Dressing For Your Engagement Pictures!

Wondering what to wear for your engagement photos? You're not alone. Couples spend plenty of time planning the looks that will show up on everything from their save-the-dates to the walls of their first house. Consider these tips when planning your session!

1. Wear Clothes That Make You Feel Like You

Now's not the time to pull out a beaded ball gown if you're a T-shirt and jeans kind of girl. "The bride should feel comfortable in the outfit she chooses. She should still look like herself, but at her best. Wardrobe choices that are extremely outside a bride's level of comfort will make her look and feel awkward in photos, which isn't pretty for anyone."

2. Complement Each Other, But Don't Match

Complementing your man's look is one thing. But "matching outfits and patterned prints aren't ideal for portrait sessions. When deciding how you and your partner will dress, look for complementary colors and solid prints. Try to stay away from anything too busy, as it can be an unnecessary distraction in photos."

3. Choose Pastels, Cool Colors,

and Neutral Tones

You'll want to avoid anything neon, lest you look like a hot, blinking sign. "I also find orange is the least photogenic color, while red is the color your eye is drawn to immediately—and you don't necessarily want your shirt or skirt to be the focus of your photograph. You want your faces and the love between you to stand out." So consider wearing pastels, cool hues, or neutral tones, then add a pop of bright color with your accessories.

4. Be Mindful of How Your Color Scheme Will Flow Through the Collection of Photos

Once you have an idea of what colors you'll be wearing in your engagement photos, consider how that color will translate throughout the entire collection of photos. You want to create synergy, rather than have the final result look like a random collection of images. "For example, if you love light blue, you can wear this as a dress or a jumpsuit. Then have him incorporate the same hue (think a blue tie or accessory) in a later look during the shoot to tie things together without it being too matchy-matchy.

5. Choose Classic Rather Than Trendy Looks

You may love that black-and-white maxidress now, but next year you may only picture a referee or jailbird when you see yourself in head-to-toe stripes. "I always recommend looks that will remain timeless, rather than outfits that could make your images feel dated a few years down the road," Plus, "overly contrived looks can feel awkward and clunky in photos—and you want to look effortless, not like you're trying too hard."

6. Stick With Two Outfits

Don't fall victim to treating your engagement session as a fashion photo shoot. "You're going to have a million wedding photos where you're all dolled up and looking gorgeous," "But these? These are the pictures where you get to remember who you are at the end of the day when it's only the two of you! Two outfits is more than enough to reflect this in couples, and it insures you won't spend your entire engagement session in a rush to change into the next set of clothes."

7. Flatter Your Body Type

Clothing looks best if it fits properly and accentuates your assets! Go-to tips are below:

Pear-Shaped: To show off your curves, focus on cinching the waist with an A-line design that flares at the bottom.
Apple-Shaped: An A-line style with a gradual flow from the waist to the legs is always flattering. This shape is also great for a dress with texture and/or a deep V-neck.
Busty: Scoop and sweetheart necklines offer support and open up the décolletage so the focus is on the face rather than the bust.
Small Chest: Look for textured or ruched styles to create fullness in the chest area.
Plus Size: Engagement photos featuring an empire-waist dress are a go-to. They're super flattering and emphasize the smallest portion under the bust, creating the effect of a slender silhouette from top to bottom.

8. Garner Inspiration from Throwback Photos

Take a trip down memory lane and browse through old photos of you and your partner together, as well as individually. Now pick out the absolute best parts of those pictures (perhaps it's a pose you love or a gorgeous backdrop), and create a mood board on Pinterest to start planning the direction of your engagement shoot. "Seeing what makes sense and what you're into will help give you some guidance."

9. Make Use of the Season

Bikinis don't work for a winter engagement shoot, and vice versa, of course. Take advantage of the season you're in and create an on-theme outfit.

Winter and Fall: Don't be afraid to bundle up. Living in NWI "My favorite tip is to wear fleece-lined tights under jeans or pants!" Or layer cozy knits, like a sweater or a cowl scarf, grab a bright winter coat, and put on a pair of fingerless gloves. "Winter accessories can be really cute. Plus, it makes more sense visually to be dressed for winter if you're being photographed in the snow!" Not in the Rockies or Adirondacks? Winter sessions downtown can be just as stunning. "City and holiday lights will add some beautiful bokeh [out-of-focus, blurry light spots] in the background. Paired with a chic winter outfit, an urban setting can really highlight the season,"
Summer and Spring: Wondering what to wear for engagement pictures in warmer weather? Bring summer vibes to life by going barefoot on the beach or sharing a cone on the pier in sandals and shorts with your sweetie! Pair a maxidress with a statement necklace, or a summer dress with a denim jacket for a sweet look. As for spring, you've got flowers in bloom and love in the air; you can't go wrong with subtle floral prints and pastel hues.