It will probably come as to no surprise to you that I get asked by my couples all the time for ideas on what they should wear for their engagement session. As a result, I decided it would be a good idea to put a list together for you with some tips and tricks on how to look your best. Here is what I suggest you keep in mind to have the best experience possible when taking your engagement photos.

BRING TWO OUTFITS 

I alway recommend to my couples to bring two outfits – something classical and something fun or casual. For men, classy means slacks, a fitted dress shirt tucked in, nice shoes, a watch, a sport coat or something similar. For women, classy means a nice slip or sheath dress, or even a nice tube dress. If you need some dress ideas, here is a good article to refer to. For casual clothes, wear something you’re not afraid to sit in and get a little dirty as well as something you feel comfortable wearing. If it’s uncomfortable to wear, it may show in photos. For women, you may also want to consider bring extra shades of lipstick or gloss to go with your outfits.

 COMPLEMENT EACH OTHER 

Wear clothes that complement each other, but don’t match entirely. There’s a reason why you may cringe every time you see that stereotypical white t-shirt and jeans family photo. You should both have accent pieces in your outfit that have similar colors or patterns. For example, if the woman is wearing a maroon dress, the man can complement her by wearing a checkered shirt with maroon squares, or by incorporating a maroon tie. You also want to make sure your outfit styles match as well. For example, if you’re a woman planning on wearing an A-line dress, your partner, if he’s a man, should wear a complimenting outfit, such as slacks with a tucked in fitted dress shirt.

WEAR CONTRASTING COLORS IN RELATION TO YOUR LOCATION 

You want to wear colors that contrast well with the environment. For example, if you’re shooting in the Spring outdoors and there will be a lot of greenery around, you may want to avoid wearing green. Instead, pick a color like Blue or Yellow that won’t get lost in the background and in contrast, stands out.

 STICK TO CLASSIC TRENDS, yet, DRESS ACCORDING TO YOUR PERSONAL STYLE Your engagement session is a representation of you as a couple, so let your personal styles shine through. If you’re more casual, opt for relaxed and comfortable outfits. If you prefer a polished look, go for more sophisticated attire.

With that said, I suggest trying to stick to fashions and hairstyles that are timeless. The last thing you want is to look back on your photos 10 years from now and ask yourself “why did I wear that”?

GET INSPIRATION FROM OTHER SOURCES 

Don’t be afraid to browse Instagram, Pinterest and Google. Look at what other couples have worn to their engagement sessions and don’t be afraid to steal ideas. I often will create “mood boards” on Pinterest and send ideas to my couples to provide them with some inspiration.

DRESS FOR THE SEASON 

Complement your outfit to the season! In the warmer months, lighter and airy colors work well. You can get away with wearing sandals, flowy dresses, shorts, and anything that represents Spring. In the colder months, wear bolder colors and don’t be afraid to bundle up with scarves, jackets and knits.

AVOID THESE MISTAKES

You will want to try and stay away from distracting colors, patterns and logos. Unless you’re going for a specific look or have your own unique style, try to avoid colors and awkward patterns that will be distracting. This means no neon colors, tie-dye shirts, clothing with logos or designs, or anything that will detract away from you and your partner. Yes dudes, that means no Underarmour logos!

If you want a more detailed article on what to avoid, here are some common fashion mistakes I’ve seen at weddings that you can also avoid during your engagement session: Avoid These Fashion Mistakes on Your Wedding Day