Preface: I am a professional photographer who loves to shop, however is not a professional on men’s style for engagement photos! I dream of all men dressing like they’re European!

That being said, I wanted to share a few neat ideas for What Men should wear for your engagement photographs. Typically I am always asked by the girl what she should wear, but somehow the guy always gets over looked. We focus so much on the woman, we forget how the man can be dressed to accentuate the look of the engagement shoot!

I spent only a week in Paris, but realized those men knew how to dress! Everything is tailored, and so thoughtfully put together. Their combinations are amazing and if we can take a few tips from their style, each shoot will look so chic and SHARP!

The Inspiration board for the Men’s Style – Engagement Photographs

TOP STYLE TIPS for MEN:

1. Research: Spend a little time looking through photographs and fashion blogs, find out what “look” you want together. Casual, Formal, Playful, Trendy? Pick a look and choose an outfit that compliments one another.

2. Be Comfortable. No one should choose a look or style that does not represent who they are and what they feel most comfortable in. Consider a collared shirt, it frames the face and can be very flattering if fit properly. Stay away from undershirts, they only add unnecessary bulk in photographs.

3. Invest in “Fit” – If you are going for a fresh & modern look be sure to choose clothes that fit and not the older trusty sweater and broken in jeans. A groom shouldn’t be in pants or a shirt one size too large. They’ll only make him look heavier than he is. A super-posh pair of jeans , button down shirt, and add a sport coat, roll the sleeves, wear it tucked in or out. Don’t be afraid to throw a few options in!

4. Be Creative. Accessorize! It is never a bad idea to bring a back up outfit and/or other accessories and have fun with it. Take a look at mens glasses to see how your specs could take your outfit to the next level. Your engagement photos are your opportunity to have casual, playful, and professional portraits of just you and your love on your walls! Spend wisely on statement pieces: well made leather belts, watches, and shoes can make a polo and jeans a polished look! With the help of companies like Jacobs the Jewellers, you’ll be well on your way to making a statement. The good thing about accessories is that it completes an outfit. If you feel like your outfit is a little basic, a necklace, a watch or rings will fix that for sure. You could always go for something quirky and weird too. Browse a website like Ceiphers Clothing to find African inspired suits and accessories! Explore other playful style options such as a new: belt, suspenders, sunglasses, watch, hat, bow tie, french knot tie, shoes

You can still be your natural and playful “us”, but remember this is your opportunity to be the superstar version of yourselves in a professional photo shoot! Men step your game up and try to match her in her polished looks! Imagine yourselves as the cover of FHM, or Vogue Hommes, The Sartorialist.

Another helpful site: Ralph Lauren’s Style Guide! (http://global.ralphlauren.com/en-us/rlstyleguide/Pages/default.aspx?ab=global_styleguide)

Need more men’s fashion tips?! Check out http://www.livestrong.com/article/1000579-european-mens-fashion-tips/

View my Style inspiration board for this shoot at the bottom. You can create your own easily on pinterest and even from the Lookbooks at Lookbook.nu

Style inspiration for Men

What to wear in your upcoming Engagement Photographs

Inspired by these bow tie looks:

Rock a bow tie. Nothing else needs to be said, if women could wear bow ties I would rock one! Check out this Lookbook for awesome bow tie ideas:

Sunglasses and shoes are a great accessory for men to invest in! Ray Ban, Carrera, Marc by Marc Jacobs, and Chanel also make great ready-wear affordable shades

Add a splash of color. Choose something that will help the man pop out of the photograph! Women shouldn’t be the only one with a pop 🙂