What to Wear for Engagement Photos in Chicago

What to Wear Engagement Photos in Chicago Caleb schaftlein photography

Planning your Chicago engagement sounds exciting, but when you start thinking about what to wear for your engagement photos, the stress kicks in.

Yes, your outfit matters, but not for the reasons you might think. 

Don’t stress over finding the perfect outfit you saw on Pinterest. The better idea is to wear something that makes you feel confident and comfortable. 

Engagement Photo Outfits for Confidence

If I could give one piece of advice for your engagement photo outfits, it would be this: choose something that makes you feel confident (and even a little bit sexy). You need to feel like the best version of yourself in your photos. 

When you feel good in what you’re wearing:

  • You relax.

  • Your movement becomes natural.

  • You stop worrying about the camera and start having fun.

What to Wear Engagement Photos in Chicago Caleb schaftlein photography

What Colors Work Best for Engagement Photos

What to Wear Engagement Photos in Chicago Caleb schaftlein photography

A lot of couples think they need to match clothes in their engagement photo outfits, but if you match too closely, your bodies will blend together in the pictures and it will actually make your photos look flat.

That's why a contrasting outfit is the way to go.

  • Tones: If one person is in a lighter outfit, the other can wear a darker outfit.

  • Textures: Mix a flowy silk dress with a coat or jacket.

  • Colors: If one of you is in a soft beige, the other might wear a deep charcoal.

What to Wear Engagement Photos in Chicago Caleb schaftlein photography

What to Wear Based on Chicago Locations 

Make sure to consider the environment as well so you can choose an outfit that matches the vibe of the location.

  • Chicago Riverwalk: clean and modern outfits, like a tailored coat or a sleek dress look incredible against the city architecture.

  • Lincoln Park or the Lakefront: lighter tones and flowy fabrics look amazing in greenery.

  • West Loop: something edgier and fashion forward.

What to Wear Engagement Photos in Chicago Caleb schaftlein photography

How Many Outfits to Bring to Your Engagement Photo Session 

It’s tempting to bring multiple outfit changes, but for Chicago engagement photos, less is more. 

Public bathrooms for changing are often far apart and lugging around a bunch of clothes is not ideal for candid shots. 

That's why I usually recommend two outfits maximum.

A great approach is a “Dressed Up” look and an “Elevated Casual” look.

This gives you variety without spending an hour changing.

What to Wear Engagement Photos in Chicago Caleb schaftlein photography

Tips for Engagement Photo Outfits 

If you don't know what to wear for engagement photos, take a look at Pinterest by searching "engagement photo outfits" and find a few options that you like.

Once you know what you like, choosing your own outfit becomes much easier.

Make sure to choose an outfit that allows you to move comfortably, since natural movement and the ability to walk around is very important.

If you’re wearing heels make sure you bring a pair of flats in your bag. Being able to slip into comfortable shoes between locations helps you stay comfortable and confident!

Are You Ready to Get Engaged?

If you're ready to get engaged, then please contact me as soon as you can so I can help you plan your day!

You can fill out this form at https://calebschaftlein.com/contact for more info!

You can check out my engagement pricing HERE!

I’m a Chicago Wedding and Engagement Photographer and would love to make your engagement photos extra special!

You can view more of my portfolio on my blog.

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