Hey, hey, Friends!
Considering engagement portraits? The answer is YES! Let’s take them. You will not ever regret doing so. And, I promise to make it a blast for both you and your partner. 🤗
Now that we have that out of the way… Next, question- What to wear!!??
And, guys- I totally feel this. 💕
So I thought I’d take a minute to share the advice I give most often to help you better plan your session. Hope you find them useful!
Consider a casual outfit and a more formal option.
I typically recommend bringing two outfits for engagement portraits to give you variety in your images and mix up the mood a bit. You really can’t go wrong with a more casual look — like a good pair of jeans and a nice sweater or button-down shirt — and something you might wear for a fancier date night, such as a flowy dress or sharp blazer.
Think complementary—not matchy matchy.
Plan your outfits with your partner to make sure the colors you choose don’t clash when you stand next to each other. On the flip side, be sure to avoid wearing similar tones at the same time. Matching too closely can make for pretty cheesy pictures — and even make it difficult for the eye to distinguish between your bodies!
Go classic rather than trendy.
I’m all for keeping up with what’s “in,” but when it comes to portraits that you will look back on for decades to come, simple and classic styles age much better. And who doesn’t want a timeless quality to their photographs?! Keep your love the focal point of the images rather than the current fashion trend.
Simpler is often better.
Similar to my trendy note, be mindful of bold and busy styles and patterns that can ultimately be distracting to the eye. Instead, feel free to add a statement item, such as a hat or a piece of jewelry — something that naturally fits your style but won’t become the centerpiece of your engagement portraits by accident.
Keep it seasonally appropriate.
One of the best ways to narrow your wardrobe choices for your shoot is to consider the weather outside! If it’s snowing, a sweater will probably be more suitable than a camisole. If the leaves are changing into all sorts of fun fall hues, cozy vibes might feel more genuine than a springtime sundress. Lean into the natural environment, and use your intuition.
Think about the scene.
Some couples insist on outdoor engagement portraits — from hiking trails to waterfalls to farm fields to sunny shorelines — while others are all about an intimate bar, restaurant or lounge setting. And of course, there are so many venues that fall somewhere in the middle! So imagine the place in which you plan to take these pictures and the kind of outfit you’d normally wear in that place.
Be yourselves!
At the end of the day, these pictures are about you and what makes your love so beautiful! The most important thing is that you feel comfortable and genuine and like yourselves — if these notes ring true, then your portraits will turn out exactly the way you want.
Scheduled to work with me and still stressing about what to wear? Call me! That’s what I’m here for and honestly… I love this part of planning! 😃
With Grit and Grace-
Sarah, Annabelle + Ivy Studio
