Selecting outfits for your Engagement Session

Even with the countless sessions that I’ve been in over the years, I still get stressed about deciding what to wear for my photos. It really is a balance to find something that coordinates with my partner, that I feel good in, and that is classic. Here are some factors to consider when deciding what to wear for your senior session.

Weather

Admittedly, I almost never consider weather first when selecting outfits for my photo sessions, but if you’re someone who is sensitive to high heat or cold weather, you’ll want to plan accordingly! Look for clothes that fit for the season. It isn’t unheard of to have temperature swings in all seasons in the Midwest, so it might not be bad to plan ahead with layers. As a bonus, layers can also give you easy variety in your final gallery!

Colors

I recommend finding colors that align with the season. Spring is often filled with lighter colors, summer, bright or jewel tones often work well, and in fall and winter, I recommend sticking to rich earth tones. These are often great ways to coordinate with your outdoor backdrops. This is also a good way to think about what time of the year might work well for your session. Think about what kinds of colors you are drawn to before selecting your date for your session.

Coordinatie

 I never recommend matching exactly, but coordination is key to a great start for your session. Find colors and textures that go well together. You don’t want things to be too different and risk adding an unwanted distraction in your final gallery.

Patterns and textures

If you decide to wear something with a pattern, stick with something that isn’t small. The camera has a hard time picking up small patterns. Instead, find something with a larger pattern. I also recommend finding patterns that don’t offer too much contrast. Subtle is always best.

I DO recommend using different textures for your photos. For example, one of you can wear a sweater, while another wears a button up. This allows for enough variation between the two of you while adding depth to your images. Textures should align with the season! Please, don't wear a sweater for your session when it is 90 degrees outside!

Comfort

It can be hard to resist the urge to buy a whole new wardrobe for your session, but the best outfits are often the ones that you already have in your closet that you just know you feel, and look good in.

style

Many couples choose one formal style outfit and one more casual outfit. I love this because they can be used for save the dates and your wedding website, but they also feel right to hang on your wall. 

Each of my engagement sessions comes with my engagement session guide, complete with specific recommendations that help you select the right color palette, location, and more for your session. Contact me today to book your engagement session!