Planning a couples photoshoot is an exciting step in capturing your love story. Beyond the smiles and poses, what you wear plays a crucial role in setting the mood and enhancing the visual appeal of your photographs. This guide will walk you through selecting the perfect outfits to reflect your personalities, complement each other, and create timeless memories.
Understanding the Session’s Vibe
Before diving into specific clothing choices, consider the overall aesthetic you’re aiming for. What’s the location? What’s the photographer’s style? What kind of emotion do you want the photos to evoke?
Location Matters
The location of your photoshoot significantly influences your wardrobe choices. A formal garden calls for different attire than a casual beach setting.
- Urban landscapes: Think modern, chic, and stylish. Lean into darker colors, structured silhouettes, and statement accessories.
- Natural environments (parks, forests): Embrace earthy tones, comfortable fabrics, and relaxed fits.
- Beaches: Opt for light, airy fabrics, pastels, and bare feet.
- Home setting: Consider cozy, comfortable clothing that reflects your everyday life.
- Consider the weather: Remember to check the weather forecast and plan accordingly. Bring layers to combat potential temperature changes.
Photographer’s Style
Different photographers have different styles. Some lean towards bright and airy images, while others prefer a darker, moodier look. Look at your photographer’s portfolio. Does it emphasize specific colors or styles? Coordinating with their style will ensure your outfits complement their artistic vision. Communicating with your photographer beforehand is also essential. Don’t hesitate to ask for their input and recommendations.
Desired Emotion
Are you going for romantic and dreamy, playful and fun, or sophisticated and elegant? Your clothing should reflect the emotion you want to capture. For example, flowy dresses and soft colors can create a romantic feel, while bold patterns and vibrant hues can convey playfulness. Neutral colors such as white, cream, beige or light grey evoke classic elegance.
Coordinating Outfits: The Art of Complementing Each Other
The goal is to look coordinated without being overly matchy-matchy. Avoid wearing the exact same outfit. Instead, focus on complementing each other’s styles and color palettes.
Color Coordination: Finding Harmony
Color coordination is key to creating visually appealing photos. Here are a few approaches:
- Complementary colors: Colors opposite each other on the color wheel (e.g., blue and orange, red and green) create a vibrant and dynamic look. Use these sparingly, as they can be quite bold.
- Analogous colors: Colors that are next to each other on the color wheel (e.g., blue, blue-green, green) create a harmonious and balanced feel.
- Monochromatic colors: Different shades and tints of the same color (e.g., light blue, medium blue, dark blue) create a sophisticated and cohesive look.
- Neutral colors with a pop of color: This is a classic and versatile option. Choose neutral colors like beige, gray, or white for the base of your outfits and add a pop of color with accessories or a single item of clothing.
Style Compatibility: Staying True to Yourselves
Ensure that your outfits reflect your individual styles while also complementing each other. If one person is more casual, the other shouldn’t be overly formal. If one person prefers bold colors, the other can incorporate a complementary color in a more subtle way.
- Consider your personal style: Do you prefer classic, bohemian, modern, or something else entirely? Your outfits should reflect your authentic selves.
- Don’t be afraid to mix and match: You don’t have to wear the same style from head to toe. You can mix casual and dressy elements to create a unique and interesting look.
- Most importantly, be comfortable: If you’re not comfortable in your clothes, it will show in the photos. Choose outfits that you feel confident and relaxed in.
What to Wear: Specific Outfit Ideas
Now, let’s get into some specific outfit ideas for different scenarios.
Classic and Elegant
For a timeless and sophisticated look, consider these options:
- Her: A flowy midi dress in a neutral color, paired with delicate jewelry and heels. A tailored blazer over a silk camisole adds a touch of elegance.
- Him: A well-fitted suit or blazer with dress pants, a crisp button-down shirt, and dress shoes. A tie or pocket square can add a pop of color.
Casual and Relaxed
For a more laid-back and comfortable vibe, try these outfits:
- Her: A comfortable dress, jeans and a sweater, or a skirt and blouse. Flats, sandals, or sneakers are all great footwear options.
- Him: Jeans or chinos with a t-shirt, sweater, or button-down shirt. Casual shoes or sneakers are perfect.
Bohemian and Whimsical
For a free-spirited and romantic look, consider these outfits:
- Her: A flowy maxi dress with floral prints, lace details, or embroidery. Sandals or boots are great footwear options. Layer with a denim jacket or cardigan.
- Him: Linen pants or shorts with a loose-fitting shirt. Leather sandals or boots are a good choice. Consider adding a hat or scarf.
Seasonal Considerations
- Spring: Light and airy fabrics, pastel colors, and floral prints are perfect for spring.
- Summer: Embrace bright colors, lightweight fabrics, and playful prints.
- Autumn: Rich, warm colors, such as burgundy, mustard, and olive green, are ideal for autumn.
- Winter: Layer up with cozy sweaters, scarves, and hats. Choose darker colors and heavier fabrics.
Accessories: The Finishing Touches
Accessories can add personality and style to your outfits. However, it’s important to choose them carefully to avoid overwhelming the photos.
Jewelry
Choose simple and elegant jewelry that complements your outfits. Avoid anything too flashy or distracting. A delicate necklace, simple earrings, or a classic watch are all good choices.
Shoes
Choose shoes that are comfortable and appropriate for the location. If you’ll be walking a lot, opt for flats or sneakers. If you want to dress up your outfit, heels or dress shoes are a good choice. Remember that closed-toe shoes almost always look better than open-toed.
Hats and Scarves
Hats and scarves can add a touch of personality and style to your outfits, especially during colder months. Choose hats and scarves that complement your color palette and overall aesthetic.
What to Avoid: Common Mistakes
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when choosing your outfits:
- Logos and busy patterns: These can be distracting and take away from the focus of the photos.
- Clashing colors: Avoid wearing colors that clash with each other or with the background.
- Ill-fitting clothing: Make sure your clothes fit properly and are comfortable to wear. Avoid anything too tight or too loose.
- Uncomfortable shoes: Wear shoes that you can comfortably walk in.
- Over-accessorizing: Too many accessories can be overwhelming and distracting.
Final Preparations: Before the Shoot
Once you’ve chosen your outfits, take some time to prepare them for the photoshoot.
Ironing and Steaming
Make sure your clothes are wrinkle-free. Iron or steam them the day before the shoot.
Trying on Outfits
Try on your outfits together to make sure they coordinate well and that you both feel comfortable and confident.
Packing a Bag
Pack a bag with any essentials you might need, such as water, snacks, makeup, and a change of shoes. It’s always good to bring a back-up outfit as well.
Choosing the right outfits for your couples session is an important part of creating beautiful and lasting memories. By considering the session’s vibe, coordinating your outfits, and paying attention to the details, you can ensure that your photos capture your love story in the best possible light. Remember to be yourselves, have fun, and let your personalities shine through!
Confidence is Key
Ultimately, the most important thing you can wear to your couples session is confidence. When you feel good about how you look, it will show in your photos. Choose outfits that make you feel comfortable, confident, and happy. And remember to relax, have fun, and enjoy the experience!
What are the most important factors to consider when choosing outfits for our couples session?
Choosing outfits for your couples session involves more than just picking your favorite clothes. Think about the overall aesthetic you want to achieve in your photos. Consider the location and its environment – a flowing dress in a field looks different than a sharp suit in a city. Also, prioritize comfort! If you’re not comfortable in what you’re wearing, it will show in your expressions and posture, impacting the final images.
Beyond aesthetics and comfort, think about coordination without being overly matchy. Complementary colors and similar styles work well, but avoid wearing identical outfits. Layering pieces adds depth and texture to your outfits, and consider bringing accessories like scarves, hats, or jewelry to add personal touches. Remember, your outfits should reflect your personalities and relationship in an authentic way.
How do we coordinate our outfits without looking too matchy-matchy?
The key to coordinating without matching is to find a common thread that ties your outfits together. This could be a shared color palette, a similar style (e.g., both casual or both dressy), or even complementary textures. For example, if one person is wearing a blue dress, the other could wear a shirt with blue accents or a neutral color that complements blue, like beige or gray.
Avoid wearing the exact same color or pattern. Instead, focus on creating a visually harmonious look. Think about how the colors and styles of your outfits will interact with each other and the background of your chosen location. Don’t be afraid to ask your photographer for their input – they often have a keen eye for what works well in photos.
What colors photograph best for couples sessions, and what colors should we avoid?
In general, earth tones, muted colors, and pastels photograph exceptionally well. These colors tend to be flattering on a wide range of skin tones and create a soft, romantic aesthetic. Think of colors like beige, cream, olive green, dusty rose, and light blues. These colors also work well in various lighting conditions and outdoor settings.
Avoid wearing overly bright or neon colors, as they can distract from your faces and may cause color casting in your photos. Black can be a good choice in certain situations, but too much black can make you blend into the background or appear heavier. Also, be cautious with patterns that are too busy or intricate, as they can be distracting and cause moiré in digital photographs.
Should we bring multiple outfits to our couples session?
Bringing a second outfit can add variety to your photos and allow you to capture different looks and moods. This can be especially beneficial if you’re having a longer session or shooting in multiple locations. A change of outfit can also help you feel more relaxed and refreshed during the shoot.
However, be mindful of the time allocated for outfit changes. Discuss with your photographer beforehand to ensure you have enough time to change without cutting into your shooting time. If you opt for multiple outfits, choose options that are easy to change into and that complement each other in terms of style and color.
What types of fabrics and textures work best in photos?
Fabrics with texture, such as corduroy, linen, or knits, add depth and visual interest to your photos. These fabrics catch the light in unique ways and create a more dynamic look than flat, smooth fabrics. Consider incorporating different textures into both of your outfits for a cohesive yet interesting feel.
Avoid fabrics that are overly shiny or reflective, such as satin or sequins, as they can create unwanted glare and highlights in your photos. Also, be mindful of fabrics that wrinkle easily, as wrinkles can be distracting in the final images. Natural fibers like cotton and linen are generally good choices, as they are comfortable and photograph well.
What accessories should we consider wearing or bringing to our session?
Accessories can be a great way to personalize your outfits and add pops of color or interest to your photos. Consider bringing scarves, hats, jewelry, or even a statement belt. Accessories can also be a good way to introduce a subtle pattern or texture into your outfit.
When choosing accessories, think about the overall style and aesthetic of your outfits and the location of your shoot. A wide-brimmed hat can add a touch of elegance to a rustic outdoor setting, while a colorful scarf can brighten up a neutral outfit. Just make sure the accessories don’t overpower your outfits or distract from your faces.
How can we ensure our clothing fits well and looks flattering in photos?
The most important factor is to choose clothes that fit you properly. Ill-fitting clothing can be unflattering and distracting in photos. Avoid clothes that are too tight or too loose, as both can emphasize areas you may not want to highlight. Opt for clothes that flatter your body type and make you feel confident.
Before your session, try on your outfits and move around in them to ensure they are comfortable and allow for natural movement. Pay attention to how the clothes look when you’re sitting, standing, and walking. Consider having your clothes tailored if necessary to ensure the perfect fit. A well-fitted outfit can make a significant difference in the final photos.