With wedding season rapidly approaching, engagement sessions are happening left and right. There can be so much pressure to make each shot picture perfect, the question of what to wear can seem like a daunting one. There are two of you to take into consideration and you want it to feel true to your personalities and personal style. But fusing two styles and riding the fine line between cliche matchy-matchy and clashing tragically can be tricky, to say the least.
I recently teamed up with Brenna from Chic Street Style and her fiance, Zach to show four fool-proof ways to dress for your engagement photos that will photograph effortlessly, beautifully and stylishly.
So read along along to find out how to be colorful and casual, laid-backed and lovely, dapper and dressed up or just monochrome matching with your man.
1. Colorful and Causal
Girl = colored dress + neutral sandals + coordinating statement earrings
Guy: coordinating button-up + khaki pants + matching neutral belt and shoes
No matter what you do or your personality, this method of dressing is meant to suit everyone. Ladies, wear a color that “pops” and compliments your skin tone nicely. For me and many others, my power color is blue. Think pink, green, red or purple. Pick your standout shade and have your guy compliment it. Make sure you are comfortable in it and can move! Ladies, make sure the dress has a built-in waist or belt it so compliment your figure. This outfit approach works for any season, even less than favorable ones (like the dead spring).
2. Dapper and Dressed Up
Girl = more formal long dress (solid color) + coordinating heels + elevated earrings
Guy: neutral suit or matching blazer and dress pants + a different neutral dress shirt + printed tie (matching your dress) + pocket square that matches your dress + timeless timepiece
This is a stylish take on the traditional and formal engagement portrait.But rather than a stuffy photography studio, head outdoors to find some historic or grand architecture, a stair case or a fountain. It lends itself to a classy and upscale affect. Have your photographer play with different angles, proportions and a mix of both formal upright and carefree positions. In my experience, the less posed positions are the ones we love, cherish and choose.
3. Laid-Back and Lovely
Girl = white or cream shirt + same color skirt + cognac or nude belt + matching flats + girly statement necklace
Guy: muted-hue button-up (solid or a light stripe, roll the sleeves) + dark wash jeans + neutral loafer or smoking shoe + watch with coordinating metal to your outfit
An airy and laid-back look is a nice foreshadowing of your upcoming nuptials. Take to nature, have a picnic or if the elements aren’t cooperating (like in our situation), B-line to a greenhouse. This environment and outfits can easily reflect a boho, preppy or hipster style with the overriding idea staying in tact. Get cozy among the greenery and show your love in an organic fashion. Cuddle, hold hands and be merry – catching it all on camera.
4. Monochrome Match With Your Man
*Choose a hue like black, grey or navy, girl choose two textures like sequins, embellishments, feathers, leather or a knit*
Girl = a shirt with one texture in chosen neutral + a skirt or pants with another texture in same color + same color pumps + subtle accessory in same color
Guy: solid button-up in same color as the girl + same color dress pants + blazer in same color (preferably with a pinstripe or slight pattern + same color dress shoe (in a patent or shiny leather) + slight pop of color and pattern in a pocket square and/or lapel pin + same color watch
This type of look is a perfect way to showcase your personality. Keeping things perfectly matching – in the chicest way possible – allows your attitude and affections take center stage. This is perfect for urban or city shoots, or opt to take your photos to your local Main Street, like we did. Have fun, hold hands, take a stroll and if you happen to dance in the middle of the street like we did – so be it.
Additional Picture Ideas:
A pinky promise to love each other. Bonus points for showing off the rock.
Touch noses and hearts. Crop it in an intimate way.
Show off your shoes. And if your hands just happen to be holding… so be it.
Put your ring on something of significance to you as a couple. This was my first gift from Zach.
Put your jewel on some jewels. Because more is really more with jewelry.
Some say actions speak louder than words. That may be so, but in engagement pictures, words can be powerful too.
Jump for joy. Or rather, try to jump with a bit of help from your man.
Experiment with angles. Shooting down on a gaze can have a completely different feel to it that straight on.
