When planning what to wear for your engagement session it can be difficult to know where to start. Well, fear no more! Here are a few tips to get things going in the right direction for your session. These are just suggestions, and I send a more in depth email to clients, but I want to help you get the most of your photos. My hope is that we can create something gorgeous and timeless that you will love for ages.

What to wear for your engagement session

For the ladies

1. You can’t go wrong saying yes to a dress. Long, flowing dresses or skirts look amazing on camera. They provide movement in the photos and look so elegant. And you should feel free to dress it up! Sequins? Yes, please! A tulle skirt? Oh, that would be delightful! A flower crown or bouquet? All the heart eyes. There is no such thing as too dressed up for your engagement session. Renting a dress or outfit is an option if you don’t want to buy one.

2. Choosing color and coordinating looks go hand in hand. I recommend lighter colors, or more muted, classic tones. Blush or soft pinks, light blues, heather grays, and creams all go together and pair nicely with leather brown. I recommend choosing your dress first. Then, you and your fiancé can work to coordinate his outfit with yours. You would each want to have a different dominate color, but you’ll want to choose colors that go well together. You’ll want to compliment and coordinate with each other versus matching. Just a note: long pants and close toed shoes photograph best for men so keep this in mind when you guys are picking out his outfits.

3. Flattering your features is so important to making sure you love the images. As I woman, I know sometimes there are areas that make us uncomfortable. While I fully believe you should love body you’re in, I want you to love your photos, too. Choosing flattering colors and styles that flatter your body are going to make you love the photos so much more than if you go with something that is currently deemed trendy, but you don’t love the way you look in it. If you find a dress that you absolutely love on you, then you will be able to just love your photos without worrying about how you look.

For the gentleman

1. Suit up. Seriously. Not just because Barney from “How I Met Your Mother” said so, but because men look incredible in a well tailored suit. Investing in one might seem like a big commitment just for engagement photos, but he will get some serious use out of it. There are so many occasions to wear a suit, and having one on hand that you both know looks good is just a great confidence booster. Think James Bond or celebrities on the red carpet. Dapper is always in style.

2. Layers photograph so well on men. Suits, blazers, sport coats create those layers and add an extra level of dimension to your photos. Sweaters with a collared shirt underneath, vests, cardigans – don’t be afraid to think outside the box!

3. Details can be anything form cuff links to unique buttons on your suit coat to a great tie pin or even a fun tie. Fun details can really set your photos apart and add in some of your personality to the gallery. The list could go on forever – bow ties, fun socks, a cool watch, a pocket square. Details are a great way to get creative. 🙂

To sum it all up

I hope this helps give you some direction when deciding what to wear for your engagement session. My clients know the email I send them before their session goes more in depth, but this is a quick bit to give you some inspiration. Key things to take away: 1. There’s no such thing as too dressed up. 2. Coordinate/compliment but don’t match. 3. Know that whatever you pick, you’re going to look amazing. 🙂

Want to get in touch?

If you’d like to book your session or wedding, you can contact me at kelsey(at)kelseyalumbaugh(dot)com. Check out my Instagram @kelseyalumbaugh ! And like me on Facebook to see the latest blog posts. 🙂 If you’re curious about the investment, you can check that info out here, but please feel free to reach out so we can better address your photography needs. Want to do better about printing your photos? Sign up for my newsletter to get in on a four-day challenge to help you make the most out of your photos this year!

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