Getting ready for your engagement photos? Let’s talk about one of the most important aspects – your outfits! Trust me, this can make a huge difference in how your photos turn out. You want to look good, feel comfortable, and also stay true to yourselves.
I’ve captured plenty of engagement sessions across Montana and beyond, and I help my clients prepare for them, too. So, let’s dive into what to wear for your engagement photos and tips to get the most out of your session!
What to Wear for Engagement Photos
Compliment & Coordinate
Find a color palette that you love and choose outfits that complement each other. Neutrals with a few pops of color or a softer palette with different tones of the same shades work well. Avoid matching outfits exactly; instead, aim for a cohesive look where the colors and styles harmonize. Think about the setting of your shoot— for springtime with fresh grass you might not want to wear a lot of green. For winter snow photos you will get lost if you wear a lot of white!
Dress for the Weather
Always be prepared for the weather and bring layers. The weather can change very quickly, especially in the mountains. In colder months, definitely layer up and have appropriate boots! Think about cozy sweaters, coats, scarves – these can be warm and look good!
During winter, when it can be extremely cold, you could layer thermals under your clothes.
In warmer months, light and breathable fabrics are your best friends. However, you might still want to bring a jacket!
Add Dimension with Textures
Mix up the texture of your clothing and accents. A combination of different materials can add interest to your photos. Think denim paired with soft cotton, or a knit sweater with a flowy skirt. Textures not only add visual interest but also help to create a dynamic and engaging look.
Casual + Dressy Looks
Many couples choose one casual look and one more dressed-up look. It’s totally up to you! Just make sure you feel comfortable and confident. Casual outfits can be anything from jeans and a nice top to a cute sundress. For a dressier look, think smart-casual—like a tailored blazer with a nice shirt or a stylish dress.
Don’t forget accessories
Accessories can pull an outfit together and give you multiple looks without full outfit changes. Think light jackets, hats, belts, and more. They provide an easy way to switch up your look quickly, giving you more variety in your photos without needing a full wardrobe change.
Most Importantly – Be Comfortable
Wear clothes you feel comfortable in and can move in. We’ll be sitting, walking, dancing—you name it! Shoes should be broken in and comfortable, and clothing should fit well without being restrictive. When you feel good in what you’re wearing, it shows in your photos!
This is the point where I don’t recommend buying a whole new outfit for your session. But if you do – wear it in a little bit to see that you really feel good in it!
What to Avoid for Your Engagement Photos
- Wrinkled Clothes: Please iron any wrinkled clothing beforehand, these can be almost impossible to fix in editing. Use a garment steamer or iron to remove any wrinkles, and consider bringing your outfits in a garment bag to keep them looking fresh.
- Bright Colors: Bright reds or greens can reflect on your face and make you look a bit strange. Bold, bright colors can cast unflattering reflections on your skin, especially in bright sunlight. Instead, opt for softer, muted tones that enhance your natural complexion and complement your skin tone.
- Hat Hair: Unless you plan to wear a hat for the entire shoot, those lines will most likely show. If you love hats, bring them! We can plan the shoot so we can start without the hat, and then switch it up later!
- Things in Your Pockets: I always make my clients double-check their pockets, but you really don’t want to have anything in your pockets. It will make that area look awkward and make movement more difficult. Sitting down with your phone in your pocket is difficult!
A Few More Tips for Your Session
Eat Something: Hangry people don’t photograph well! Make sure to eat something before your session to keep your energy up and your mood happy. Think of something easy and non-messy to avoid any potential spills. Or better yet, eat before you change into your outfits.
Be on Time: We want to make the most of our time together. If we start late, we’ll have less time to roam around together and capture your love. The best light for photos is during the golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, so punctuality is key to catching that perfect glow!
Bring Multiple Outfits: Feel free to bring several outfits and change them up if you like! For an hour session, I recommend no more than 2 outfits. Changing outfits takes time, and your session is about being present and having fun versus multiple wardrobe changes. However, I do recommend you bring a couple of outfits because that really adds a lot of variety to your session!
Bring Props: Love biking? Bring your bikes! Have a furry friend? Pets are always welcome. Fishing down by the river? Bring that fishing pole! Whatever makes you, YOU – bring it along.
Include an Activity: We can do anything during your shoot! Activities can be really fun and make for great photos. Love biking? Bring your bikes! Furry friends are always welcome. Pop some champs, bring that fishing pole! REALLY, whatever you love to do!
Let’s Capture Your Montana Engagement Photos Next!
I hope that this guide will help you figure out what to wear for your engagement photos! And if you’re looking for someone to capture your love story, I’d love to chat with you! Reach out to me here! And if you’re looking for more session inspiration and tips, check out the rest of my blog!
