What to wear for your engagement session
Bonnet Shores Engagement Pictures | Bonnet Shores, Narragansett RI
My engaged couples often ask me, “What do I wear for my engagement session?” Listen, I get it - the struggle is real! These pictures will be shared with several people in your life and saved for posterity’s sake, depending on what you want to do with them. Of course, you want to look your best in them. If you’re anything like me, choosing what you want to wear can be challenging. This is why I’ve put together the following list on choosing your outfits for your engagement pictures. It’s important to note what type of engagement session you want because it will determine what you wear. I often tell clients to include their everyday activities in their engagement session. If you choose to go hiking for your engagement pictures, wearing a formal dress and heels may not be the best idea.
For Bianca and Cameron’s engagement session, we went to Bonnet Shores in Narragansett, RI. This semi-private beach location has a beautiful beach with rock outcroppings and a gorgeous sunset view which lends to spectacular photo backdrops. Suppose you’re considering a beach to have your session, and you’re game with getting sand in some places. In that case, you definitely should consider Bonnet Shores. We climbed over rock formations for their session, walked in the sand, and ran into the ocean. The outfits they picked were PERFECT for their session.
Go for neutrals and pastels.
Very few people can pull off an entire outfit of primary colors (red, yellow, blue). If you can, it’s a very stylistic choice. For the everyday couple, try to avoid wearing bright colors as they can be distracting. You want to be the focus of your photographs, not your outfit. Consider wearing more neutral colors, and then add in a pop of color with your shoes or accessories. Bianca’s yellow and blue jumper was the perfect blend of neutral with a pop of color.
Avoid matching, but avoid clashing too.
Bianca and Cameron’s color theme was blue - you can definitely see that, but they wore complementary shades of blue, as opposed to an exact match. I recommend against wearing the exact same color. Your images would appear one-note and stiff, through no fault of your own or mine. It’s just the way colors work. I don’t, however, recommend wearing opposing colors either or outfits that have extremely busy patterns. We’ve all seen couples wearing some fantastical patterns in movies or on television. Still, I assure you - behind that fashion choice is an army of stylists and an enormous amount of styling knowledge. Definitely more than I have! Your engagement session is not the time to chance a new look. Let’s get the best images of you we can. Choose complementary colors and solid prints. Pick a color palette that works well for both of you, and choose outfits within that palette. You can even wear different shades of the same color for a gently matching effect. This young couple did this exquisitely!
Pick classic looks.
When choosing your outfits, go for timeless looks. A white collared shirt and blue jeans will never ever go out of style. Ever! Wearing trendy outfits and colors can make your images feel dated a few years later, and trendy looks can feel awkward in photos. Especially if you’ve never worn them before. You want your look to feel effortless. Check out some of the engagement sessions I’ve photographed in the past.
Limit the number of outfits.
Now, this next point comes with a caveat. There are engagement sessions that last four hours, and there are sessions that are just 60 minutes long. The average session I photograph is about 60 minutes. If we’re having a ton of fun, then it can be stretched to 90 minutes. So stick with just a few outfits, quite frankly - no more than two. Don’t turn your engagement session into a fashion photoshoot unless that’s the experience you want. Note also, you’re paying your photographer for their time, so don’t put added stress on yourself rush to change outfits. Choose two outfits that depict your unique style and stick with them. You can always add layers you can put on or take off for a different look. If the two of you have wildly different styles, engage with your photographer to find out how you can make them work together.
Choose outfits that express your personality.
This is the most essential point of all, please, please, PLEASE wear clothes that make you feel like you and will allow you to express your style and personality. Occasionally, I have couples who pick out a brand new outfit that differs slightly from their everyday style - a daring neckline or a new jacket style. During those sessions, I find that the individual feels self-conscious and has a hard time relaxing. Your engagement session should be fun, and you want your outfit choices to reflect who you are, as well as feel comfortable!
