, breezy fabrics that will keep you cool. If you’re taking your photos in the fall, select warmer options like sleek sweaters, or bring a jacket you can layer to keep you warm. Additionally, make sure that your outfits match the location of your photos. If you’re taking your photos on the beach, neutrals like white and tans work best.
06. Selecting the Outfits
Now that you have narrowed down your vibe and chosen a color palette, taking into consideration the season and location, it is time to actually pick the outfits! I recommend picking two outfits if you’d like variety. Wear the outfit you’re most excited about second the day of your session, as that’s when you’re warmed up and more comfortable in front of the camera!
Only have one outfit? No problem! Consider bringing accessories to change up your look such as a blazer to add some layering, a sweater you can throw over your shirt, a stylish hat, or simply different jewelry! This also brings me to my next tip: Accessorizing!
07. Accessorizing
Accessorizing is a wonderful way to elevate your engagement photos and add a bit of personality. The right accessories can add the perfect finishing touch to your look and make your photos look amazing. When accessorizing, select timeless pieces that will never go out of style. Classic pieces like pearl earrings and gold necklaces are always a great choice. As mentioned above, a blazer or hat can be added to your outfit and create an entirely different look! When it comes to accessories, less is more, so it’s important to not go overboard with too many pieces. However, take off the apple watches (even leading up to your session to avoid the tan line on your wrist)!
08. Get Dressed Up!
If you’re looking for an elevated look for your engagement photos, consider renting an outfit from Rent the Runway or Nuuly. These companies offer a wide selection of designer clothing that you can rent for your engagement session. This is a great option if you want to look your best but don’t want to invest in a new outfit that you might not have another opportunity to wear again.
09. For the Guys
When it comes to the guys’ wardrobe, they have things a little easier, but their choices still matter! I typically suggest a business casual look with a sports jacket. Neutral, solid-colored shirts are your best option. Avoid shorts, shirts with big logos, and graphic tees. Clothing with large wording or pictures typically do not photograph well. They can also be a distraction in the final images and we don’t want anything distracting attention away from you and your fiance!
Another big styling tip for the men is to make sure your outfit fits correctly for a flattering look. You don’t want your shirt or pants too tight or too baggy. Additionally, pay attention to the details. Take time to iron your pants to remove any wrinkles or creases. Lastly, wear appropriate shoes (avoid flip flops and other open-toed shoes) and clean them up before your session.
Engagement photos are a special time that you want to look your best, so it’s important to choose the right clothes for the occasion. Following these 9 styling tips for engagement photos will ensure that you look and FEEL your best in your engagement photos! These images will be keepsakes that you’ll cherish for years to come!
Amber Dawn Photography specializes in light and airy, natural, and romantic wedding photography. With a penchant for estate weddings, Amber strives to create timeless images that reflect the romanticism in soft hues, capturing for posterity the many facets of the love that is the reason for the celebration. To view more of Amber’s work, click here to view her wedding portfolio. If you are interested in learning more about working with Amber, please inquire with her today!
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