WHAT TO WEAR GUIDE:
It can feel so daunting choosing what to wear for your session, so I've compiled a guide for you to pick out outfits that will help you feel super comfortable + feel totally hot + won't be a distraction in the photo.
Ultimately, I want you to feel like yourselves & not be worried about what you're wearing while shooting. Please don't feel like your photos are not going to look spectacular if you don't follow this guide - they will be amazing regardless because it is of you two in love! However, I have noticed that this guide helps couples feel good in skin + are enhanced by the environment we are in to create more dynamic photos.
To summarize, what you wear should compliment the tones and style of the environment we are in and represent you feeling amazing in your skin!
Another hot tip: Look at the colors of where we will be, and choose those colors. Usually, earth tones or neutrals are the best in any environment!
This is my engagement outfit inspiration board on Pinterest!
OPTIONS AND LOGISTICS
I recommend bringing clothing + accessory options that make you feel like a zillion dollars! Typically 3-4 bottoms & 3-5 shirt options will do just fine, & bring midi/maxi dresses too! I can help put outfits together on the location site!
Are you cool with changing in the car? Great. If not, that's totally fine - let's text through outfit options so you can arrive in the one outfit you'll be wearing!
Advice:
+ Don't wear heels unless you're amazing at walking & running in them. Comfort goes a lot way!
+ I would advise against short dresses and very low cut shirts, mostly because I give a lot of active prompts. I wouldn’t want you to have to be worried about what you are wearing, like having your hands cover your bottom or chest when being picked up and spun around.
+ Bring all your favorite hats, beanies, jewelry, shoes, scarves, or any other accessorize! We can put together outfits during the session. You can also bring a blanket to sit on or cuddle with - how cute!
WEAR YOUR PERSONALITY
Think about the location & weather we are going to be shooting in, & plan around it. But also, dress like yourself. Wear clothes that are either clothes you would wear every day or clothes that are in the same “style” but nicer/fancier - I want you looking back thinking “man my outfit is amazing!”
If we are going running through fields of tall grass, bring close-toed shoes.
If we are shooting in a forest, it would look weird if you’re wearing heels.
If it’s freezing cold outside, bring a warm scarf + beanie, lots of layers, warm clothes with wool socks & boots.
If it’s going to be hot (aka almost always!), bring clothes that can breathe more so you don’t have sweaty pit stains in the photos. I can't edit out sweat - so invest in a good fabric that hides sweat!
Always lean towards simplicity rather than show stopping - emotion means more to me than distracting fashion!
Bring in the Movement
I don't think I can emphasize it enough how important it is to wear clothes you are comfortable in! I would not recommend buying new clothes for session, as it may feel stiff on your skin, but if you feel incredible in the new piece - bring it to wear!
Dresses with movement, especially if it's windy, have captured my heart. Movement in fabric adds so much dynamic energy to an image, as well as bring an extra dose of romance. If you have a maxi dress with lots of volume, I'm going to be squealing so hard. I can help point you to online stores that have all that voluminous glory!
Check out Lulus, Morning Lavender, H&M, Madewell, ASOS, Free People, or Reformation!
—> I purchased this amazing dress for my own anniversary session with Joe and this dress is SO comfortable, and incredibly flattering (I have curves and this fits my body so well!) and I feel honestly beautiful wearing this dress. So if you like feeling beautiful AND being comfortable, this might be your dress?! Did I mention it is super affordable? Score.
Unless it’s a well-trained dog. Dogs are cool.
Please, NO PROPS.
Dress Your Man
Unless your honey is a stylish man, you should consider picking his outfits. Here are some things to keep in mind.
1. Since women's style tends to have more color in it, keep your man's outfit as simple as possible. Look at the color chart in the go-to colors and pick out those colored shirts.
2. Please, don't wear polos and khaki's. Especially with logos. They just don't photograph the way you would expect them to, aka not good. Dark jeans and a simple t-shirt in black or white (or gray/dark green) can go a long way! Target has great t-shirts for like $12, and Amazon has loads of t-shirts and sweaters too. On the other hand, dressing up in a nice button up is fantastic too!
3. Whatever you're wearing, make sure his outfit is on the same "playing field." If you are wearing a gorgeous, dressy maxi dress, put him in a button-up with slacks. If you are in a casual maxi or midi, put him in dark jeans and a casual t-shirt.
Stay away from crisp white, polyester button ups and t-shirts - or if you want him in one, do a linen/cotton off-white/beige button up or add a blazer on top. If you don’t know what to do: it's just safe to keep him in dark/black jeans, a black or white scoop/v-neck t-shirt, & have a nice button-up as another option.
4. If your man is shaving his face before your session, please have him shave several days prior and then spend the week maintaining it. If he does a fresh shave the day of the shoot, he will likely have razor burns. Or if he has a really fancy shaving setup, it might be fine, but I will say that I spend a looot of time trying to edit out razor burn pimples - let’s avoid them altogether if possible!
PATTERNS AND PRINTS
Rule of thumb: the more minimal the outfits, the better. Solids photograph better.
Avoid any loud, big, chunky, wild patterns. Wearing big patterns is too distracting against the environment & steals the attention from your gorgeous faces!
Plaids in darker colors photograph well. Plaid should add to the cozy vibes, and not be the star of the show. (I'm looking at you, bold red+black plaid!)
We are likely photographing outside in fields, within the trees, on pathways, etc. Small patterns should be used scarcely in a more minimal setting - like a field with an open field & zero trees.
