What To Wear For Your Couples Session (updated)
Choosing what to wear for your shoot can be daunting and a bit stressful. I get it, just picking out my day to day clothing is quite the endeavor! That’s exactly why I created this outfit guide; to help you and your sweetie choose the perfect outfits that make you feel like yourselves!
First things first, you want to be comfortable in your clothing and feel CONFIDENT. Hands down, above anything else, that is the absolute most important part of choosing your look for the photoshoot. If you don’t feel 100% comfortable and confident in what you’re wearing, it can ultimately reflect how you see yourself through your final images. These photos will be yours to have and look at for years to come, so you want them to reflect your personality and your look to feel natural and very you!
Multiple Outfits
Majority of my couples choose to wear two outfits: a more casual look, the other more dressed up to show off your classy side! This way you can showcase two different styles as a couple and can have a variety of photos to hang up in your home and share with family and friends!
Color scheme, patterns, and textures
If you want to wear a patterned piece, keep it to one person and coordinate the other person’s outfit so it will pop and look more cohesive as a unit. *Generally, too many patterns look busy and will compete with each other*
Add dimension and interest by changing up the texture of clothing material and accents (layering clothes are always a great option!)
Don’t forget to accessorize! Adding those small details such as your favorite pair of earrings or that watch you always wear make the photos even more personal and add more depth to your images.
When in doubt, neutral colors are the way to go! Overly vibrant colors can often cast that color onto you or your partner’s skin. Maroon, olive green, navy blue, tan, white, black, gray look natural with any setting!
Locations and weather
Dress according to the season - you don’t want to be frozen solid wearing a tank in the winter or overheated from wearing your warmest boots in the middle of summer. You get the gist. ;)
The locations you choose will also be an important factor to how you choose what to wear. You’ll want your look to “make sense” with your location. You may not wear your most formal dress if you’re chillin’ on the couch or out exploring in the woods. The best advice I can give about this is to imagine how you would dress if you were going out on the town together (whether it’s a more casual-cute night or a full blown date night). Again, dress in a way that’s comfortable for you!
Colder weather tips:
Layer up! If you get warm in what you’re wearing, you’ll still have something cute and cozy on.
But don’t dress too bulky
Have a stylish/cute/fun coat or outwear? Now’s the time to flaunt it!
Accessorize with your favorite cold weather-accessories - cute gloves, hat, scarf, etc
Bring a blanket to wrap up in or use it to sit on if the ground is cold/damp
Accessories, details, and versatility
Create interest with patterns and textures if you’d like, as we discussed earlier, but incorporating accessories and little details that make you you will also take you right back to that time in your life when you look at these photos down the road.
Utilize jewelry, necklaces, earrings, rings, hair accessories, belts, shoes, hats, etc. I also encourage you to bring along a jacket (weather depending) or something that you can easily throw on to add variety to your photos without having to completely change clothes.
Things to try to avoid
Spray tans
Large logos or text on clothes
Neon colors
Be aware of any tan lines and how they look with your chosen outfits
Some shirts with the super tiny checkered pattern on them create a “static-y” type of look on camera - feel free to text me a picture if you’re unsure!
Additional tips when planning your look!
Make sure you take ponytail holder off wrist and hands/nails are clean
Lint roller is a good idea to bring! (I always have one too in case you forget)
Make sure you steam or iron your clothes the day before to get out any wrinkles or creases in clothes and hang them up until the shoot.
Hang your outfits in the car if you’re driving, do not lay them on the seat (we don’t need any spills, dog hairs, or your dirty boots from your most recent hiking trip getting any spots on your outfits!)
Blankets are great to have on hand
A little nervous for the shoot? Pro tip: sip a beer or a mimosa beforehand! ;)
So, Let’s recap!
Choose outfits that you feel the most comfortable and confident in and that describe YOU!
Have two outfits to change things up!
Steer clear of neon colors and competing patterns. Ultimately your outfits should compliment each other and be cohesive.
Remember to choose your outfits based on the environment we’ll be shooting in and the weather.
Just remember,
WHEN IN DOUBT…
…simply use this as a guide and have fun with choosing what you’re going to wear! Your photos are meant to be timeless, focus on your love for each other, and document your life together. Above all, make sure you both feel comfortable in what you’re wearing and that you feel like yourselves!
If you are ever unsure about what to wear for your shoot, ask your photographer! I am more than happy to give a little extra guidance when it comes to documenting this moment in your life and feeling your absolute best on the day of our shoot. I am here to make you feel confident and natural on camera! :)
All images photographed by Sam Fink of Lumosco Photo
St. Louis dance and lifestyle photographer