Choosing Your Wardrobe For Your Engagement Photo Session

Choosing Your Wardrobe For Your Engagement Photo Session. At Kelly Tareski Photography, we know that choosing the right outfits for engagement photos can be a challenge. Your engagement session is a chance to capture your love story and personalities in a beautiful, timeless way.

We’ve put together this guide to help you select the perfect ensembles that will make you look and feel amazing in front of the camera. From color coordination to flattering silhouettes, we’ll cover everything you need to know to create stunning engagement photos you’ll cherish for years to come.

How to Choose Colors for Engagement Photos

Harmonize with Your Surroundings

The location of your engagement photos will influence your outfit colors. Beach sessions call for soft blues, sandy neutrals, and coral tones. Lush forests complement earth tones like deep greens, rich browns, and warm oranges.

A classic, elegant black dress, for example, can be a versatile choice that works in almost any setting, from a chic urban backdrop to a serene natural environment.

Embrace Seasonal Color Palettes

Let the time of year guide your color choices. Spring favors soft pastels and light florals. Summer vibes with bright, cheerful hues. Fall showcases rich jewel tones and warm neutrals. Winter engagement shoots shine with deep reds, forest greens, and crisp whites.

WeddingWire reports that 28% of couples schedule their engagement photos in the fall, making it the most popular season. If you’re part of this autumn-loving group, try incorporating shades like burgundy, mustard, or navy into your outfits.

Avoid Color Clashes

While bold colors can be tempting, overly bright or clashing hues often distract from the main focus: you and your partner. Neon shades pose a particular challenge as they can cast unflattering reflections on your skin. Instead, opt for softer, more muted tones that complement each other.

Neutral colors usually photograph best, as they don’t typically clash too hard with anything. But neutral doesn’t have to mean 50 shades of beige.

Create a Cohesive Look

Your outfits should enhance your natural beauty and connection, not overshadow it. Try to create a cohesive look that results in stunning, timeless engagement photos. This doesn’t mean you need to match exactly (in fact, we recommend against it), but your outfits should work well together.

Consider using a color wheel to help you select harmonious colors. Complementary colors (those opposite each other on the wheel) can create a striking contrast, while analogous colors (those next to each other) offer a more subtle, coordinated look.

Test Your Colors

Before your photo session, take some test photos in your chosen outfits. This simple step can help you identify any potential issues with color combinations or how certain shades appear on camera. It’s also a great opportunity to practice posing and get comfortable in front of the lens.

Now that we’ve covered color selection, let’s move on to another crucial aspect of your engagement photo outfits: finding flattering silhouettes that make you feel confident and comfortable.

How to Flatter Your Figure in Engagement Photos

Embrace Your Body Shape

Engagement photos are an important part of the prewedding journey. Understanding your body type is the first step in choosing flattering outfits. If you have an hourglass figure, accentuate your waist with a belted dress or high-waisted bottoms. Pear-shaped individuals might prefer A-line skirts or dresses that highlight the waist and flow over the hips. Those with an athletic build can create curves with wrap dresses or tops with ruching.

Prioritize Comfort and Movement

While looking good is important, comfort takes precedence. Stiff or overly tight clothing can restrict your movement and make you appear uncomfortable in photos. Choose breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, or soft knits that allow free movement.

Consider the activities planned for your shoot. If you’re planning a playful session with lots of movement, select clothing that won’t restrict you. Flowy dresses or skirts can create beautiful movement in photos, while still allowing you to walk, sit, and pose comfortably.

Layer for Versatility

Layering is a smart strategy for engagement photos. It not only adds visual interest to your outfits but also allows for quick style changes without a full outfit swap. Start with a base layer and add pieces like jackets, cardigans, or scarves that you can easily remove or add throughout the shoot.

This technique proves especially useful for outdoor sessions where temperatures might fluctuate.

Choose Flattering Necklines

The neckline of your top or dress can significantly impact how you look in photos. V-necks elongate the neck and create a slimming effect, while boat necks can broaden shoulders (great for pear shapes). Sweetheart necklines add a romantic touch and flatter most body types. Experiment with different styles to find what works best for you.

Consider Your Proportions

Balance is key when selecting engagement photo outfits. If you’re wearing a voluminous top, pair it with slim-fitting bottoms (or vice versa). This creates a harmonious silhouette that photographs beautifully. For couples with significant height differences, avoid outfits that exaggerate this contrast unless that’s the look you’re going for.

Now that we’ve covered how to flatter your figure, let’s explore how accessories can elevate your engagement photo outfits and add personal flair to your images.

How to Accessorize for Engagement Photos

Accessories can transform your engagement photos from simple to spectacular. The right pieces add personality, create visual interest, and tie your outfits together. Let’s explore how to select and use accessories effectively for your engagement shoot.

Select Statement Pieces

Choose one or two statement pieces that reflect your personality and style. This could include a bold necklace, a unique hat, or a colorful scarf. Avoid overloading your look with too many eye-catching items. A single standout accessory often creates the most impact.

Couples are increasingly focused on creating moments that reflect their unique stories, from themed proposals to using heirloom stones in engagement rings. You might consider wearing a family heirloom or a piece of jewelry that holds special meaning for you both (this adds a touching personal element to your photos).

Coordinate Accessories

When accessorizing as a couple, coordination trumps matching. Instead of wearing identical pieces, choose items that complement each other. For example, if one partner wears a watch, the other might opt for a bracelet in a similar metal tone. This approach creates a cohesive look without appearing overly planned.

Match Accessories to Location

Your photo shoot location should influence your accessory choices. For a beach session, consider straw hats or sunglasses. In an urban setting, a sleek watch or stylish handbag might be more appropriate. Ensure your accessories are practical for the location and won’t interfere with your comfort or movement during the shoot.

Find a place that suits your interests and personalities. Do you love the outdoors? Do you prefer a big city? Think about how you like to spend your time when choosing a location for your engagement photos.

Avoid Trendy Overload

While incorporating the latest fashion trends can be tempting, overly trendy accessories can quickly date your photos. Stick to classic pieces that you’ll still love years down the line. If you want to include a trendy item, limit it to one small accessory that can be easily removed for some shots.

Your engagement photos should capture your love story, not showcase the latest fashion fads. Choose accessories that truly represent you as a couple and enhance your natural connection.

Final Thoughts

Selecting the perfect outfits to wear for engagement photos is an exciting part of your journey as a couple. Choose colors that complement each other and harmonize with your surroundings. Opt for flattering silhouettes that make you feel confident and comfortable, and use accessories to add a personal touch (but keep them balanced and meaningful).

Stay true to your personal style when selecting your engagement photo outfits. Your images should reflect who you are as a couple, not a version of yourselves you think you should be. These photos will become cherished memories, so pick outfits that make you feel like the best version of yourselves.

We at Kelly Tareski Photography encourage our clients to consult with us for personalized advice on engagement photo outfits. With years of experience capturing timeless and elegant engagement photos in Spokane, Washington, we help you look and feel your best. Our goal is to create a stress-free, enjoyable experience that results in stunning images you’ll treasure forever. Choosing Your Wardrobe For Your Engagement Photo Session3