What to Wear for Your Engagement Photos: Outfit Guide Salt Lake City
What to Wear for Your Engagement Photos: Outfit Guide
Your engagement photos are a special way to document this momentous time in your life as a couple. These photos will capture your love, excitement, and anticipation, and they’ll likely be displayed at your wedding or in your home for years to come. One of the most important aspects of these photos is what you wear! The right outfits can elevate your photos, make you feel more comfortable, and ensure that your engagement shoot reflects your style and personalities. But finding the perfect outfit can be daunting. Don’t worry — this guide will help you navigate the world of engagement photo outfits and give you the tips and inspiration you need for a memorable session.
1. Consider the Location of Your Engagement Photos
Before choosing outfits, think about where your engagement photos will take place. The location will heavily influence the type of clothing that will look best. Whether you’re shooting in a natural outdoor setting, a vintage-inspired venue, or an urban city backdrop, each environment will require different outfit choices. Let’s break down the best outfits for a few common engagement shoot locations:
Outdoor/Field Photos: A rustic farm, field, or forest setting calls for outfits that complement nature. Think earthy tones, light flowing fabrics, and soft textures. Women might opt for maxi dresses or skirts with delicate floral patterns, while men can wear smart-casual looks with a relaxed shirt or light sweater. You could even incorporate cozy scarves or boots depending on the season.
Beach/Waterfront Photos: If you're planning a beach shoot, light and breezy attire works best. Women might choose flowing dresses in soft colors like pastels or neutrals. Grooms can wear linen shirts and lightweight pants for a relaxed yet stylish look. Avoid wearing clothing that will look out of place in a serene, natural setting — think light and effortless, not overly formal or heavy.
Urban/City Photos: For engagement sessions in an urban environment, you have more flexibility to experiment with chic, modern looks. A sleek, contemporary outfit will suit the city’s sophisticated vibe. For example, a woman might wear a tailored dress or jumpsuit, while the groom could wear a button-down shirt with dark jeans or even a suit if you’re going for a more formal feel. Bold colors and trendy accessories can add a fun pop against the cityscape.
Indoor/Studio Photos: If your engagement photos are being taken in a studio or indoor setting, you have the opportunity to dress up without worrying about the elements. Opt for elegant outfits that reflect your personal style. Women might go for cocktail dresses or elegant gowns, while men could wear blazers or well-fitted shirts. Remember, indoor lighting can be different, so brighter colors tend to stand out better.
2. Choose Outfits That Complement Each Other
While you don’t need to wear matching outfits, you do want to make sure your looks complement one another. Choose outfits that reflect your individual styles but also create a cohesive visual. Here are a few tips:
Color Coordination: Consider choosing a color palette for both outfits. This doesn't mean matching identical colors, but rather coordinating hues that look good together. A mix of neutral tones (e.g., white, beige, gray, navy) works well for a more timeless look, while pastel or jewel tones can add more vibrancy. Don’t forget to consider the location of the shoot and the season as well. For instance, warm earthy tones like mustard, rust, and deep greens work wonderfully for fall engagements, while lighter pastels are perfect for spring.
Avoid Overly Bold Prints: While a subtle pattern like a floral or plaid can add interest, avoid busy, large prints or logos that may distract from the main focus — you and your partner. Stick to solid colors or delicate patterns for a more sophisticated, timeless look.
Layering and Texture: Textures can add dimension to your photos. Lace, wool, velvet, or denim can create visual interest, especially in close-up shots. Layering also gives you the flexibility to change up your look throughout the session. A jacket, scarf, or cardigan can add both style and warmth, especially for fall or winter sessions.
3. Comfort is Key
It’s important to wear something that makes you feel comfortable and confident. You’ll be spending a couple of hours in these clothes, and if you’re not comfortable, it will show in the photos. Here are a few ways to ensure comfort:
Familiar Fabrics: Don’t choose fabrics that you’re unfamiliar with or uncomfortable in. If you don’t normally wear silk, for example, and aren’t sure how it feels, it might not be the best fabric for your photoshoot.
Fit and Tailoring: Ensure your outfits fit well. Clothes that are too tight or too loose can be unflattering in photos. Try everything on before the shoot, and if necessary, visit a tailor to make sure everything fits perfectly. A well-tailored outfit will enhance your figure and look great on camera.
Shoes Matter: Comfortable shoes are crucial, especially if your photoshoot involves a lot of walking. High heels might look stunning but could be difficult to wear in outdoor or scenic settings. If you wear heels, be sure you can walk comfortably in them or bring an alternative pair of shoes for when you're not being photographed.
4. Consider the Season
The time of year can significantly affect your engagement photo outfits, so make sure to choose your clothing based on the season.
Spring and Summer Engagement Photos: These seasons are typically more casual and light. Flowy dresses, skirts, and shirts in lighter fabrics like cotton or chiffon are ideal. Light hues, florals, and pastel colors work beautifully for spring and summer engagements. For men, consider linen shirts, short-sleeve button-downs, or casual blazers.
Fall and Winter Engagement Photos: As the weather cools, you’ll want to layer up while still looking stylish. A cozy sweater, a scarf, a jacket, or a wool coat can keep you warm without sacrificing style. Deeper colors like burgundy, emerald, navy, and mustard are great choices for the fall and winter seasons.
Weather Considerations: If you’re shooting in cold weather, make sure to layer your clothes so you’re warm. If it’s hot, choose lightweight fabrics that breathe. You don’t want to be sweating or shivering during your session, so be prepared for the weather on the day of the shoot.
5. Hair and Makeup Should Complement the Outfit
Your outfit and your hair and makeup should work together to create a polished look. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Hair: Go for a style that you feel comfortable with, but also consider something a bit more elevated than your everyday look. Soft waves, a sleek ponytail, or a loose updo can add sophistication to your appearance. Be sure to choose a style that will hold up throughout the shoot, especially if the weather is windy or humid.
Makeup: Engagement photos are a great opportunity to look your best, but you don’t need to overdo it. Focus on enhancing your natural features. A bit more makeup than usual (e.g., slightly bolder eyes or lips) can help the photos pop, but keep it light and fresh so you still look like yourself. If you're not comfortable doing your own makeup, consider hiring a professional to ensure you feel confident and camera-ready.
6. Bring Extras for Variety
If you're uncertain about the exact look, bringing along a couple of extra outfits can give you options and variety during your shoot. Some couples prefer to have a more formal outfit for one part of the session and a more casual look for another. Consider these extra outfit ideas:
A casual outfit (like a cozy sweater and jeans)
A more formal or dressy look (like a suit or a cocktail dress)
An accessory swap (e.g., hats, scarves, jewelry) to change the vibe of your photos
A coat or jacket, especially if you're shooting outdoors
Having variety will allow your photographer to capture a wider range of shots, giving you a richer set of photos to choose from.
7. Be Yourself!
While this guide provides tips on what to wear, the most important thing is to be true to yourselves. Your engagement photos should reflect your unique personalities and the love you share as a couple. If you're not into formal wear, don’t feel pressured to wear it. Choose what feels most authentic and comfortable to you, and let your personalities shine through in the photos.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the perfect outfits for your engagement photos can be overwhelming, but with a little planning and thought, it can be a fun and rewarding experience. Keep in mind the location, the season, and the vibe you want to convey, and always opt for comfort and confidence. A well-thought-out outfit will not only make you look amazing but will also help you feel relaxed and at ease in front of the camera. The result will be photos that beautifully capture this special chapter in your love story!