Engagement Photos: What to Wear

Behold, the most popular question I receive as a Denver engagement photographer: “What should we wear for our engagement photos?”

Boy, do I have the answers for you.  I’ll illustrate my key engagement shoot outfit recommendations using photos from past clients.  Let’s jump in!

Wear what you love.

This is my first and most important piece of advice I give my clients about their outfits.  I want your personalities to shine in the images, as personal style is a huge part of who you are.  This can literally be anything: slick athleisure, cozy winter threads, glam evening-wear.  How you interpret this is up to you!

Dress for the setting.

Ideally, you want your outfits to match the scenery that you have chosen for your shoot.  If you’re heading up to the mountains, then jeans, sweaters, flannel button-downs, and boots are a great match.  Generally, you can dress down a little more in nature settings if you feel more comfortable in casual clothing.  If you’re in the city, you can get away with something a little more fashion-forward or edgy, and you can definitely dress it up to the nines.

Consider the elements.

Make sure you are informed of the forecast for the day of your photos.  If you’re shooting in the wintertime, opt for layers and cozy pieces like scarves, hats, and beanies to stay warm.  I want your shoot to be fun, and that includes not freezing your bum off!  If you’re shooting in the summertime, go for those fun sundresses and shorts, but don’t forget a clear umbrella in anticipation of those spontaneous Colorado afternoon showers.

Go with your standard pieces.

I know it’s fun to shop for new outfits for your shoot, but I actually recommend against doing this.  Think of your favorite pieces you have in your closet right now.  You know exactly how they fit you at every curve and how they look at every angle.  I want you to wear something that you know you look good in.  I want you to feel confident in your outfit, as that will translate to confidence in your final images.  I don’t want you to get the photos only to realize the new dress you bought isn’t the most flattering from the back.  Stick with the oldies (but goodies)!

Complement each other without being matchy-matchy. 

Don’t get me wrong — I love those old family photos from the 90s where everyone is wearing the same white t-shirt and blue jeans.  However, it’s 2021, y’all!  Those ensembles are to remain in the past.  Instead, consider complementing each other by selecting the same hues from your preferred color palette.  It’s also important to match each other in terms of style.  You should both be the same level of how dressed up (or down) you are.

Avoid distracting colors or patterns.

This is especially important if you’re shooting in the city, where the architecture, textures, colors, and lines can pack a lot of action in a photo.  If you’re shooting in the RiNo Art District here in Denver, for example, I recommend neutral, earthy colors so that you don’t compete with the already-exciting backgrounds.

Show off any cultural or religious garb.

If you have a special garment that pays homage to your family’s cultural or religious traditions, I always encourage at least getting a few photographs in it before changing.  These pieces can fit in both a nature setting or in an urban setting.

Accessorize — but only if you do so in everyday life.

If you’re big on chunky necklaces on a daily basis, wear one!  If you like unique hats (not talking about baseball caps here, sorry fellas), statement sunglasses, funky shoes, scene-stealing watches, Hawaiian dad shirts, go for it!  If you don’t include these items in your regular wardrobe, don’t worry about introducing them at the shoot.  I know there can be a lot of pressure to look a certain way these days.  The only standards worth living up to are your own.

Opt for gem tones, neutral tones, earth tones.

Anything from the Crayola Bold crayon box is a winner.  Gem tones, neutrals, and earthy colors flatter a wide variety of skin tones.  You can’t go wrong!  Think: eggplant, forest green, navy, emerald, espresso, ruby red.

Add your flair.

Everyone’s got a thing: that one style theme or item that’s inherently you.  Maybe you love Converse High Tops.  Maybe you always wear long, cozy cardigans.  Or perhaps you love a bygone era, like the 50s or 60s.  Whatever it is, incorporate it into your engagement photos if you can.

There is one color to avoid…

…and that’s true white.  Which may sound weird, because — hello, white wedding dress??  But many wedding dresses are actually ivory, as true white can often look blueish or even purple in certain light.  For this reason, I recommend cream, ivory, eggshell, or off-white if you’re looking to wear this staple.

And the one color that always works…

…is good ol’ classic black.

So there you have it!  Am I missing any obvious fashion tips?  Let me know in the comments or get in touch to schedule your engagement photos for 2021.  Cheers!

-Ash