You’ve scheduled your portrait session and suddenly you begin to wonder what outfits you should wear. Outfits can make or break a portrait session and shouldn’t go overlooked. After all, you want to look your absolute best! For this reason, I decided to create a series titled, “What to Wear,” in which I will give you ideas with regards to your outfits for each type of portrait session - Engagement, Family, Maternity and Lifestyle Newborn.
Engagement Portrait Sessions
Consider the Season
To start with, make sure your outfit choices are appropriate for the season. Spring and Summer are the most popular times for engagement sessions so choose breathable clothing that you will feel comfortable in. Shorter hemlines are a great look for warmer weather as well. Check the weather and make sure your outfit will be comfortable so you can have the best portraits taken as possible.
Jacob and Hannah’s Engagement Session took place in January of a particularly warm “winter” in Central Texas. Jacob is comfortable in a short sleeved button up shirt, while Hannah is wearing a flowing dress with light material.
Make It Personal
An engagement session is all about you and your fiance. Choose your favorite colors that showcase your personal style. It’s also fun to bring other outfits and accessories to switch out throughout the session. You can easily do this by switching out shoes or jewelry - or even adding a fun, stylish hat!
Hannah created a look which showcased her personality with stylish shoes and a fun hat that complemented them.
Complement Each Other…But Not Too Much
Choosing outfits that complement each other while allowing you both to express yourself can be tricky, but there are way to make it work. Clothing with overly expressive patterns and take away from the overall effect of the portrait. Instead choose clothing that complements each other’s outfit. I can’t stress enough how important it is to plan ahead of time rather than waiting until the last minute. This will give you ample time to put several outfits together to determine what works best. Take special care not to match. Too much of one color will make your looks blend together instead of making each of you “pop.” This is a chance to show off how well you both work together without being identical.
Jacob is wearing a shirt with a pattern on it while Hannah is wearing solid colors that are found within the pattern on Jacob’s shirt. Their outfits complement, not match.
Location, Location, Location
The location might not seem like it matters when choosing outfits, however it does. The location should have a strong influence of what you decide to wear. Your outfits should help you feel comfortable at the chosen location which in turn complements your personalities and style.
Jacob and Hannah chose a location in a wooded park with plenty of paved walkways.
“The best thing to hold onto in life is each other.”