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A Guide to Feeling and Looking Your Best in Your Photos
Choosing the Right Outfits for Your Engagement Session is key to creating timeless, effortless photos that feel authentically you. The right clothing choices enhance your connection, complement your surroundings, and ensure you feel confident and comfortable in front of the camera. Whether you’re drawn to soft neutrals, rich earth tones, or layered textures, this guide will help you select outfits that elevate your session while staying true to your personal style.
Choosing the Right Outfits for Your Engagement Session: General Styling Tips
1. Stick to Neutrals & Solids
Soft, muted tones like beige, cream, dusty blues and earth tones photograph beautifully and complement most outdoor settings. These colours allow your connection and emotions to take centre stage rather than drawing attention to the clothing itself. If you prefer colour, opt for deeper, rich hues in jewel tones or soft pastels depending on the season.
2. Avoid Distracting Patterns & Logos
Busy prints, neon colours, and large logos can be distracting and take away from the intimacy of your photos. Instead, choose simple textures like linen, soft knits, or subtle patterns (think delicate florals or small-scale prints) that add visual interest without overwhelming the image.
3. Coordination Over Matching
Rather than wearing the exact same colour, choose complementary tones. Think of a shared colour palette rather than identical outfits. One of you in a lighter tone and the other in a deeper shade creates a balanced, visually appealing contrast.
4. Layering & Movement
Layers add dimension to photos, especially in changing light. A structured blazer, cozy sweater, or flowy outerwear can add depth and variety. Choose fabrics that move well —dresses with soft draping, linen shirts, and skirts that catch the breeze create beautiful, natural motion in images.
5. The Right Fit
Your clothing should be comfortable and flattering. Avoid overly tight outfits that restrict movement, as well as anything too loose or boxy that might appear shapeless in photos. Aim for a tailored, well-fitted look that enhances your natural silhouette.
Choosing the Right Outfits for Your Engagement Session: Dressing for the Season & Location
Spring & Summer
- Best Colours: Light neutrals, pastels, soft blues, greens and warm beiges.
- Best Fabrics: Lightweight materials like cotton, linen and flowy chiffon for breathability.
- Outfit Ideas: A breezy midi dress with strappy sandals or a linen button-down shirt with relaxed chinos.
Fall & Winter
- Best Colours: Earthy tones like rust, olive, deep navy, burgundy and warm neutrals.
- Best Fabrics: Knits, wool, structured coats and layered outfits for warmth and depth.
- Outfit Ideas: A cozy sweater with tailored trousers or a long, flowy dress with a stylish coat.
Choosing the Right Outfits for Your Engagement Session: Outfits by Location
Beach
The key is to keep it light, airy and effortless. Soft pastels, neutral tones, and breezy fabrics work best. Avoid tight jeans or anything too structured —flowy dresses, linen pants and barefoot or simple sandals enhance the beachy vibe.
Garden or Countryside
Earthy tones, floral prints, and soft textures work beautifully. Be mindful of blending too much —if you’re shooting in a green space, avoid head-to-toe green and instead opt for warm neutrals or soft pastels that complement the environment.
Cityscape
Urban settings allow for a more polished, modern feel. Chic outfits in neutral, deep, or jewel tones look sophisticated. Think structured blazers, sleek dresses, or dark denim paired with a fitted top and stylish shoes.
Coastal & Clifftop Views
The wind and open landscapes create dramatic, cinematic images. Long, flowing fabrics that catch movement —like maxi dresses or draped layers —work beautifully. Stick to tones that contrast but don’t clash with the surroundings (think soft blues, whites, and warm neutrals against the deep ocean hues).
Complementing vs. Competing with the Space
Your outfits should feel like a natural extension of the location —not something that blends in too much or fights for attention. For example:
✔ A soft blue or sandy beige dress on the beach enhances the scene without disappearing into it.
✔ A rich emerald green or rust-coloured outfit in a garden or autumn forest creates beautiful contrast.
✔ A structured city look in monochrome or neutral tones allows the urban architecture to shine without clashing.
Final Tips for Choosing Your Engagement Session Outfits
1. Test Your Outfits in Natural Light
What looks good in a mirror doesn’t always translate the same way on camera. Studio lighting, artificial bulbs and even the store fitting room can give a false sense of how colours, textures, and fits will appear in your photos. The best way to ensure your outfits photograph well is to:
✔ Take a Test Photo Outdoors – Snap a few photos in natural light to see how the colours and textures actually look on camera.
✔ Check for Transparency & Clinginess – Some fabrics, especially lighter colours, can become see-through in backlighting or cling in unexpected ways. A quick test shot helps avoid any surprises.
✔ Look for Wrinkles & Movement – Fabrics that drape nicely in real life might look stiff or overly wrinkled in photos. Try walking, sitting, and moving naturally in your outfit before deciding.
2. Consider How Colours Interact with Your Skin Tone & Environment
Certain colours may wash you out, while others enhance your natural glow. When choosing an outfit, think about how the tones complement your skin in different lighting conditions. Soft neutrals and earth tones tend to be the most universally flattering, while overly bright colours can cast unwanted reflections on your face.
✔ If you have fair skin, warm tones like beige, camel, soft blues and sage greens create a flattering contrast.
✔ If you have a medium or olive complexion, earthy colours like rust, mustard, deep blues and forest greens bring out warmth.
✔ If you have deeper skin tones, jewel tones like emerald, burgundy, navy and gold create striking, rich contrast.
3. Consider Your Shoes
Even if they don’t make it into every shot, shoes can make or break your outfit. Think about:
✔ The terrain —Will you be walking on sand, grass, or cobblestone? Opt for practical footwear if needed.
✔ The aesthetic —Sneakers work for a casual, urban feel, while dress shoes, heels, or boots elevate the look.
✔ Cleanliness —Worn-out or scuffed shoes can be distracting. Make sure they complement the outfit’s level of polish.
If your session involves a mix of locations (e.g., a beach and a grassy field), consider bringing two pairs—one stylish and one practical.
4. Dress Comfortably & Be Yourself
The most important rule: Wear something that makes you feel like YOU. Confidence translates better than any trend. If you’re uncomfortable, it will show in your body language and expressions.
✔ If you never wear dresses, don’t feel pressured to wear one —structured pants or a jumpsuit can be just as elegant.
✔ If you love bold colours, incorporate them in a way that still fits the scene (e.g., a statement piece rather than a full neon outfit).
✔ If you’re unsure, stick to timeless, well-fitting pieces that allow your connection to shine through.
5. Plan for the Unexpected
Engagement sessions are often full of movement —walking, sitting, maybe even running through a field or playing in the waves. It’s always smart to be prepared:
✔ Bring a backup outfit in case of unexpected stains, weather changes, or second thoughts.
✔ Avoid anything too restrictive —you should be able to hug, lift, spin and move freely.
✔ Think about the details —bra straps or wrinkled fabric can all be avoided with a little planning.
By taking the time to test your outfits in natural light, consider how they interact with the setting, and prioritize comfort, you’ll set yourself up for engagement photos that feel effortless and authentic.
Choosing the Right Outfits for Your Engagement Session: Summary
Choosing the right outfits for your engagement session is all about balance —coordinating with each other, complementing the environment, and feeling like the best version of you. Neutral tones, well-fitted clothing, and layered textures help create timeless, effortless images, while thoughtful colour choices ensure you stand out in your chosen location without competing with it. Most importantly, test your outfits in natural light before your session to see how they translate on camera—this simple step can make all the difference. By planning ahead and prioritizing comfort, you’ll step into your session feeling confident and ready to capture something truly special.
If you’re looking for an engagement or couples session that feels natural, intimate, and beautifully you, let’s connect! Visit janelleconnorphotography.com to learn more and book your session.
