Part II: What To Wear To Your Engagement Session
Trying to find the right outfits for your engagement session can be overwhelming. In the midst of planning your wedding and making a million other decisions, it can seem like this is just another one to add to the list. But I’m here to guide you on what will be best for you and your fiance!
In Part I of this series we talked all about what to wear for the women and here I’ll be covering what to wear for the guys.
Tops & Bottoms
You can’t go wrong with a dress shirt, slacks, and a blazer, or a well-tailored suit. A blazer, sport coat, or suit jacket is very flattering for men on camera. If you already have a suit that you like and want to wear at your session, make sure to try it on a few weeks beforehand (with the shoes you’ll be wearing) so you have time to make alterations if needed.
Colors
I recommend neutrals and soft, warm tones that complement your bride’s look. Solid shades of gray or navy are a strong complement to most women’s outfits, whereas pinstripes or plaid patterns tend to distract the eye (and can distort on camera), so stay away from too strong of prints, and opt for light patterns or solids instead.
Layered Looks
Adding extra layers will bring added dimension and visual interest to your photos. If the temperature permits, he could even consider adding a v-neck sweater with a pop of color from a long-sleeved collared shirt and tie underneath. Don’t be afraid to get a little creative with layers!
It’s All in the Details
Long pants and closed-toed shoes are the most sophisticated and masculine looks for men. Brown leather dress shoes complement almost every look, whether he’s wearing a full suit, or a blazer and colored pants. Ties, bowties, pocket squares, colored socks, belts, tie clips, suspenders, vests, and watches are sharp complements to any suit.
If you bring two suits to the session, you can start with a traditional necktie and belt, then switch to a more casual blazer. If two suits are too stressful, no problem! One look will be perfect. A lot of my grooms wear one suit and just change their dress shirt. Other guys wear one pair of pants and change their jacket. You can still mix and match accessories to complement both of her outfits without doing a full change during the session. So, either way, you win!
I want to reiterate again because I truly believe this is so incredibly important. What you wear will never trump your attitude and relationship. When the focus is on each other and your love, that shines through in your photos like nothing else.