Reader Request: Engagement Photo Outfits

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This week I got a request from Ashley, who wants some help putting together outfits for her upcoming engagement photo shoot.  You may remember that I went through this last spring, and worked with a photographer friend to figure out what outfits photograph well so I learned some valuable lessons on this topic!  (If you're in the Dallas area, check out Zoe D. Photography - she's amazing!)

We know that jewel tones and other saturated colors are most flattering and Ashley has a great understanding of what shapes will work best for her body and offer the look she's aiming for.  Here's her criteria:

I wear a lot of purple (it's my favorite color, and eggplant is one of our wedding colors), so I picture a eggplant/royal purple a-line or empire waist, strapless or spaghetti strapped, slightly-longer-than-knee-length dress. I plan to pair it with a cardigan (of course) and heels. My goal is to accentuate the good curves and hide the unsightly ones.

I cannot agree more that the cardigan/dress combination is best for photos.  I made the mistake of wearing a fitted top and jeans for one of my outfit options and it looked great when I was standing up, but not so awesome when we were sitting down.  That said, here are some options for Ashley that may also prove useful for anyone planning a photography session this spring.

Option 1 - Will & Kate Casual
This purple dress from Asos reminded me of Kate Middleton's Issa engagement dress and I thought Ashley would like it since she's a fellow Anglophile and the cut is super flattering.  Her fiance could compliment her look with a gray button down shirt and dark jeans.
Dress: Asos, Necklace: LOFT, Shoes: Nine West

Option 2 - Color in the Cardigan
I think Ashley would also like the look of a neutral sheath dress (gray or black, whatever she already has) with a bright purple cardigan and black belt to emphasize her waist. By having the color in the top layer, she'll avoid having her arms blend into her body in the picture, which sometimes happens with black clothes. 
Cardigan: The Limited, Belt: The Limited

Option 3 - Jeans and Color
Finally, I think Ashley will also be glad to have some more casual pictures and she'll need some casual options.  I've paired the same LOFT trouser jeans with a variety of tops, all of which incorporate the purple she wants. 
Clockwise from top left:  Shell: LOFT, Cardigan: J. Crew, Ruched top: The Limited, Cowl Neck Top: Asos, Shell: LOFT, Cardigan: Old Navy, Jeans: LOFT

Don't forget that you can email me with your own request and get a set of screen shots with options for whatever style or decor dilemma you're dealing with.