It can be intimidating for some couples to pick outfits for their Engagement Session. But there are two simple rules you can follow that will make your job easier.

The first, which is ultimately the key for success, is to dress the way you would if you were attending a wedding as a guest. Formal wear and the camera are best friends! I officially give you permission to DRESS UP! Wear that fabulous black dress or fitted suit you’ve always wanted to take out on the town. Nothing is too dressy for photos, even if we’re shooting in a meadow - a classy dress and a tailored suit look great anywhere we go!

Secondly, what you wear does need to feel comfortable. If you are fighting a plunge neckline that keeps showing undergarments, or shoes that are too small, it will be hard to relax and have fun in front of the camera. Select clothes that fit your body well and allow you to move around a little bit.

While those two rules are the most fundamental, we are going to explore more specific tips and advice to take your outfit to the next level and help you dress your best for photos!

Flattering Your Figure

In my experience, every woman, regardless of her shape, has an area of her body that she’s self-conscious about, so recognizing what area that is in advance is key. Choosing flattering silhouettes and colors that complement your natural features is the best way to ensure you’ll love the way you look in your photos.

Dresses & Skirts. For starters, Dresses and skirts look most stunning because they really flatter every female body, especially on camera — which is probably why the red carpet is always full of so many dresses and not very many pantsuits! I recommend skipping the pants and shorts for your session, and saying yes to a dress or two instead. Long, full-length, flowy (i.e. chiffon or silk) dresses and skirts look amazing on camera because they bring extra movement to the photos.

Sleeve Length. If arm workouts aren't your thing, and you're a little more conscious of their form, consider three-quarter length sleeves. This length creates an awesome slimming effect on all arms, so be on the lookout for an option with a longer length sleeve. You could also bring a cute jacket, blazer or cardigan along, too. Skinny straps or strapless dresses have the opposite effect on arms on camera, so I recommend avoiding those whenever possible if your goal is a set of slimmer-looking arms.

Choose Your Shoes. A great pair of heels makes anyone feel (and look) extra fabulous! (Yes, that means you get to go shopping!) Heels lengthen your legs and show off your calves. If your heels have a peep-toe, you might also consider a pedicure before your session. (Pro Tip: Bring a pair of easy-to-kick-off flats to wear when moving from place to place in between photos. Your feet will thank you later!)

Hair & Makeup Professional. This is also the perfect opportunity to get to know your hair and makeup artist before the wedding day, and hold a mini practice session the day of your Engagement Session. They will know exactly how to prep your skin and eyes for natural light photography. If you need recommendations for makeup artists in your area, let me know and I’ll help you out!

Self Styling. If you plan to do your own makeup, pay attention to your eyes. Your eyes will be the most important factor in many of your images, so spend extra time making them look beautiful! Wear more makeup than usual, use a good blush, and set your foundation with a loose powder. Also, natural color tones (browns, tans, pinks) tend to look flattering on most skin tones. If you're doing your own hair, avoid fly-aways with a good shine serum and bring along a brush for mid-shoot touch-ups.

Keep it Simple. If you're still not sure, just pick a great solid colored dress, add a fun accessory like a beautiful necklace or earrings, then pair with some great heels.

Dapper and Debonair

Layers. Next time you walk by a store like J. Crew, you’ll notice the male mannequins and models are always wearing several layers at once. Layers on men look great on camera, because adding another layer will bring extra dimension and visual interest to your photos. Blazers, vests and coats up the level of any look. If the temperature permits, he could even consider adding a v-neck sweater with a pop of color from a long-sleeved collared shirt underneath. Rolling the sleeves on a collared shirt can also add a more simple level of layering. Don’t be afraid to get a little creative with layers!

Dress Pants & Chinos. As mentioned in General Recommendations above, your Engagement Session is the ideal time to dress up. Rather than wearing jeans or shorts, opt for dress pants or chinos. Remember, they will be most flattering if they are well tailored rather than hanging loosely from the hips.

Dress Shoes. Brown leather dress shoes complement almost every look, whether he’s wearing a full suit or a blazer and colored pants. Belts, suspenders, vests and watches are sharp complements to any outfit for men as well. Just be sure to match any metals or leathers to those in the rest of the outfit (i.e a brown belt or watch should be worn with brown shoes).

Two Outfits. If you bring two outfits to the session, you can start with a traditional suit or blazer, then switch to a collard shirt and chinos (with sweater for cooler months) for your second look. If two looks are too stressful, no problem! One will do the trick! You can still mix and match layers and accessories to complement both of her dresses without doing a full change during the session. So, either way, it's a win. 

Keep it Simple. Pick a suit that is tailored to fit you well (or a nice pair of dark chinos) and pair with a collared shirt in your favorite color and add a belt, watch, pair of shoes.