What to Wear for Your Engagement Photos: Tips for Adventurous and Creative Couples
Planning an engagement photo session is an exciting part of your wedding journey. It's your chance to capture your love story in a beautiful, authentic way. As a photographer, the number one question I get from couples is: “What should we wear?”. The outfits you choose can enhance or even define the vibe of your photos, helping to tell your unique story as a couple. So let’s dive into some practical tips to help you feel your best and look amazing for your engagement session.
Embrace Your Personal Style
Your engagement photos should reflect who you are as a couple. Think about your personal style and how you want to be remembered. Are you adventurous and free-spirited? Or perhaps you prefer a more sophisticated, timeless look. Whatever your vibe, make sure your outfits feel like you.
Tips:
Choose outfits that make you feel comfortable and confident.
Avoid anything that feels too far outside your usual style – you want to look like the best version of yourselves, not someone entirely different.
Think about your favorite pieces of clothing – they might just be perfect for your shoot!
Consider bringing multiple outfits to showcase different sides of your personalities.
Opt for classic pieces if you're going for a timeless feel, or go bold if you’re embracing something playful and modern.
Coordinate, Don’t Match
Gone are the days of perfectly matching outfits. Instead, aim for complementary colors and styles that work well together. Think of your outfits as part of a cohesive visual story. When done correctly, this approach adds depth and interest to the photos, making them feel natural and dynamic.
Tips:
Stick to a color palette with 2-3 main colors that blend well. Think about how the colors will look against the backdrop of your location.
Mix textures and patterns thoughtfully. If one person is wearing a bold pattern, the other can go for solid or subtle textures to balance it out.
Consider the location and season when choosing your outfits. Light pastels may look stunning against a summer beach backdrop, while deeper tones might suit an autumn forest or an urban cityscape shoot.
When in doubt, neutrals like ivory, beige, gray, and soft earth tones tend to work beautifully and photograph well.
Dress for the Location
Whether you’re planning a beach engagement photo shoot in Malibu, a cozy cityscape engagement session in downtown Los Angeles, or a dreamy forest engagement photoshoot somewhere outside the city, your outfits should complement the surroundings. The location sets the mood of your photos, so your attire should match the atmosphere and environment you’re in.
Tips:
Nature-Inspired Engagement Sessions: If you're having a session in a natural, outdoor environment, earthy tones, flowy fabrics, and natural textures work well. Think soft greens, browns, and creams.
Urban Engagement Photography: Urban environments call for sleek, stylish clothing that reflects the modern vibe of the city. Structured outfits, denim jackets, and chic accessories can create the perfect look.
Beach Engagement Photography Tips: For beach photos, lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, or chiffon work wonders. Soft blues, whites, and neutrals complement the natural beauty of the sea and sky.
Adventure and Hiking Engagement Photos: If your engagement session involves hiking or outdoor exploration, choose breathable, comfortable clothing and footwear. Layers can be helpful if you’re expecting varying temperatures throughout the day.
Pay Attention to the Details
The small things can make a big difference. From shoes to accessories, these little details help tie the whole look together and add interest to your photos. It’s important not to overlook the smaller aspects of your outfits, as they can elevate your photos.
Tips:
Avoid overly bright or distracting patterns that may pull focus. You want the attention on you, not on your outfit.
Keep accessories simple and meaningful. A piece of jewelry that has sentimental value, like a family heirloom or a pendant, can add a personal touch without overwhelming the image.
Make sure your shoes are comfortable if you’re planning on walking or hiking during the shoot. Blisters and sore feet can quickly turn a fun experience into a stressful one.
Layering can add depth to your photos. Consider denim jackets, cozy cardigans, or stylish blazers that can be added or removed to switch up the look.
Bring a stylish hat, scarf, or other fun props to add variety to your photos. This could include sunglasses for a chic touch or a picnic blanket for a more relaxed vibe.
Consider Hair and Makeup
Professional hair and makeup can help you look polished and camera-ready. Even if you prefer a more natural look, a bit of professional touch can go a long way in enhancing your features for photos. It’s important to feel confident and your best on camera, and hair and makeup can play a big role in that.
Tips:
Consider scheduling your engagement shoot on the same day as your wedding hair and makeup trial. This allows you to kill two birds with one stone and ensures your look will photograph well on the big day.
Bring along any items for touch-ups if needed. A few essentials like powder, lip gloss, or hairspray can be lifesavers during the shoot.
Opt for a makeup look that enhances your natural beauty without feeling too heavy or unfamiliar. Remember, makeup for photography should be slightly more dramatic than everyday makeup, but you don’t want to feel like a different person.
If you're feeling adventurous, go for a bold lip color or a dramatic eye look to add a stylish flair. These can work beautifully with your outfit and the overall aesthetic of your shoot.
Plan for Comfort and Movement
Especially for adventurous couples, being comfortable is key. Choose outfits that allow you to move freely and feel good throughout the session. If you’re having fun, that will come through in the photos. If you're constantly adjusting your clothes or feeling restricted, it will show.
Tips:
Avoid anything too tight or restrictive. You’ll want to enjoy your shoot, not constantly tug at your clothes or feel stiff in front of the camera.
Bring layers if you’ll be shooting in cooler weather. Some sort of stylish jacket or scarf can not only keep you warm but can also add some texture and visual interest to your engagement photos.
Have a backup outfit just in case! Outdoor shoots can sometimes get messy, especially if you’re on uneven terrain or in a wet/muddy environment. Having a spare outfit can save the day if anything happens.
Test your outfits in advance by moving around and posing to ensure you're comfortable. Try sitting, standing, and even stretching in your clothes to make sure they move with you.
The Power of Color
Certain colors can really pop in photos, while others might clash with the environment they’re in. Consider how your outfits will look against the chosen backdrop. Colors that blend well with your surroundings tend to photograph better and create a more cohesive look.
Tips:
Earthy tones and soft pastels generally photograph beautifully. These colors tend to flatter a wide range of skin tones and add richness to your photos.
Avoid bright neon colors that can cast unwanted tints on your skin. Neon greens, pinks, and yellows can be jarring and distracting.
Think about how your chosen colors will complement each other and the environment. If you're shooting in a forest, deep reds or mustard yellows can stand out against the green backdrop, while soft blues can be perfect for a coastal shoot.
For outdoor shoots, rich colors like emerald green, burgundy, mustard, and rust work beautifully. These colors complement natural settings and add warmth to the image.
Practical Considerations
While capturing beautiful photos is the ultimate goal, practicality matters just as much. Being well-prepared for your engagement session can help get rid of any stress, ensuring that the experience remains enjoyable and memorable. By thinking ahead, you can focus on simply having fun and creating your memories without any distractions. Here are some practical tips that will help ensure everything goes smoothly and you’re ready for whatever the day may bring.
Tips:
Check the weather forecast and plan accordingly. If you’re shooting outdoors, make sure to dress for the weather and bring any necessary weather protection, like an umbrella or sunscreen.
Bring a bag with essentials like water, snacks, makeup touch-ups, and a change of shoes if needed. It's always a good idea to have the basics on hand to stay comfortable during your shoot.
Think about how your outfits will hold up throughout the session, especially if you're planning something adventurous.
FAQs: Your Outfit Questions Answered
What should we avoid wearing for engagement photos?
Avoid clothing with large logos, busy patterns, or overly bright colors that can be distracting. Stick to timeless, neutral tones and complementary styles. Avoid overly tight or ill-fitting clothing that might make you uncomfortable during the session.
How many outfits should we bring?
Bringing two outfits is a good idea: one casual and relaxed, and one more polished and dressed-up to provide variety. This will allow you to capture a mix of looks and give your photos more visual interest. Also note if your photographer has any limits to how many outfit changes are allowed in the services you agreed to.
Should we match our outfits?
Matching outfits can feel a bit outdated. Instead, aim for complementary colors and styles that work well together without looking overly coordinated. The key is creating a cohesive look that feels natural and in tune with your personalities.
What shoes should we wear for an engagement photo session?
For engagement photos, choose shoes that are both stylish and comfortable. If you’re planning a beach session or an adventurous shoot, opt for something practical like sandals or boots that can handle various terrains. For more formal settings, sleek shoes that complement your outfits work well. Be sure to bring an extra pair of shoes for comfort if you’ll be walking or hiking during the shoot. Or if you're feeling adventurous, go barefoot!
How do we choose a location that complements our outfits?
When choosing a location for your engagement photography in Los Angeles or anywhere else, consider how your outfits will interact with the environment. For natural, outdoor shoots, earthy tones and soft fabrics work well with lush greenery, beaches, or rustic settings. For urban settings, sleek, modern clothing pairs well with cityscapes, while more romantic or vintage outfits may suit gardens or historical venues. Consider the colors in your outfits and how they will look against the backdrop to create a balanced, visually
Final Thoughts
Your engagement session is all about celebrating your love and connection. Choosing the right outfits can enhance the overall experience and make your photos feel even more magical. At Transcend Photography, I love helping adventurous and creative couples bring their vision to life. If you’re looking for an engagement photographer near Los Angeles who truly gets your vibe, feel free to get in touch!
And if you’re looking for the perfect location for your engagement photography in Los Angeles, be sure to check out my blog post 11 incredible locations for engagement portraits in Los Angeles (and where to park).
Ready to book your Southern California engagement session or have more questions about what to wear? Let’s chat and create something amazing together!
