Partners are usually nervous when getting ready for a summer engagement photo session and may lack unusual outfit ideas. My clients often ask me to suggest clothes options that are practical, beautiful, and fitting for their special occasions and style.
In this guide, I’d like to share some handy tips on how to coordinate outfits, which fabric is best for posing in hot weather, and how to choose accessories that accentuate your beauty rather than steal viewers’ attention in a studio and the open air.
For instance, you can flick through magazines, fashion websites, or Pinterest boards. By singling out styles you like most of all, you’ll be able to come up with bespoke outfits for your photo session.
Currently, the most popular options are flowing sundresses with lively prints and casual items like linen shirts and lightweight trousers.
Summer is known for its vibrant palette with lush greenery, golden fields, and colorful blooms. Such a beautiful blend of hues creates a stunning backdrop for engagement photos.
However, while these bold hues are captivating, putting on very bring clothes is not a good idea. It is better to choose muted earth tones like soft browns, beiges, and olive greens, to create a harmonious contrast against the vibrant summer landscape.
I have rich experience as an engagement photographer and I always recommend my beginner colleagues to use a color wheel in their work. Thus, they can suggest their clients good color options for outfits.
For example, blues make a perfect companion for natural greens and yellows. Muted pinks and light lavenders can also complement such shades. If you choose neutral tones, e.g., beige, grey, or creamy for models’ clothes, feel free to photograph them against more vibrant natural settings. The result is sure to please everybody.
A properly coordinated combination can create a visually appealing and memorable aesthetic. For example, you can choose a breezy floral dress for a lady and a solid linen shirt in a complementary hue for her fiancé to create casual elegance.
If you like a more unified look, explore different shades within the same color family, such as a deep navy for him and a soft sky blue for her.
It is highly recommended to experiment with different engagement photo ideas during one photo session. Ask your clients to bring several outfits for each of them and change them during shooting.
For example, you can start with a casual look - lightweight chinos and a linen shirt for him, and a breezy sundress or romper for her. Next, try a more dressy option – a tailored summer suit for him and a flowing maxi dress or chic jumpsuit for her.
The summer sun illuminates fabrics such as linen, lace, and cotton majestically. Therefore, you can get soft and textured dimensions in your images. So, I suggest mixing contrasting textures in outfits to add visual interest to pictures without complicating the composition.
A man can wear a linen shirt, while a woman can put on a delicate lace or flowy cotton dress. The duo will have a harmonious and captivating contrast.
When thinking about engagement photo outfit ideas in summer, many couples tend to underestimate the importance of accessories. This concept includes shoes, necklaces, earrings, rings, and even nail polish. You don’t have to choose something super trendy or bold. Focus on the clothes you choose and the look you’d like to create. Thus, it will be easier to pick matching accessories.
When selecting the engagement photo attire, it is important to ensure that both partners' outfits are cohesive and create a harmonious visual narrative. It is often common for women to dress slightly more formally than men.
A subtle contrast can add depth and interest to the photographs but don’t make this contrast too sharp. For example, if she is wearing a flowing maxi dress, he may put on a light summer suit or a smart linen shirt with chinos but not baggy jeans and a T-shirt.
A cinched waistline is a classic choice for engagement photos, as it creates a visually appealing silhouette. Prairie-style dresses, though popular, benefit from a defined waistline to maintain a flattering shape. Avoid balloon dresses, as their voluminous design can make women appear boxy in photos.
A simple yet nice choice for your engagement photo outfit is a button-down shirt. However, avoid solid black and instead choose muted tones like green or gray. Pair it with a white or cream undershirt and leave it slightly unbuttoned. Thus, you can achieve a relaxed yet polished appearance. Camel or tan jeans can add a touch of sophistication to this classic combination.
If you are going to take images high in the mountains and write down possible summer engagement photo outfit ideas, it is common to prioritize practicality. It is a reasonable choice, but I also recommend taking a step aside from the practical side and let a woman put on a long flowy dress. Such attire looks stunning against a mountain backdrop. Your photos will have a romantic and ethereal flair that is hard to achieve when wearing casual clothes.
If a photo session takes place in buildings that serve as natural windbreaks, a couple can select a bolder outfit, namely, shorter dresses and high heels. Besides, when photographing in such settings, that are usually deprived of lush greenery and other vibrant elements, you can choose brighter colors in clothes. In general, if you want more vivid hues in your pictures, posing in colorful clothes against a bustling metropolis is a great option.
When it comes to summer engagement beach photos, comfort is key. Lightweight fabrics like linen are a fantastic choice to keep you cool and stylish in the warm, ocean breeze.
Soft hues of white, light blue, and muted greens will blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings. Whether you're opting for sandals or embracing the barefoot beach vibe, your photos with such a stunning backdrop will surely cause awe.
If you want your engagement photos to be a little different, forget about the usual casual summer outfits, try something more formal. A dress or suit can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your photos.
Don't let a little rain ruin your engagement photo plans. In fact, a light summer shower can create a magical and romantic setting. Just be sure to wear outfits that can withstand water, like breathable, quick-drying fabrics. You can even go barefoot for a fun and carefree look.
