What to wear to engagement photos is probably the question Im asked the most!
If you are wondering what to wear to engagement photos, I think this post will be helpful!
There really is no right or wrong thing to wear (although I do have some “do’s and don’ts in this post here – its from 2015 but rocks some valid points).
The thing I’m quick to remind people, is part of the reason we do engagement photos in the first place is to break the ice, get to know each other and allow for your true selves to shine.
That’s hard to do when you feel uncomfortable in what you’re wearing; so number one in my top 5 is
1. Wear something that you feel good in.
By this I mean wear something that makes you feel good about the way you look, not lay-on-the-couch-eating-nutella-with-a-spoon feel good. You know; like when you dress up to go out on a date with your Love and you do that one last look in the mirror and say ‘dayum girl!” Shop your closet first – sometimes and old fave is the way to go, but if not grab your bestie and hit the mall. Make sure you choose stuff that fits properly, avoid garments that are too tight or too loose.
Your goal: to feel incredible in what you wear.
A beach engagement shoot is the perfect way to have some fun in the sun and sand. Light, breezy fashions really suit the scene.
2. Choose fabrics with patterns and textures that photograph well.
Sometimes stripes and check patterns can go wonky. If stripes or checks are your thing, and your the adventurous type, we can take the gamble, but its safer to choose a bigger plaid print over smaller checker board patterns.
My favourite fabrics to work with are linen, lace, silk, chiffon, wool, leather/vegan leather. Textures add depth to your photos. Patterns can be great mixed in with textures. Opt for smaller floral patterns, polka dots or other unique patterns that suit your style, or patterns within textures such as herringbone tights, a chattily lace blouse, a cable knit sweater.
Textures photograph great. Wool scarves or sweaters, leather leggings, lace tops, denim jackets all are awesome fabrics that photograph well.
*Be cautious of cottons and linens – they wrinkle easily, so if your garment is cotton or linen, opt to bring it in a garment bag and change on location.
Also ensure that your knits are free of any pet hair and lint etc, or 9/10 you will get pictures of your significant other picking hair of your shirt.
Winter – the perfect excuse to add layers and textures.
3. Coordinate your look with your location.
OR dont. I debated putting this one down, because personally I’m conflicted on it. Here is why: Cowboy boots with a cute pastel summer dress looks amazing on a dirt road with the sun setting behind you; super romantic. Take your country look to a graffiti wall in Toronto and it wont look WRONG and in fact if could look EVEN MORE soft and romantic. OR if country music is your inspiration, rock your cowboy boots on the urban scene could look amazing too – think “Nashville”. Go country-glam. (This is actually amazing at night).
The Flip Side: if your scene is a wheat field with the setting sun on the horizon; dont wear Jimmy Choo heels. You arent going to see them in most of the photos, and they might not look the same when we’re done.
Planning on dressing up? A suit and tie looks so great in an urban area with great architecture, but can make a huge statement when you stroll on the beach with the soft pallete of greys and blues from the water and sky, and the texture of the sand.
The Flip Side: You might be carrying those Jimmy Choos.. but I love a barefoot shot too.
night time is the right time – dress up and get dramatic
4. Have Options.
2 options is great – its not uncommon for us to change the scene entirely or go from day date to night date for a more dramatic look. Engagement shoots are a fun opportunity to be fashionable. Remember a second set of shoes too!
It also doesnt hurt to have a change of clothes to go home in, depending on the situation. Ive had couples get downright crazy and play in the water, or go wild with building a snow man, so having dry comfortable clothes just in case is a good idea.
Choose clothes that compliment one another, the scene and your shape. Having interesting details like the back of this dress is a bonus.
5. Choose one outfit that allows for some flow and movement.
The easiest way is to make one of your choices a dress or skirt. Chiffons and silks are incredible, but any lighter weight fabric will do. Motion and energy in a photo is nearly as important to me as great lighting. For my guys, this can apply to you also. Depending on the season and style a casual, untucked button up will allow some movement also. Linens rock – especially for beach engagement photos, just bring them in a garment bag so it stays in great shape and doesnt wrinkle..
Easy, breezy, beautiful cover of your engagement album, girl.
Bonus TIP –
Get your makeup and hair done. Makeup particularly adds that next level polished look to your photos. Avoid strip lashes if you can, or ask your MUA to apply them under your real lashes. I work with some incredibly talented makeup and hair artists on a regular basis, and am happy to arrange that for you.
Hair by Dang Fine Beauty, and Makeup – MBM Michelle Baquial Makeup
I hope this post was helpful, and inspiring for you and helps with your planning!
If you have any other questions about what to wear to engagement photos, best locations, or hair and makeup looks, send me a message.
xx
Jen