Hello, sweet friends!! I’m not really big on small talk, I like to have in-depth and super intentional conversations. Especially when it comes to blog form, I truly hate the fluff. So let’s get down to business and talk about all things CLOTHES!

So why are clothes really that important in a photo session??

• They express a part of who you are
• They can compliment your natural beauty and truly make it SHINE
• It can make our break your session + your photos – it will truly set the mood + vibe
• They can help you feel confident + comfortable 
• They WILL bring your photos to life

Okay, so you can probably tell that clothes are freaking important for a session now… so without further ado here’s 8 tips on what to wear to a couple photoshoot:

1. Comfort is key

My sweet friends, If you walk into your session not feeling that comfortable, then odds are you are not going to look super comfortable in your photos. Whether you decide on clothes that are super fancy or very casual, just choose something that screams YOU and makes you feel like you could strut a runway. Comfort is a HUGE DEAL. Honestly probably one of the biggest deals, so if you walk away with anything…remember this one. Comfort is freaking key.

2. Think Logistically

Alright, let’s have a real chat on this one. I work outdoors, on hikes, on top of mountains, in muddy fields…etc. Wearing heels on any of these terrains is not really the most ideal. So if you prefer to have heels on in your photos, then make sure to bring an extra pair of shoes you can change into to get a little dirty. 

Another thing to remember is the weather. Obviously if we are having a summer session, then you won’t want to wear hot sweaters and vise-versa if we were working in the winter. 

Just think of your terrain and the weather for the day and just dress accordingly to those things. This is to help with comfortability AND to create the story in your photos to be more cohesive.

3. Bring Options

There are a few reasons for bringing options for your session.

 One of them is that it will give you more flexibility with the location! Having multiple choices is awesome for a beautiful location with multiple stunning spots within it. (Ex: woods vs mountaintop vs beach vs field etc). A lot of the times the locations I’ll take you to will have a couple of different vibes and feels, so to accommodate that we can change outfits to really hone in on those vibes!

Another reason is that it will give you more diversity in your gallery! You’ll have more and different feels, emotions, moments, and adventures in your gallery just with a simple outfit change in the same session.

And the more practical side of outfit options is that the weather might change – so it’s always good to have a backup set of clothes and/or more layers on hand!

4. It’s all about movement

Embrace the wind and ALL those flowy dresses and skirts because those things are what seriously make your pictures come to LIFE. Don’t choose the stiff and figure-fitting clothes, those are absolutely awesome don’t get me wrong, but they won’t create those flowy, dreamy photos that my clients so often want and hope for! 

So instead of reaching for the skinny jeans and a bodysuits, try flowy moving dresses, skirts, loose button ups…etc.

I promise you won’t regret it!

5. Tips for colors

Okay, here’s where I get into the more nitty gritty. If you do all the things above, you’ll create the mood and environment for sure. But here’s where we begin to paint the full picture. Color is a HUGE factor in displaying your love story. I strongly recommend to all my clients neutral/earth colored clothing for our sessions. 

And here’s why…color is used to compliment – and we want to compliment you + your love, as well as the scenery around. What we don’t want is for the color to outshine the love story we’re setting for your photos OR distract from the scenery around you. 

When your colors are earth colors they compliment the outdoor scenery and your faces + love truly begin to shine a little extra in the photos. So try to stay away from big, bold, and loud colors.

Some common earth tone colors are:

• Rust/Dark Reds
• Browns
• Blues
• Greens
• Whites/creams

6. Tips for Patterns

This kind of goes along with color, at least it’s a lot of the same principles. Choose clothing that won’t distract from your faces, your love story, and the beauty you guys naturally carry. 

Simple or more subtle patterns or textures should be the way you lean towards if you do desire to go towards any patterns at all. We don’t want you in anything too crazy and bold because the focus of the image needs to be on you guys, not your clothing!

7. Logos and writing

As a general rule of thumb, clothing with writing and logos on it tends to be distracting just like crazy patterns and bold colors do. However, if the logo or phrase is tasteful and not tacky, in theme with our session, and fits your personalities, then I’m a huge fan of breaking this rule. 

8. Let’s talk details

Accessories – Wear them! If you love to rock some shiny necklaces, dangly earrings, or a cute hat then girl do it!! Wear what makes you feel comfortable. And oftentimes we can use these accessories in the photos as props too, which can really bring the photos to life!!

One thing you should keep in mind is to remember to keep it simple because again we don’t want anything to outshine your emotions, love story, and gorgeous faces.

Props – I LOVE some good props!! So totally bring things that you are passionate about and can truly build up the story we’re creating with your photos!!

Props don’t have to mean cheesy plastic candy canes in your photos or things you’d hardly use in your day to day real life. It can be surfboards, longboards, picnic blankets, flowers, disco balls, roller blades, food, beers, a fur baby and seriously so much more!! I love adding these things into my sessions because it makes it more YOU and unique. 

Hair + Make-up – You do you boo! If you don’t really wear make-up or do your hair, then don’t feel like you have to get all dolled up for me and my camera. But if going and getting your hair and make-up done sounds exactly like the thing you need to boost your confidence in the photos, then go for it!! I just ask all my clients to stick to who they are and what makes them feel confident. 

Alright my friends, that’s my super in-depth outfit guide for anyone who needs help picking out clothes or feeling well prepared for their couple photo session. I hope you enjoyed it!