One of the first questions almost every couple asks me after booking is: “Okay, but what do we wear?”


And I totally get it. Picking outfits for photos can be stressful, especially when you’re trying to coordinate without looking too coordinated.


My biggest advice is to keep it simple. You don’t need to go out and buy a whole new wardrobe, and you definitely don’t need to match. Choose outfits that feel like you, look good together, and work well with the location you picked.



Since we have so many different backdrops here in Colorado, certain colors definitely photograph better in certain locations. What looks amazing in the mountains might not be what I’d recommend for red rocks or a green forest.


Here’s everything I recommend when planning your outfits, plus some of my favorite color palettes for Colorado’s most popular landscapes.

A Few Tips Before You Start



Coordinate, Don’t Match

Instead of choosing the exact same colors, start with one overall color palette. Pick two or three main colors and mix in different shades, neutrals, and textures. For example, instead of both wearing white shirts and jeans, one person could wear a cream dress while the other wears dark denim, a tan jacket, and a muted blue shirt. You’ll look connected without looking like you tried too hard.


Choose Earthy, Muted Colors

You really can’t go wrong with earthy, muted colors in Colorado. They look good with pretty much every backdrop and keep the focus on you instead of your outfits.


Think:

Cream • Camel • Rust • Olive • Sage • Dusty Blue • Navy • Chocolate Brown • Burgundy • Taupe


That doesn’t mean you have to avoid color! Rich, natural colors can still look amazing. I’d just stay away from neon shades since they can reflect onto your skin and pull attention away from you.


Add Texture

Texture is an easy way to make your outfits a little more interesting without making them feel busy. Think chunky sweaters, linen, denim, corduroy, leather jackets, flowy dresses, knit cardigans, suede, or layered fabrics.


Be Careful With Patterns

Patterns aren't completely off-limits, but smaller and simpler usually photographs best. If one person is wearing a pattern, I’d keep the other person’s outfit a little more neutral. I’d also avoid tiny high-contrast patterns, big logos, or graphics that can distract from the two of you.


Dress for the Location — and the Weather

This is Colorado. We can experience sunshine, wind, clouds, and a 20-degree temperature change in what feels like five minutes. This is Colorado. We can have sunshine, wind, clouds, and a 20-degree temperature change in what feels like five minutes, so layers are always a good idea.


Most importantly, make sure you can actually move in whatever you wear. During your session, we might be walking through a meadow, sitting on rocks, snuggling up, spinning around, or hiking a short trail. If you’re constantly adjusting your outfit or worried about getting something dirty, it’s going to be a lot harder to relax and just have fun with it.

What to Wear for Mountain Photos



Colorado mountain locations already have a gorgeous palette of blue, gray, green, brown, and golden tones. Warm earth tones and creamy neutrals create beautiful contrast against them.



MY FAVORITE MOUNTAIN PALETTE:

Cream • Camel • Rust • Olive • Burgundy • Navy


In the fall, burgundy, rust, camel, and chocolate brown look especially beautiful against golden aspens.


OUTFIT IDEA:

A long cream or rust-colored dress paired with dark pants, a neutral button-down, and a brown or camel jacket.

What to Wear Around Red Rock Formations



Red rock locations are some of my absolute favorites to style because the landscape already gives us so much color. Instead of trying to match the orange and red tones exactly, choose that complement them.


MY FAVORITE RED ROCK PALETTE:

Ivory • Tan • Sage • Olive • Dusty Blue • Chocolate Brown


I'd be more careful with bright orange or true red here. They can blend into the landscape instead of letting you stand out from it.


OUTFIT IDEA:

An ivory or sage dress paired with khaki or brown pants and a cream or blue shirt.

What to Wear for Lakeside Photos



Lakeside sessions tend to feel softer and a little more romantic, especially when we have mountain reflections and that gorgeous Colorado evening light. I love leaning into cool blues and soft neutrals here.


MY FAVORITE LAKESIDE PALETTE:

Cream • Dusty Blue • Navy • Sage • Soft Gray • Camel


Blue looks especially beautiful near the water, but you don't both need to wear it. Pairing dusty blue with cream, tan, or camel keeps everything from feeling overly coordinated. A flowy dress can also be amazing at a lake because even a little Colorado breeze gives us beautiful movement.


OUTFIT IDEA:

A dusty blue or cream flowy dress paired with camel or navy pants and a neutral button-down or sweater.

What to Wear for Forest Photos



Forest locations naturally photograph darker and moodier, so I love bringing in warm neutrals and lighter colors to keep you from disappearing into all that greenery.


MY FAVORITE FOREST PALETTE:

Cream • Oatmeal • Camel • Rust • Burgundy • Muted Sage


Cream is one of my absolute favorites in the forest because it gives you separation from the darker trees. Rust and burgundy are especially gorgeous for fall sessions, while oatmeal, camel, and sage work beautifully year-round.


OUTFIT IDEA:

A cream sweater with a rust skirt or dress paired with dark denim, brown boots, and a camel jacket.

A Few Things I'd Skip



There really aren't many hard rules, because I want you to feel like you in your photos. But there are a few things I'd generally avoid:

Neon or extremely bright colors

Large logos and graphics

Both people wearing busy patterns

Super tiny stripes or checks

Colors that blend completely into your location

Anything uncomfortable that you'll be adjusting all night

Shoes you can't comfortably walk in — especially for mountain sessions!


And remember: these are simply guidelines to help you feel confident and prepared — not strict rules you have to follow. If you have a bright pink dress that makes you feel absolutely amazing, wear it. The most important thing is that you feel good in your skin. Confidence, comfort, and joy will always photograph more beautifully than perfectly following any “rules.”

Most Importantly: Look Like Yourselves



Your photos shouldn't look like two strangers who were styled for a catalog.

They should look like you.


If you're normally casual, you don't suddenly need to show up in a formal gown and three-piece suit. If you love dressing up, this is the perfect excuse to go for it.


Choose outfits that feel comfortable, make you feel confident, and allow you to focus on each other instead of worrying about your clothes.


And if you're stuck between a few options before your session, send them to me! I'm always happy to help you figure out which outfits will photograph best with the location we've chosen.


At the end of the day, Colorado is going to give us an incredible backdrop. You just have to show up ready to have fun together!