What to Wear for Your Couples Photoshoot + Outfit Ideas
Deciding what to wear for your couples photo session can feel a bit overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. You might be using the photos for wedding invitations or save-the-dates, or maybe you just want some updated photos to hang in your home. Either way, these photos capture a moment in your lives together, and it’s nice to feel confident in what you’re wearing. To help make things easier, we’ve put together a guide (with some outfit inspiration) to help you decide what to wear for your couples photo session!
Be Yourself and Keep It Comfy
The key to looking great in photos is feeling great! As your photographers, we want you to be as comfortable as you can throughout your couples photo session. Wear the clothes that feel the most like you and your personality. Don't feel like you have to force yourself to wear clothes that you don't like. If you wear clothes that are itchy, tight, hot, or always need to be readjusted, you'll be distracted and you won't have a great time. And that discomfort tends to show up in your photos!
You’ll usually feel better wearing something that feels like you. When you’re not thinking about your clothes, it’s easier to relax, be yourselves, and just enjoy the time together. And that’s when the best photos tend to happen.
Decide the Vibe You Want to Go For
Think of your outfit as part of the visual storytelling for your photo session. Talk about it together to decide how you want to represent this season of your life in your photos: do you want to keep it casual and fun? Or would you prefer to go for a more formal and dressy route?
For a casual vibe, like hanging out on the beach while eating shave ice and running in the waves, consider loose layers, a fun print, playful colors, and denim. Pack your favorite swimsuits if you plan on getting in the water towards the end of your session (which we always encourage!).
Janelle and Jeremy changed into casual shorts and their favorite matching sneakers for the second half of their session.
Jenevive and Bing kept it casual with a sundress and shorts for their in-home photos.
Tailor and Tyler went with layers and denim for a playful and fun sunset photo session where they weren’t afraid to get sandy!
For a more dressed-up vibe, like a romantic beach date while watching the sunset, you might consider longer linen pants, or dresses that will move and flow with the breeze (think cotton, satin, or anything with ruffles!).
If you’re planning a longer photo session with time for an outfit change, you can do a little bit of both!
Christine wore a white satin halter dress, and Kevin wore a linen shirt and pants for their beach photo session.
Nikki and Tatiana chose an all-black ensemble for a striking formal engagement look, before changing into colors and prints afterwards.
Tori wore a two-piece white maxi skirt and cropped blouse, and CJ complemented in a white linen set.
Choosing Colors, Textures, and Layers
Ideally, all the attention should be on you and your partner! We want to minimize visual distractions by sticking with simplified color palettes and minimal patterns. Too many busy patterns, neon colors, and visibly branded logos can be distracting in your final photo gallery.
Now, this doesn’t mean you can’t have fun with your wardrobe! Don’t compromise your personality here, but make sure your outfit choices are cohesive with the overall vibe you’re going for. If you do want to incorporate a print, stick with just one partner wearing the print and have the other wear complementing colors.
To avoid an outdated matchy-matchy look, aim to coordinate cohesion instead. Stick with a few colors from the same color family. You can add in a print for some variety, and incorporate different textures for interest. Choose colors and styles that complement each other but could still stand alone as outfits that highlight your unique personalities.
A great way to add visual interest is by incorporating different textures and layers! In general, flowy fabrics like silk, chiffon, and satin give great movement. Pair that with a heavy contrast like denim or a leather jacket, and that creates a dynamic look that looks amazing in photos. Hawaii may be known for warm, tropical weather, but that doesn’t mean you can’t layer! Wear a loose button-up over a swimsuit, or drape a jean jacket over your shoulders as the sun sets. Extra layers can double as cute props, too!
Bring A Few Mementos
Speaking of props, you might want to consider bringing a few items that can help to visually tell more of your love story! Props can be more than just bringing a onesie to your maternity session.
Think of hobbies you and your partner share, and bring those items with you so that we can capture you in your element. We always encourage couples to add an extra layer of personal detail, to make your photos that much more sentimental.
Do you bond over reading together? Bring a stack of your favorite books to your photo session.
Do you enjoy taking photos of each other? Bring the camera that you use to document all your adventures.
Maybe your favorite date night is pizza night! Grab a box of pizza and have a picnic on the beach.
As your photographers, let us know if you’d like help brainstorming ideas for this portion of your photos! We love getting to know our couples and the things that you cherish the most about your connection to each other.
Don't Be Afraid to Add Some Accessories
If accessories are your thing, don't hesitate to wear them for your couples photoshoot! Whether it's a cute hat, a sentimental necklace, or a funky hairpiece, adding an accessory will add interest to your outfit. As Hawaii-based photographers and videographers, we also give our couples the option to purchase a tī leaf lei and lei po’o to wear during your couples photoshoot, handmade by us! When you place a lei order with us, we can coordinate the colors to your outfits, depending on what florals are seasonally available, and hand deliver the leis to you on the day of your photoshoot.
More Couples Photoshoot Outfit Inspiration
Ready for Your Couples Photoshoot?
We hope this guide helped you with deciding what to wear for your couples photoshoot! The most important thing is that you're comfortable and confident in your outfit!
If you're looking for a Hawaii-based photographer to capture your photoshoot, whether it's a date night, surprise proposal or engagement celebration, we would love to capture your love story. Reach out to us via our inquiry form and we'll get back to you as soon as we can!
