When doing an engagement session, you girls might be tempted to wear the cute new shirt you just bought, or those amazing heels that you only bring out for special occasions. However, just because you love something doesn%u2019t mean it is ideal for photos. Here is a general guideline of what works, and what doesn%u2019t. Remember that any of these rules can be broken %u2013 but do so at your own risk!

Good ideas:

Both of you wearing outfits in the same color family (blues, earthtones, etc) or with the same accent color

Solids or simple patterns

That hot little black dress!

Fitted clothing (big, baggy shirts can make you look a lot larger than you are)

Comfortable clothes you can sit, stand, run, and jump around in

Nice jeans, paired with a dressy top

Accessories like funky necklaces, jackets, hats, scarves, sunglasses, etc.

Bringing one very dressy outfit and one very casual outfit

Bad ideas:

Bright white shirts (ivory or cream photographs much better)

Wild patterns or horizontal stripes

Shirts with writing on them

Sleeveless shirts

Polo shirts on girls %u2013 for some reason, very few girls can pull this off well. If you really want to wear a polo, make sure it is fitted for a woman%u2019s body, and not cut straight on the sides.

Shirts with short hemlines %u2013 the bottom edge of the shirt should hit at your hips or lower

Watches or rings, unless they have a lot of sentimental value to you.. We want to emphasize the engagement ring, and lots of other hand jewelry will take away from that. This goes for both guys and girls.

Short skirts, low necklines, anything even remotely risqué

Exact matching outfits %u2013 it might seem cute now to both wear the exact same outfit, but in a few years, you will laugh at yourself for being so cheesy!

Things you might want to bring with you:

Flip flops (if you plan on wearing heels, just to walk around in while we%u2019re not taking photos)

A posterboard with %u201CThank You,%u201D your name(s), or your wedding date written on it

Change of clothes in case one gets dirty or wet or you just want to change things up

Headbands, bobby pins, or ponytail holders in case of a windy day

Any props you want to use.. A frisbee, cowboy boots, dogs, anything that you both enjoy together

Other things to know:

-Girls, be aware of your body type. Know what your flaws are, what your assets are, and dress accordingly. If you%u2019re a curvy girl, wear something properly tailored that really shows off the curves of your body. Look for shirts with long torsos that will make you look longer and leaner. Short hemlines on shirts will make you look bigger. Avoid extremely baggy clothing and super skintight clothing. If you%u2019re petite, dressing in trendy layers will give you a more sophisticated look, but don%u2019t go for anything poofy or with big shoulders/sleeves or it might end up swallowing you in the images. If you%u2019re an athletic girl, avoid the urge to play up your killer arms or rock-hard thighs. Unfortunately, without sophisticated studio lighting, it can be hard to capture muscular definition in photos, and heavily-muscled arms and legs can end up looking more like fat.

-Guys, we look good in just about anything, we are lucky like that :) ! Remember to match the %u201Ctone%u201D of your lady%u2019s outfit. If she is dressy, you should be too! If you plan on tucking your shirt in, make sure the shirt fits you well and is not too baggy, or you might accidentally end up with a muffin-top effect. Also make sure that your belt matches your shoes!

-Be aware of your location, and dress appropriately. If you%u2019re going somewhere very edgy and urban, wear something sophisticated and dressy. If you%u2019re going somewhere artsy and whimsical, go for trendier styles and fun layers. If you%u2019re going somewhere natural like a park, wear something more romantic and light. When in doubt, bring multiple outfits and I will be happy to lend a suggestion!