8 TIPS ON HOW TO PICK OUT THE PERFECT OUTFIT FOR YOUR ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS

If you're like me, you have either already pulled out half your clothes or you are mentally trying to figure out what is best to wear for your engagement photos. I feel ya boo! You will totally catch me staring at my clothes like they have just given me a Jeopardy question.

As a Raleigh Wedding photographer, I know what photographs well and will break that down in 8 tips on how to pick the PERFECT outfit. Hopefully sharing this information with you will help you feel empowered by knowledge to narrow down your search, and leave you without worry or stress so you can shine your relaxed beautiful self!

1. A hard fast rule is you don't want to match but you do want to correlate. Example to get to the point if you are wearing a navy dress, you're better off with your fiance wearing maroon than pale pink. If you are wearing florals, maybe they shouldn't wear animal print... You want to have the outfits compliment each other as well as you both complement each other!

2. Since I mentioned patterns above let's dive into that: Patterns are a tricky subject. While I love patterns... many patterns don't show up well in photos. Small prints are notorious for not showing up well in photos. Bold prints can be very loud and overtake the shot more than you'd really want. (Horizontal stripes are one pattern I would suggest avoiding altogether because generally speaking they are not flattering)

What are solutions other than saying NO! Do them in a small way. Maybe wear a solid color sweater over a floral top, or wear a scarf with a pattern on a color blocked outfit. Or wear a patterned sweater over a solid colored dress.

Again I'm going to rereturn to the correlation idea: if your partner is wearing a patterned top, maybe wear a solid or if they are wearing plaid maybe wear a light floral. If you are wearing patterned pants, maybe a solid top.

3. Let's talk colors! Huge tip: I'd suggest limit your colors to only a few (like 3). That way you can correlate but not overshadow where you are or you! Dark colors such as maroon, navy, dark green are very timeless but don't always fit with every skin tone or personality. As you pick your outfits just keep in mind the color wheel and how the colors look and feel together, but again I want to point back to you don't want to match but compliment and correlate with each other.

4. While you are neither an onion nor an ogre I do HIGHLY suggest layers! Why is this... so many reasons accessories being one (will dive into that a little further down) but a huge reason is that you can get many different looks with very little effort. Example: you have an outfit with a sweater, scarf and hat... that one look now just became 4 easily if not more with very little effort. Giving you more options for your photos!

5. Ok, remember I said you don't want to match? SCRATCH THAT... but only in one area: formality! You definitely want to match in the level of formal. That can be a spectrum of awesome but make sure you are in the same range as close as you can. So if you are wearing an evening cocktail dress... your fiance isn't likely going to be wearing a short sleeve polo... you get the idea.

6. When you are picking your outfit keep in mind where you will be having the photos. While this might not impact the level of formality you might desire... it might inform what shoes you are wearing (For all you who love adventure shoots as much as me: if you want heels in those photos... you need to carry them not wear them! :D) So be mindful of how much walking you will be doing, what type of ground you will be walking on... If you are at a park or woods, heels might not be the best option

7. ACCESSORIES!!! Ok, I might be a bit excited. I just... have you seen how cute hats are? Anyway, accessories, like I mentioned in layers, can add so much to the different looks of a photo. Bring a hat you can wear and take off or a scarf. A great scarf or hat can have a dynamic feel. While a photo doesn't feel texture the photo gains depth and Dynamicism with texture. If you went simple on your outfit you could rock statement jewelry.

8. When it comes to make up, large parts of this are a personal choice but things I would suggest, even if you aren't a makeup person a small bit (even simply lipgloss or mascara) can make things pop while still looking completely natural. Avoid glittery or dark makeup because it will not show well for photos. For anyone rocking an engagement ring I suggest painting your nails, even if just a clear coat because you know we are going to be showing off your ring!

I want to close with this: you know what you feel great in, you know what makes you feel beautiful. Wearing something that you feel great in will shine! Rock that look! Now I'm all excited to go grab some killer shots! How about you?

Ps: Pinterest is an amazing place to start for inspiration ideas!