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Often, my couples will ask me what to wear for engagement sessions. I always recommend being yourself and opting for clothing that makes you feel confident! If you’re always dressed to the nines in Valentino heels and a Zimmermann dress, then absolutely dress that way for your session.
I’ve written a few tips that will help you further nail down your engagement session wardrobe and ensure that your engagement session is as beautiful as the two of you.
GET A LITTLE FANCY
It’s no secret that I absolutely love formal engagement outfits. For such a special occasion, investing time and even a little money into your engagement clothing options can make the world of a difference for gorgeous, dreamy engagement photos.
Think about all of the times you’ve ever been photographed by friends, family, yourself, etc. Unless you are a wedding guest or bridesmaid all the time, it’s likely that you’re in casual or business casual clothing for all of these images. You can literally be photographed in casual clothing like jeans and a nice top any day of the week; however, your engagement photos are a once in a lifetime occasion that deserve some clothing effort.
COORDINATE
For your engagement session, plan your outfits to complement one another’s. Choose a consistent color palette (which doesn’t have to mean the same color). If one of you is wearing a bold pattern, dress the other in a complementing solid. You want a beautiful balance between your two outfits, so dress up and see how you both look next to each other!
For example, if the bride-to-be is wearing a bright pattern with teal, pink and gray, the groom-to-be can rock a pair a teal sneakers. Or if you are wearing a chic beige dress and green Chloe flats, your fiancé can wear a green button-down to coordinate.
ACCESSORIZE
Bouquets, necklaces, statement shoes…and purses like this Alexander McQueen number all add a fun twist to an otherwise “standard” look. Accessories are also a great place to coordinate looks for your engagement session, especially because any clothing style can be complemented with them.
For ladies, sparkly jewelry in addition to your engagement ring is always a smart choice. They complete your look in a way that is so flattering in your final images. And don’t neglect your nails. Treat yourself to a manicure the day before or the morning of your session.
With guys, there aren’t as many options for accessorizing as there are with ladies, so going with a strong shoe is important. I recommend To Boot’s lace-ups, or really anything from Neiman Marcus or Saks with style.
LOCATION + SEASONAL INFLUENCES
Always be mindful of the season and location in which your engagement session will take place. Is your session in the middle of winter? Be sure to wear cute jackets, scarves, and sweaters throughout your session. Will your session be around elegant decor or architecture? Be sure to wear a beautiful cocktail dress and have your fiancé don a slick suit and tie from Tom Ford or Armani.
HAIR + MAKEUP
Brides, it is the absolute best thing you can do for yourselves to have your hair and makeup professionally done. You’ll have these images forever and you’ll see them hanging on your wall or sitting on your desk everyday, so naturally, you want to look your best.
Grooms, if you always love how your hair looks best after cut and styled by your hairstylist, then book an appointment the day of your session. If you prefer your hair a week or so out from your last cut date, then plan for that and be sure to ask your stylist for some tips on how to get the best look at home.
MY GO-TO RETAILERS
Women’s Clothing + Accessories: Neiman Marcus, Saks, TopShop, Kate Spade
Men’s Clothing + Accessories: Neiman Marcus, Saks, J Crew
Luxury Clothing and Accessory Rental: Rent the Runway
