Engagement photo outfit tips!
What to avoid, what to consider, and outfit ideas from a Nashville engagement photographer!
Most blogs about what to wear for your engagement photos just tell you to wear what you love, wear what you’re comfortable in, and to wear coordinated outfits rather than matching. Those are wonderful ideas, but not very helpful.
If you want to feel absolutely beautiful in your photos and feel confident in what you chose, I’ve got a more in-depth list of tips and ideas that will guide you through picking the perfect outfit for your engagement photos!
Here are the tips for engagement pictures you wish your photographer would tell you…
Golden hour engagement photos in Nashville, TN
The two most important engagement outfit mistakes to AVOID:
Don’t wear bright and intense colors! This is because light will reflect off of the surface of your clothes, casting the color onto your neck and skin! If colors are your thing, consider going lighter with a pastel, or a very deep shade of your favorite color. Don’t wear vibrant and bright reds, oranges, yellows, greens, or pinks.
Avoid trendy pieces! Trends quickly become outdated, and the last thing you want is to regret your outfit choice 5 years down the road. Instead, consider something beautiful and timeless.
Seasonal Outfit Tips:
If you’re shooting outdoors in the summer, make sure you know whether your outfit is going to show sweat stains! If so, wait to change into your outfit until right before you begin shooting, and/or bring something extra to change into. Also consider bringing some towels to gently dab at your face.
If you’re shooting outdoors in the winter, allow extra time and plan ahead a location or two where you can go inside and warm up during your photo session. Also consider hand warmers to stick into your coat pockets.
If shooting outdoors on a windy day, ladies should either avoid billowy skirts and dresses, or bring clips to pull them taught so you can avoid a Marilyn Monroe moment.
If you’re worried about unpredictable weather and aren’t sure what to wear, consider renting an indoor space or studio. A website like Peerspace has everything from homes, to green houses and unique studios, and they have locations all over the US!
Black and white engagement photos in Nashville, TN
How to pick your engagement photo outfits:
Make sure your outfits make sense with the location you will be shooting at! It would look out of place to take photos in a park while wearing a dress that looks like you’re going out for cocktails downtown. If you haven’t decided on your location yet, be sure to nail that down so you know how to dress!
If you’re going to be using these photos with invites or wedding decor, wearing neutrals and whites is a great choice! It won’t clash with your wedding palette, and it also is a traditional outfit theme that translates well.
If you want to dress up and go a fancier route, consider using a company like Rent the Runway to rent your outfit, rather than buying it! If you absolutely love it, you can also decide to purchase it from them.
Bring a backup look! If you’re not wanting to photograph two different outfits, at least bring an extra as a backup in case something goes wrong!
Couples photo shoot in Nashville, TN.
Engagement outfit ideas for all seasons:
If you don’t know where to start and need some ideas for outfits, below you’ll find ideas for both him and her!
Spring Outfits:
All white is one of my favorite looks in spring. I often suggest couples don’t perfectly match, but there’s something about monochromatic matching white outfits that is a look!
If it’s a little bit chilly, consider a long sleeve shirt with a midi skirt for her, and complimentary pants and sweater for him
A suit for him and classy dress for her is perfect this time of year - he won’t be overheating, and she won’t be cold
Summer Outfits:
Flowing dresses and skirts for her, and linen pants or light pleated trousers for him
Denim jeans, heels and a blazer for her, and denim jeans, loafers and a white button up for him
Fall Outfits:
A snazzy suit for the both of you is an elevated look, especially if you’re taking photos in the city
Tweed is SUCH a vibe for the fall! Loafers and Mary Janes would be a great shoe to match
A fall toned satin dress - especially burnt orange or deep sage green, and a complimentary blazer for him
A sweater dress that shows your shape, and complimentary pants and shirt for him
Winter Outfits:
Cozy knit sweaters, preferably not matching colors
A jumpsuit and heels, complimentary blazer for him
Long, wool winter trench coats for the both of you
Velvet in a deep green, blue or purple is perfect if you’re wanting a more elevated look. Full velvet for her can work, but maybe consider solely a blazer for him
If you’re looking for an engagement photographer who will give you a unique and special experience, and who shoots both digital and film photos, contact me here!
I’m based in Nashville and can meet you wherever is most special to you.
Here’s a blog post on how to get comfortable in front of the camera and capture passionate kissing photos: Click here!
Black and white 35mm film shot in NYC.