What to Wear for Photos: Winter Edition

Today we have a great guest blog by Alyssa Doorhy of CoChic Styling. CoChic Styling, provides personal styling and shopping services to give your photo session that added touch - and saves you a ton of time worrying about what to wear! We all know I talk about this every day, and yet, when the tables are turned, I still have a beyond difficult time trying to find and coordinate the perfect outfit (Secret confession: It took me weeks to find that perfect LBD for our Paris photos!). It's hard enough to do just for yourself. To then make sure you and your fiancé are feeling spiffy can be downright overwhelming. Enlisting someone, like Alyssa, with a well-trained eye is a fantastic idea to take your engagement session to the next level!

How to Dress for Winter Engagement Photo Shoots

Winter is approaching, which, for most of us, means pulling out bulky sweaters, puffy coats, snow boots, hats and scarves. The majority of these winter clothes are crucial for keeping warm, but not exactly conducive to looking flattering in photos. But, if you are recently engaged, winter is a beautiful time of year for taking engagement photos. With snowflakes falling from the sky and holiday decorations in the background, it’s so romantic! Obviously you want these photos of you and your fiancé to be flattering, and I’m sure you’d rather not look like the Michelin man with your puffy coat.

There are ways to look good and stay warm! Here are 6 tips to look picture perfect in the wintertime:

1) Plan ahead

Spend time and be thoughtful when choosing your outfits for your photo shoot. Waiting until the last minute will cause stress and you don’t want to just throw something together. Trying on your outfits together ahead of time is a must to ensure everything fits properly and looks the way you want it to look. Feel free to send Rebecca a couple quick iPhone snaps if you are worried!

2) Make sure your outfits are coordinated

Coordinated does not mean “matchy-matchy”. You don’t necessarily want to wear the same color as your fiancé (you love each other, you aren't siblings under the age of 5). Mixing colors adds interest and dimension to the photos. For example, choose a color scheme, as shown in the outfits below.

3) Wear fitted clothing

The key to looking slim in the winter is wearing clothes that flatter your body. Since outdoor winter photo shoots will likely require coats, you don’t need to focus much on what you’re wearing underneath the coat. Choose a warm thin sweater so that it doesn’t add bulk. Then, choose a coat with a flattering silhouette, since the coat will be the “star” of your outfit. Belted coats are an easy go-to when it comes to making sure you can create that perfect silhouette! Pair that with skinny pants or really warm leggings and you are set.

4) Embrace color and prints

Although we tend to wear neutral outerwear in the winter, bold colors and prints look great in photographs! Just don’t overdo it; you still want to make sure your outfits are coordinated, not clashing. One subtle way to incorporate prints or colors is with a scarf or neck tie.

4) Layer (smartly)

Layering also adds visual appeal to photos. Add a scarf to your coat, or wear a sleeveless wool vest over a sweater. Just make sure whatever you’re layering doesn’t give you too much bulk.

5) Don't forget about your shoes

Your shoes will be in the photos, and although snow boots are practical, they’re not the best look for engagement photos. Make sure your shoes match your outfits and are in good shape. It’s also fun to add a pop of color or a print with your shoes!

6) Dress comfortably and confidently

If you’re not comfortable and confident in what you’re wearing, it will be evident in photos. That outfit you check yourself out in the reflection of a window as you walk down the sidewalk? That's the one to pick for photos!

Visit CoChicStyling.com for more information.