If you are planning your engagement portraits in the Pacific Northwest, you are likely wondering what to wear for the most stunning photos possible. Hopefully, you have already picked the perfect location or know the overall vibe you are aiming for – maybe romantic floral, sandy coastline, peaceful river, golden fields, or an adventure in the mountains. Now it’s time to decide what to wear. In the PNW, where nature is breathtakingly beautiful, you want to be sure you complement the environment, rather than compete with it.
As a Seattle area wedding photographer, here’s my guide to help you look and feel amazing while staying true to the gorgeous location you have chosen for your photoshoot.
Stay True to Your Personal Style
While you want to complement your PNW engagement location, don’t forget to stay true to your own style. You will want your outfit to suit the landscape, but it should also reflect you. If you’re not a dress person, don’t force it. If you live in jeans and boots, that’s perfect for the PNW! The best engagement photos capture your personalities and your story—clothing should enhance, not hide, who you are.
Consider Your PNW Wedding Venue
If you have already booked your Seattle area wedding venue and will be using these photos for your save the date cards or to display at your wedding reception, consider matching the overall vibe. Similarly, you can plan to select colors that will complement the mood and decor you are already dreaming up for your special day.
Engagement Photos With Texture and Movement
Fabrics and styles that have texture and allow movement add beautiful depth and interest to your photos. Fabrics like linen, knits, and flowy chiffon catch the light and wind beautifully, adding dimension to your photos. Long dresses or skirts that move with the breeze can look especially romantic. And lightweight slacks and neutral colored shirts can have a similar effect.
Choose Footwear for your Pacific Northwest Location
You might be walking on tall grass, gravel trails, a sandy beach, rocky riversides, or steep mountain trails— whatever the location, select your footwear to match. This doesn’t mean you can’t wear heels or cute shoes! I always suggest bringing a bag to carry your outfit changes, accessories, and additional shoes. That way you can wear comfy shoes to walk in and change into a look you love for your photos.
Bring More Than One Outfit
Having more than one outfit option at your engagement photoshoot will give you great variety in your final gallery. Bring along a bag that carries your outfit changes, additional shoes, and accessories comfortably. It can be nice to plan on a more casual outfit, something in between, and a dressy option. I suggest planning on your most casual outfit first and ending with the most formal choice. And don’t worry about how you will change, I always bring along a changing tent to make the process as easy as possible.
Coordinate Tastefully
It’s a great idea to coordinate your engagement outfits and color palette, but not get too matchy matchy. Complimentary colors, neutrals, and a few pops of color here and there are a nice way not to go overboard. For example, if one of you is wearing a patterned outfit, the other can wear a solid color that picks up a tone from the pattern.
What to Avoid
There are just a few things for you to avoid when planning your engagement outfits:
- Too many patters or very bright neon colors can be distracting.
- An outfit that is uncomfortable, too tight, too short, or causes you to constantly adjust. You will want to be able to move and pose comfortably.
- Wrinkles
- Worn out clothing, holes, and dirty shoes
Consult Your Photographer
If you’re unsure about your engagement outfits, ask your photographer! I am always happy to offer help with wardrobe advice, mood boards, or even quick phone or video call consults to make sure everything works well with your location and vision. Hopefully, this will be the same photographer you have selected as your wedding photographer. It’s the perfect opportunity to get to know each other! If you have not yet selected your wedding photographer, read How to Choose a Seattle Area Wedding Photographer for easy to follow steps for finding a fantastic photographer in the PNW.
Seasonal PNW Style Inspiration
Below is some seasonal style tips for the Pacific Northwest and a mood board for each. These can give you a great start as you begin to look for outfits that suit you and your engagement session location.
- Spring: In the spring, I love a soft color palette with a lot of neutrals. The colors in nature this time of year are bright greens and more yellow tones, so the softer colors help balance that out.
- Summer: In the summer you can opt for a few more pops of vibrant color if you want. That, mixed with brighter whites and lighter neutrals fit the natural summer landscape.
- Fall: Fall is a beautiful time for engagement photos. Warmer tones with some rust, blue, and brown look beautiful.
- Winter: The darker and less vibrant winter landscape pairs well with more saturated colors. I love blacks an dark grays, camel and ivory, and pops of red, green, or another jewel tone.
Are you ready to get started on planning the most stunning Seattle area engagement photo session? I would love to join you. Get in touch to find out how I can help you plan the engagement photoshoot you’ve been dreaming of.
Thanks for reading!
Cheers, Janelle
Janelle Barrow Photography serves couples in Seattle and the surrounding areas. With an emphasis on bringing out natural beauty, Janelle is passionate about delivering a personal and elevated experience to all her wedding clients. Her romantic, sophisticated, fine art wedding images capture every moment of the wedding day from arrival to final exit and tell a complete and beautiful story. She thrives on attention to detail and a great ability to take the stress out of wedding photos.
If you are planning your wedding in the Pacific Northwest, please get in touch to see how Janelle Barrow Photography can serve you.
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