How to Coordinate Outfits to Get the Best Look in Your Photos
If you're not sure what to wear to your engagement session, you're not alone—and we're here to help make the process simple and stress-free! One of the best ways to ensure variety and versatility in your photos is by bringing two to three outfits. Each look will help tell a different part of your love story. Here’s what we suggest when putting together the perfect wardrobe for your shoot:
1. Dress It Up
Your engagement session is the perfect opportunity to get a little fancy with your partner—when else do you get the chance to dress to the nines just because? While you don’t need to go full black-tie (unless you want to!), we recommend bringing at least one elevated outfit. Think: a chic dress, skirt and blouse, or even a floor-length gown for you, and a suit, blazer, or slacks with a button-up shirt for your fiancé. This look is ideal for classic, romantic photos and works beautifully for save-the-date cards, wedding websites, or formal announcements on social media.
2. Keep It Casual
Balance out your dressy look with something more relaxed and cozy. A well-fitted pair of jeans, a soft sweater, or a casual dress can give you a laid-back vibe that feels natural and candid—especially if we’re outdoors, walking through fields, forests, or sandy beaches. These shots often turn out to be some of the most genuine and fun from your session! Just be sure to bring footwear that matches this outfit, particularly if the terrain requires comfy or walkable shoes.
3. Coordinate, Don’t Match
Coordination is key when dressing for a photo session. The goal is to look like you belong together without being too matchy-matchy. Stick with complementary colors, tones, and textures that work well together. For example, earth tones, soft pastels, or neutrals often photograph beautifully and allow the focus to stay on your connection. If one of you is wearing a patterned piece—like a floral dress or a plaid shirt—make sure the other keeps it simple with solids or minimal texture.
Also, keep your shoot location in mind! If we’re surrounded by trees, wildflowers, or vintage architecture, try to avoid ultra-bright or neon colors that will clash with the natural tones of the setting.
4. What to Avoid
There are a few outfit choices we recommend steering clear of to keep your images timeless and flattering:
Logos & Graphics: These can be distracting and take attention away from you. The only exception is if we’re doing a themed shoot like wearing your favorite team jerseys!
Bold or Clashing Patterns: A little pattern is okay, but it’s best to let one partner wear it at a time. Avoid mixing things like stripes, florals, or polka dots all in the same shot.
Fluorescent Colors: Bright neon shades may be fun in person, but they often don’t translate well in photos. They can reflect color onto your skin and create unnatural tones.
Let’s Chat About Your Vision
Still feeling unsure about your outfit choices? Don’t worry—we’re always happy to help. We know how important these photos are, and we want you to look and feel your absolute best. If you’d like to run your outfit ideas by us, reach out here and we can make sure everything comes together perfectly for your session.
