Stuck on what to wear? I hear ya! Picking outfits for a session can be stressful! Here are some tips and tricks for planning your outfits for your couples or engagement session (or any session).

1. Coordinate – don’t match!

Coordinating does not mean “matching”. Wearing the same color in a different shade is actually more ideal and eye pleasing than trying to find the exact color!

2. Balance each other out

If one of you is wearing something with a lot of color and pattern, sometimes it’s best to have the other person wear a neutral to tone it down a bit. If you’re wearing plaid or other patterns, the bigger the better! Larger plaid photographs better than tiny little-checkered patterns. The camera can’t pick those tiny patterns up from far away. They actually make a moiré pattern which the camera “freaks out” at.

3. Accessorize!

Scarves, necklaces, belts, jean jackets, blazers, suspenders, cardigans…. I love them all! They can add so much to an outfit AND it gives you something to hold onto.

4. Keep it simple

Don’t over think it! Some of my favorite outfits have been when the guy is just wearing a simple colored v-neck!

5. Equal style of outfits.

Make sure you are equal when it comes to how formal your attire is. If the lady is wearing a little black dress, then the man probably shouldn’t be in shorts and tennis shoes.

6. Wear something unique to you

Don’t be afraid to be yourself and wear something that is unique to you! If you have a unique style, be sure to show it off! Love the Riders? Wear jersey’s for a few shots.

7. Have TWO outfits

Some couples have two outfits for their engagement session. One outfit is normally on the dressier side and one outfit is more relaxed and casual. This will result in more variety in your photos.

8. Wear attire that is flattering to your figure and your skin tone. For example, if you don’t like the way you look in stripes on a normal, day-to-day basis, you’re not going to love the way you look in your images that I take. If you’re self conscious about your legs, don’t wear a mini-skirt. If you’re self-conscious about your arms, it’s probably not smart to wear sleeveless shirts (wear a coat or cardigan on top). Bottom line, make sure you wear something that you’re comfortable in. Sure, I’m going to teach you how to pose in super flattering ways, but you’ll love your images so much more if you wear an outfit that you’re comfortable and CONFIDENT in!! Confidence photographs well!

Bonus tip for ROMANTIC images!

If you want extra ROMANTIC images, consider wearing something long and FLOWY! I absolutely love photographing fabric that flows in the wind! Also, light & neutral colors allow images to appear more light and airy no matter what the weather is like!