Engagement Session Style Guide

Dress 
As a general rule, solid colors photograph well. Patterns are ok as long as they aren't distracting. Smaller logos and patters can add interest to a photo without drawing attention away from you. Think timeless! Avoid wearing turtlenecks and large loose clothing, as these often make the neck seem nonexistent, and the body looks wider than it is. Shorts or capris have a tendency to make legs appear shorter than they are. Wear an outfit that makes you feel amazing, fits well, accentuates your best features, and works well with your own movements. 

Colors and Patterns
Tailor your choices to your skin tones, eye color, and hair color. Personalize it. Solid monochromatic colors are easiest to coordinate, but primary or complementary colors also look great and bring energy to the photograph. Darker colors will cause the subject(s) to appear thinner. Dark pants or jeans with dark shoes give texture and visually anchor a portrait. When choosing color schemes, consider not only what looks best on you, but also what colors will look best on wall portraits and complement your home’s décor. You also want to coordinate complimentary (not necessarily matchy-matchy) color schemes. A good rule of thumb is to choose only three colors. The number three is a design rule for just about anything you're designing or creating. Two colors does not provide enough contrast (generally). It is also good to have different textures, if you have them, i.e. shiny, smooth, rough, cozy, etc.

Accessories 
Keep it simple. For example, girls can choose simple earrings and necklace, or a bold statement piece. And of course your engagement ring! Give it a good cleaning before the shoot so it can shine bright in close up shots.  Guys may want to include a nice watch, but maybe not lots of rings. For a casual shoot, maybe a cute floppy hat. Try to match your accessories for the look you choose, formal to formal, casual to casual. The main thing is to highlight the main subject, you, instead of distracting.

Formal or Casual?
Bring both casual and formal! I, personally, adore heels. They elongate your legs and give you height. (TIP: Bring flats for walking between locations). If you want to rock a dramatic, sequined evening gown in the middle of downtown, go ahead! If you want wear a flowing, Grecian goddess dress in the middle of a field in golden hour, be my guest! For guys, a button down shirt can look casual by rolling up the sleeves, or dressed up by adding a blazer. It’s best to have options. Bring a couple of outfits to the session. Try to match one another in formality or casualness.