Sarasota Wedding Photographer: What to Wear for Your Engagement Photos, 10 Style Tips for a Timeless Look from Nina Bashaw
As a Sarasota wedding photographer, I often get asked the same question by excited couples before their engagement shoot: "What should we wear?" Your engagement photos are an opportunity to capture your love and personality as a couple, so choosing the right outfits is essential for creating images that you’ll treasure for a lifetime. The right clothing can make you feel confident and comfortable, and it can elevate the overall look of your photos. Here are some key tips to help you decide what to wear for your engagement session.
1. Coordinate, Don’t Match
Instead of matching outfits exactly, aim for coordination. Choose colors and styles that complement each other, without being too "matchy-matchy." A great way to do this is by selecting a color palette and building your outfits around that. Soft pastels, neutrals, or earth tones work well for an outdoor setting in Sarasota, whether you’re shooting on the beach or in a lush garden. If one of you is wearing a bold color or pattern, the other can balance it with a more subtle tone.
2. Consider Your Location
Where you decide to take your engagement photos will influence your wardrobe. If you’re opting for one of Sarasota’s stunning beaches, flowy dresses and light fabrics work beautifully against the backdrop of sand and water. For a downtown setting or a more urban vibe, think chic and polished—maybe a trendy jumpsuit or sleek dress for her, and a tailored shirt with nice trousers for him. Let your location inspire your wardrobe so that your outfits feel cohesive with the surroundings.
3. Dress for Comfort
While it’s important to look your best, you also want to feel comfortable. Engagement sessions typically last an hour or more, and you’ll be moving around a lot—walking, sitting, and maybe even dancing! Choose outfits that allow you to move freely and feel confident. Avoid anything too tight or restrictive, and if you’re wearing new shoes, break them in ahead of time to avoid discomfort during the session.
4. Bring Multiple Outfits
If you can’t decide on one look, bring two! Many couples choose to do one casual outfit and one dressier option to add variety to their photos. For example, you might start with a romantic, flowy dress for her and a sharp blazer for him, then change into jeans and a cozy sweater for a more laid-back look. Multiple outfits can also give your engagement photos a more dynamic feel, capturing different sides of your personality as a couple.
5. Think About Layers and Textures
Layers can add depth and dimension to your photos, especially if you’re shooting in cooler weather. For women, consider adding a stylish jacket, scarf, or cardigan that you can easily take on or off. For men, a structured jacket or vest can give a polished look. Textures like lace, knits, or linen can also photograph beautifully, creating subtle interest and making your photos look even more stunning.
6. Avoid Distracting Patterns or Logos
While some patterns can work well, such as florals or subtle stripes, it’s best to avoid anything too busy or bold that could distract from the main focus—you and your partner! Stay away from large logos or text on clothing, as these can be distracting and take away from the timeless feel of your photos. Solid colors or classic patterns tend to work best in creating a clean, elegant look.
7. Accessorize Thoughtfully
Accessories can elevate your outfit and add a personal touch to your photos. Simple pieces like a statement necklace, earrings, or a stylish hat can enhance your look without overpowering it. For men, consider adding a watch, tie, or even a pocket square if you’re going for a more formal vibe. Just remember to keep it balanced—too many accessories can be distracting.
8. Choose Colors That Flatter Your Skin Tone
Wearing colors that complement your skin tone can make a big difference in how you look and feel in your photos. If you have a warmer skin tone, earthy hues like olive, rust, mustard, or soft browns can be flattering. Cooler skin tones tend to shine in shades like blues, greens, and soft pinks. Neutral colors like beige, ivory, and gray are universally flattering and work beautifully in almost any setting.
9. Don’t Forget Hair and Makeup
Your engagement session is the perfect time to pamper yourself! Consider getting your hair and makeup professionally done for the shoot. Not only will it make you feel confident, but professional makeup is designed to photograph well and hold up under different lighting conditions. If you're working with your wedding day hair and makeup artist, this can also be a great opportunity for a trial run.
10. Be True to Yourself
Ultimately, the best engagement photos reflect who you are as a couple. If you’re not the type to wear formal attire, don’t force it. If you love being barefoot on the beach or sipping coffee at your favorite café, embrace those moments in your session. The more comfortable and natural you feel, the more your love and personality will shine through in the photos.
Your Engagement Session: A Reflection of Your Love
Your engagement session is more than just a photo shoot—it's a chance to celebrate your love and this exciting time in your lives. As a Sarasota wedding photographer, I love working with couples to capture their unique connection in beautiful settings. With the right outfits and a little preparation, your engagement photos will be timeless, stylish, and authentically you. If you’re planning your engagement session in Sarasota or the surrounding area and need more tips or outfit advice, I’m here to help! Let’s work together to create stunning photos that tell your love story.
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Nina Bashaw is fine art luxury elopement and wedding photographer in Tampa. She specializes in classica and timeless natural light photography with natural posing and genuine smaile. Nina travels throughout Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota and surrounding areas for weddings and luxury elopements giving her clients a personalized experience. Contact me for pricing and inquire about availability for 2024, 2025 and 2026. Thank you for stopping by my blog!
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