What to Wear: Engagement Session Style Guide


This is all a suggestion I want to give you some information I've learned over the years of photographing people, close truly make a difference, but obviously its 100% up to you and what makes you feel confident. So, if you would like to read through and see how you might be able to elevate your sessions with me. I hope you it may help but also know not everyone is the same.



Color Palette


Stick with soft, neutral tones: creams, ivories, soft blues, sage green, dusty rose, tan, camel, and white. These colors photograph beautifully in natural light and won't compete with your surroundings.


Avoid bright, bold, or highly saturated colors — think neon colors, bright red, hot pink, or true black in large blocks. Strongly saturated colors, especially warm tones like bright red or orange, can bounce their color onto the skin under certain lighting, creating a subtle colored shadow or tint on the face and neck. It's called color spill, and it's very hard to correct afterward without the skin tone looking off. Neutrals simply don't do this.


Patterns


Little to no pattern is the rule of thumb. Small, subtle textures (a light waffle knit, a delicate lace trim) are fine, but avoid:


  • Very busy florals
  • Large logos or graphic text
  • Bold stripes or plaids
  • Anything with high contrast patterning (these can create a strobing or moiré effect in photos)


If you do want to incorporate a pattern, let one partner wear it and keep the other in a solid to balance the frame.


Coordinate, Don't Match


You don't need to wear matching outfits you want to coordinate. Pick 2–3 colors from the same family (for example: cream, camel, and dusty blue) and split them between the two of you. This creates cohesion in photos without looking like a costume.


For Him: Collared & Button-Up Guidance


A collared shirt is almost always the safest, most polished choice for guys in an engagement session. A few pointers:


  • Solid colors win. White, cream, chambray blue, light gray, or sage all photograph beautifully and pair easily with whatever she's wearing.
  • Skip the busy prints. Loud plaids, large checks, or novelty prints pull the eye away from your faces. A very subtle, fine pattern (like a light micro-check or thin stripe) is okay in small doses, but solid is safer.
  • Roll the sleeves or layer. A button-up with sleeves rolled to the forearm, or layered under a light sweater, blazer, or vest, adds dimension without adding pattern or clutter.
  • Fit matters more than formality. A well-fitted, slightly casual button-up will photograph better than an ill-fitting dress shirt. Avoid anything overly baggy or overly tight.
  • Undershirt tip: if the shirt is thin or light-colored, wear a plain undershirt in a similar or neutral tone so nothing shows through.


Layers and Texture

Bring a couple of options! Layers give us variety within the same session:


A cardigan, blazer, or light jacket to add or remove between looks

Different textures (denim, knit, linen) photograph beautifully together even in the same color family


Footwear

Wear shoes you can comfortably walk and stand in, especially if we're shooting somewhere with grass, gravel, or uneven ground. Bonus pair for a barefoot or dressier look is always a nice option.


A Few Extra Tips
  • Steam or iron everything the night before, wrinkles show up more than you'd expect in photos.
  • Avoid head-to-toe white or head-to-toe black on either partner; it can blow out or lose detail depending on the light.
  • Keep jewelry simple unless it's sentimental, the engagement ring will get its own close-up moment regardless.
  • Do a full hair and makeup trial if you're getting it done, the day of your session isn't the day to test a brand-new look.