Hello friend, if you have found your way to this little blog post WELCOME! This is such an exciting chapter in your lives and an engagement session is a wonderful way to remember this special time. You are probably looking for some help in planning your outfits for your upcoming photo shoot. If so, you have come to the right place! I have put together 5 tips to guide you on what to wear for your engagement session.

1. Consider the Color Palette of Your Location

The first thing you should do when planning your engagement session outfits is to consider the location. What is the general color palette? Use those colors as inspiration for your outfits! For example, if your photos are in the city by the water, neutrals like ivory, cream, black, and gray will photograph beautifully against the water and surrounding modern buildings. In contrast, if your location is a nature preserve, earth tones like olive green, rust, cream, ivory, and brown will better compliment the natural, earthy background.

When in doubt, neutrals and earth tones photograph beautifully every time.

Chicago winter engagement photo session.

Color Palette Inspiration

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2. Choose Outfits that Compliment Each Other

The second tip when choosing your engagement session outfits is to compliment each other, without "matching." You'll want to avoid outfits that are the exact same colors. Instead, focus on matching each other's level of formality. For example, if one partner is wearing an evening gown, the other should be in nice slacks and a button-down shirt.

The opposite goes for patterns! Busy patterns could potentially be distracting from you and your fiancè. If one partner is wearing a floral print or plaid pattern, the other should be in a solid color. This will avoid any clashing and ensure that you two are the main attraction! (See example below)

Illinois engagement photos by Nikki Kate Photography.

Floral patterned off-the-shoulder engagement photo dress.

3. Beware of What's Trending & Stay True To Your Style

Third, on my list of engagement session outfit tips is to wear something that will age well. In a world of fast fashion, trends come and go like wildfire! Instead of choosing that piece that you've seen all over Instagram, wear something that is timeless and true to your unique taste. You want to feel comfortable in what you are wearing, and be able to look back on and say, "That is so us!" Basically, wear something you would wear on a date night!

Fall engagement photos in Illinois by Nikki Kate Photography.

4. Keep the Season in Mind

Tip number four should go without saying, but check the forecast of your engagement session a few days before to ensure that your outfits are weather appropriate. During the colder months, extra layers like jackets and scarves not only make a cute accessory but will definitely come in handy throughout the session. If it's really cold, bring a heavier jacket to throw on in-between shots! The biggest thing is to make sure that you're comfortable (not too hot or too cold) during the session. It will make a world of difference in your overall experience!

Winter engagement photo session with a golden retriever.

5. Bring Options!

Lastly, if you are still unsure about what to wear, my team and I are always happy to provide tips on what we think will photograph best. You can email me ahead of time with your list of options, or bring a few different outfits to the session.