I want you to think about the instant confidence and immense self love that rushes throughout your body when you put on your favorite outfit. Your outfit and the way you feel about your outfit completely shifts your mood for the day. There’s a pep in your step. A double take in the mirror. A radiance of joy knowing and showcasing your style. — In the wide world of fashion, it can be overwhelming finding that style. With this guide, we’ll take you step by step on building your perfect session outfit(s).
START WITH THE BASICS
By starting with simple neutrals such as black or white, other elements of your outfit or yourself can shine through. A simple, white top can allow someone’s dyed hair to be their pop of color. If you want to wear those funky pants you love, pair them with a neutral top so the focus is on the pants. Perhaps you don’t want large statement pieces to distract from your gorgeous setting or want a more timeless look. In that case, wearing neutrals go with every location in any season, producing photos that are clean. Whenever in doubt — a simple white dress and white shirt is a perfect combo!
EARTH TONES
Earth tones are perfect for adding subtle, muted tones. A few classic Earth tones include olive, brown, camel, sage, dusty blue, and rust. Earth tones can act as neutrals therefore matching each other. These tones are a great way to be bold without being distracting and look amazing as monochrome outfits. Earth tones often look best in outdoor settings and provoke warm, cozy emotions.
Example: To the left you’ll see Jenna has olive and brown on with a white top. Joe also has a shade of olive on with brown shoes. BONUS POINTS: Jenna’s hat doubles as an accessory and prop YEE-HAW!
THE SCIENCE OF COLOR
Complementary combinations are colors that sit opposite each other on the color circle.
An example would be blue and orange like how Rachel and Richard utilized below.
Monochrome is a single color or in varying tones of a single color. An example is yellow and mustard.
MAKE A STATEMENT
When you read “statement piece” you probably think of a bold, red dress, right? Statement pieces can be as bold or subtle as you’d like though. Statement pieces are eye-cathcing articles of clothing that make up 50% or more of an outfit. Statement pieces have majority color, pattern, or texture. For example, an all black dress isn’t as vivid as a red dress, but it still a bold statement. When selecting a statement pattern, I advise you limit the pattern to one per couple and choose larger patterns over smaller prints. If your statement is a top or bottoms, finish the outfit with simpler items for balance. Pattern top? Solid bottom. Funky pants? Simple top.
TALK TEXTURE
That’s right, texture! It’s often overlooked, but can make a memorable difference. materials that photograph beautifully include:
◖ Silk
◖Corduroy
◖Lace
◖Velvet
Unique textures are best for statement pieces such as jackets or dresses.
ACCESSORIES
As with any articles of clothing, balancing the simple with statement pieces is best! Pair a statement necklace with simple earrings and vise versa. Think of daily and seasonal accessories accessories such as a sun hat or winter scarfs.
To the right you’ll see Isa paired her statement hair bow with simple, dainty jewelry.
OCCASION & SEASON
Think about your session location, the season, and the look you want to achieve. Always go with outfits you’ll feel the most comfortable and confident in. Below you’ll see two different examples. Bobby and Alex wanted to dress super formal for an engagement session at their favorite bar. Daniel and Ashley had a winter engagement session so they layered up and utilized warm wool jackets as their statement pieces (while also mixing neutrals and earth tones BONUS POINTS).
BaSIC GUIDELINES
◖Start with neutrals and add a statement piece/color
◖ Experiment with textures, patterns, and layers
◖ Classic over trendy
◖ Add accessories for details
◖ Focus on complimenting each other not exact copying
You’ll Look amazing!
Even if you showed up with a potato sack on for a dress —the true magic happens when you and your partner let loose, have fun, and simply embrace on the experience!
PRO TIP: Do an activity that you and your partner equally love! This makes memories during the session and authentically documents your unique dynamic. Cook together, roam your hometown together, set up a picnic date, etc!
If you’re a Dawnpoint Couple already, I can’t wait to meet and have an amazing session! If you’re not a Dawnpoint Couple yet, click below and let’s chat!
