I can’t even believe we had our first snow of the season already!! But here we are, just a couple of days away from the official start of winter and I’m getting lots of inquiries for winter engagement sessions. I know planning for a cold engagement session isn’t any easier than planning for a warm weather one so today I thought I’d share some tips for what to wear for winter sessions. Thank you to NJ Stylist Elaine Yu from Simply Chic Styling for this wonderful guest post!
What to Wear for Your Winter Engagement Session
Guest Post by Elaine Yu | Simply Chic Styling
You’re getting married! What an exciting time. And a little overwhelming, right? Well, as a personal stylist, I’m here to help with style tips for your upcoming winter engagement photo session. Having pictures taken in the winter months means playing around with wardrobe pieces that you might otherwise dimiss; for example, outerwear and winter accessories. My most important tip is this: take a few minutes to plan your outfits and your day will go much smoother. It means you’ll feel more relaxed and that will definitely show in your pictures.
Before we begin, I want to wish you congratulations on your engagement and upcoming wedding. My husband and I still have fond memories of our engagement photo shoot. Alex will take great care of you and capture some gorgeous shots of you and your groom. This is a time for just the two of you, so enjoy every moment.
Good luck with everything and I look forward to seeing your beautiful pictures!
Style Tips:
Statement Coat
Above everything else, this is going to be your key wardrobe piece. With cold weather temperatures, you’ll need a coat to keep warm and looking stylish. Here’s a mood board to get you started.
Not interested in buying a new coat? Check out Rent the Runway since they have plenty of coat options that you can rent for as little as $30. Plus, they have fur coats too. Of course you can always try borrowing a coat from your girlfriend too!
Color
Scenery in winter months is more muted so break out your favorite colors! Reds, greens, purples, and blues will all look great against any winter backdrop.
Winter Accessories
Add color or dress up your coat with winter accessories. Check out these fun options that you can find at any department store or even at Target.
Sweater Dress
Even though it will be cold, you should still make sure your outfit is perfect, just in case it gets warm enough to take your coat off! Even if just for a quick moment. The sweater dress is a stylish winter wardrobe option that would be perfect for this occasion.
Textured leggings
Leggings have come a long way and you have many textures to choose from – leather, cable knit, moto style, and patterned. Plus, they are easy to tuck into boots.
Stylish winter boots
Look for streamlined winter boot options that will keep you warm and complete your outfit. Uggs are great for warmth and comfort but they add a lot of bulk to your feet and ankles. Instead, try something more tailored. I highly recommend the over-the-knee boot for style and extra warmth!
Hair and Makeup
The finishing touches will make a big difference in your final pictures so consider getting your hair and makeup professionally done.
Tips for Your Guy
You and your groom should look coordinated and not matchy. To make sure your outfits do not clash lay out your clothes, including coats and winter accessories, next to each other. Or, take a picture of each and compare side by side so you can get a feel for the overall look.
How to Vary Your Outfits
To give yourself variety, choose one casual outfit and one dressier version.
Favorite layering trick to keep warm
Here’s a pro stylist tip: Heat Tech by Uniqlo. Wear one of these t-shirts underneath as a base layer to keep you warm without adding bulk. Uniqlo also makes socks, tights, hats and gloves with the Heat Tech technology so be sure to take a look.
Consider Your Location
Christmas Tree Farm Outfit Inspiration
Rockefeller Center, NYC Outfit Inspiration
Washington Square Park, NYC Outfit Inspiration
There you go, friends, I cannot wait to see what you come up with for your engagement session outfits. Thank you to Elaine from Simply Chic Styling for putting together these tips for our brides! Follow her in Instagram and Facebook for more fashion tips!
Engagement Session Planning Guide
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