Q. Hi Jordan,
I was hoping to get your opinion on outfit selection for engagement photos. I’m hoping to put together two outfits – one dressy, one more casual. Do you have any suggestions?
Thank you in advance, and thanks for your lovely blog!
Molly
A. Congrats on your upcoming wedding!
Engagement photos aren’t something that every couple will choose to do, but they’re a nice thing to have for several reasons: 1) Auto-Christmas card, if you’re the type who sends them out, 2) You can test-run your wedding photographer (many will even include the engagement photos as part of the package), 3) You’ll have a frame-able professional photo of the two of you that doesn’t involve super-formal (i.e. wedding) attire…and may thus look much more “you.” So that’s nice.
I think it’s a good idea to have both casual and dressy outfit choices, but the most important thing, in my opinion, is to look like yourself. If you’re simply not the pearl earrings-wearing type, don’t feel like you have to stick on a pair just because you’re trying to get your photo into the Times and you think that’s the way to go. But do shoot for a more “classic” version of your style – you want these photos to be timeless, not trendy.
Some tips:
– Go for necklines that frame your face, like a boatneck top. Try to avoid turtlenecks – Tyra speaks the truth when she says that neck elongation makes for a lovely photo.
– Style your hair away from your face to avoid shadows.
– Skip the patterns; solid colors work better in photos than polka-dots.
– Bright colors can look pretty and “pop” depending on the background, but I like the idea of warm neutrals for a park or city setting, especially around this time of year; they just look relaxed, cozy, and natural.
– Avoid white, red, and black (white and red tend to be too bright for the camera, while black absorbs too much light).
– Avoid shiny fabrics, which reflect light back into the camera.
– Keep your jewelry simple; the goal is to draw attention to your happy face, not to distract from it.
Product info after the jump.
Casual: Gold Knot earrings, Vanessa Bruno sweater, Mulberry wrap bracelet, Paige Denim jeans, Sam Edelman boots.
Dressy: House of Fraser earrings, TopShop dress, Asos watch, Jimmy Choo pumps.
