Your session is booked, the contract is signed, I'm sure your next thought is:
"but what do we wear?"
Planning outfits can be difficult and complicated, resulting in unwanted stress. Who wants to stress over planning photos? Honestly, no one. I've been in your shoes: unsure of what to wear, stressing about what colors would look the best, without a clue of where to start.
I would love to make this process as smooth as possible for my clients. I've created this guide in hopes you will go through the art of finding outfits that will leave you confident and comfortable throughout your session. Your own personal style will play a huge factor in all of this as you want who you are as a couple to really shine through your session. However, I'm going to walk you through some of the most important factors that come to mind when planning your outfits.
Comfort
When the planning process starts the first thing I want you to think of is comfort. I keep my clients moving, constantly switching between prompting and posing is my favorite way to keep my couples on their toes. You're going to want to be comfortable! Remember these questions especially when planning shoes:
Where is your session taking place? Are you going to be on concrete the whole session or will it vary from concrete to uneven terrain on and off of a pathway?
Are you someone that only ever wears heels or do you prefer a flat sole like vans or sneakers? Comfort is the most important factor in my opinion, engagement sessions can take up to an hour and a half and the last thing you want is to be uncomfortable the entire time!
Color Palete
I want you to think about the color palette. Did you know that certain colors photograph different? Colors also play a huge factor in editing style. I always tell my clients to stick to muted, neutral, and dusty colors rather than bright neon colors to ensure my editing style will match what you have seen in my galleries and you won't have any colors reflecting onto your skin and changing you skin tone.
Location also plays a role in the color palette. If were going to be shooting in a downtown location you're going to want to stick to black, grey, ivory, dusty rose and cream, to bring out the buildings surrounding you. If your session takes place in nature you're going to want to bring out the beauty of the wilderness surrounding you with earth like tones sticking to cream, ivory, olive green, rusty orange, and browns.
Seasons will also play a role in what colors you tend to wear depending on the seasons. When the seasons are changing your wardrobe color is typically changing with it. I have created the below guide to represent seasons and what colors look best during each season.
Spring & Summer
Fall
Winter
Engagement
I am a sucker for an hour long engagement session with two different vibes - a dressy bridal feeling vibe and a more casual colorful vibe. I would choose any of the of the above guides for the casual portion of your session and any from of the below guides for the dressier portion of your engagement session. This will make it appear as you had two separate sessions and you'll be able to live out your bridal era while also sticking to your typical casual vibe. I want to ensure your photos feel like you of course, so if you prefer not to wear a bridal style dressier portion that is all up to you! I wanted to include ideas for the girlies that love a shorter mini dress and the ones that love a longer midi or maxi length dress.
Casual
Let's talk more about my friends that love a good casual fit and don't enjoy dressing up. Look I am here with you! I would prefer a cute jean, tee shirt, and honestly going barefoot or in a tennis shoe or flat sandal is my go to! I can't leave you out of here because your casual fit needs some love in front of the camera as well.
Time to go shopping!
I am going to be so real when I say I will use anything as an excuse to go shopping! Getting photos done is always an excuse for shopping. I'm sure my husband would appreciate it if I would just wear something I already have in my closet instead of dropping more money on new clothes, but I just can't stop myself! I am an avid online shopper and at this point I really need to start an Amazon store front, because most of the items I have listed above I found right on Amazon. I have zero shame. It is quick and convenient and returns are really easy. Other places I love to shop and where some of the above clothing items are from: Wild Oak Boutique, Lane 201, Showpo, Francesca's, American Eagle, and I love a good thrift/consignment shop!
Be True to YOU
These are just a quick look into colors and clothing that I think would photograph well, but always be true to you and lean towards something you would wear when you are choosing outfits for your photos. These are for YOU not me! So, dress yourself accordingly and as I said in the beginning, think comfort over everything! If your feet are hurting from your shoes you or your freezing cold bc you didn't want to wear a coat just note that you will probably see how uncomfortable you are on camera too!
I hope this style guide can give some clarity and a few helpful tips when planning outfits! I cannot wait for our next session!
