One of the questions I receive most often from clients goes a little something this: “WHAT DO I WEAR?!?!?!” You’ve checked Pinterest, maybe even caught up on my curated Pinterest Board and the never ending hole of beautiful inspiration, but you’re still feeling unsure? I’m here to help. The biggest priority in choosing outfits: focus on staying true to your own personal style. I never want you coming to a session wearing something that doesn’t feel like you. I want you to feel comfortable, confident, and like the most unique and beautiful couple! I believe this all starts with covering that first priority, staying true to your personal style and comfort. Here are a few tips from my style guide. Interested in the full guide? Send me an email!!!

FIRST TIP: STAY AWAY FROM BUSY PATTERNS

I want to encourage you to choose clothing options that are either a solid color or with a subtle, low-key pattern. I want the focus to be on you and your guy (or girl if you are a guy reading this)! I don’t want an overwhelming pattern to distract from YOU TWO! We want you wearing your clothes, not your clothes wearing you. 🙂 All the gorgeous light, meaningful love and fun moments between you two should be the main focus of your photos. We want these things to steal the show!!! If your outfits are too busy, they may distract from this main focus – you two! Finally, if you are looking to do a session with me in an outdoor setting, pick some of your favorite neutral colors. They are going to make the stunning surroundings to sparkle alongside you!

TIP TWO: DRESS IT UP

Have you been eyeing a gorgeous dress, but just never had an occasion for it? This is your chance to do it up! Remember: there’s no such thing as “too dressed up” when it comes to your engagement session, so don’t be afraid to have some fun! If you don’t want to spend a ton of money adding a new permanent piece to your wardrobe, a lot of my brides love Rent the Runway for their engagement photos because you don’t have to spend a lot to feel like a million bucks. Plus, you can send the outfits back when the session is over. Some of my brides love having an excuse to go shopping and purchase a new permanent piece (or two!) for their wardrobe –– and that’s okay, too! Whatever works for you!

TIP THREE: SAY YES TO THE DRESS

There’s nothing more romantic than a long, flowy dress. Dresses and skirts tend to look most stunning on camera because they really flatter the female body — which is probably why the red carpet is always full of so many dresses and not very many pantsuits! I recommend choosing long, flowy dresses or skirts because they’re flattering on all body types, look amazing on camera and bring extra movement and dimension to your photos. Maxi (or floor length) skirts and dresses will give us the best “twirl factor,” add more romance to your walking photos, and look especially gorgeous when juxtaposed with nature, like the forest, fields or beach. Cute, shorter cocktail-length dresses or midi skirts photograph beautifully as well. My brides-to-be who choose to bring two dresses will sometimes choose one of each! I recommend avoiding pants and shorts for your session, and saying yes to a dress (or skirt!) or two! You won’t regret it!  

TIP FOUR: COORDINATING COLORS

As you’re coordinating your outfit with your fiance’s, keep in mind that your outfits will look the most cohesive on camera when the color palette and wardrobe pieces coordinate, but don’t actually “match.” You should each wear a different dominant color, but stay within a similar color palette family. So if you’re wearing a blush dress and nude heels (blush being your dominant color), then he could wear a navy coat with gray pants, paired with brown leather shoes and maybe even a blush pocket square. Now he has his own dominant color (navy) while still incorporating a few touches of your color palette. Most of my brides choose their dress first, and then put together their fiance’s outfit based on that. That’s why I have a section for each of you in my FULL engagement session guide. 🙂

TIP FIVE: COMFORTABLE IS THE BEST STYLE

I touched on this in the beginning, but I can’t emphasize enough the importance of you being YOUU! If you’re uncomfortable in what you are wearing, you won’t be able to truly be yourself for the session. I want you to be able to twirl, dance a little, walk and genuinely enjoy every moment of your session. Yes, those sleeveless rompers look UBER cute, but if you are tugging at your clothes or in any way afraid of a wardrobe malfunction, it may show up in your photos. I LOVE those beautiful long dresses for this reason. You can be super dressy and SUPER comfy at the same time. Movement just works with the right outfits. Make sure that what you wear not only allows for movement, but also fits comfortably. I want this session to be 10000% focused on you two, your love, your comfort with yourself and each other. With a comfortable outfit that is going to shine through your photos more than anything! 🙂 It may take a little extra time and planning, but boy is it worth it. You won’t regret it!

What do you think? Do these tips seem overly simple or a bit too much? If you need more tips or if this helped you at all, I’d love to hear about it. Comment below, send me a DM on Instagram or shoot me an email. Messages like that make my day.

Love you friend! Keep shining!
XX – Rachel