Humboldt County, with its stunning landscapes, dramatic coastlines, towering redwoods, and charming small towns, provides the perfect backdrop for capturing the love and excitement of your engagement. The natural beauty of the area offers diverse settings for your photos, making your Humboldt engagement session uniquely personal. One question that often arises for engaged couples is: what should we wear?
In this blog post, we'll guide you through the process of selecting the perfect outfits for your Humboldt engagement photos, ensuring you look and feel your best on this special occasion.
Understanding Humboldt County’s Unique Settings
Before diving into outfit choices, it's essential to consider the various settings Humboldt County has to offer. Here are some popular locations and how they might influence your Humboldt engagement photos wardrobe choices:
Redwood Forests: The majestic redwoods create a fairytale-like ambiance. Their rich, earthy tones call for outfits that either complement or stand out against the deep greens and browns.
Coastal Areas: The rugged coastline, with its dramatic cliffs and serene beaches, offers a stunning yet variable backdrop. Neutral tones, soft pastels, and flowing fabrics can enhance the natural beauty of the oceanic scenery.
Countryside and Meadows: Rolling hills and open fields provide a picturesque, rustic setting. Think about earthy colors and comfortable, yet stylish attire that matches the laid-back, natural vibe.
Urban Settings: Eureka and Arcata, with their historic architecture and vibrant culture, can add a unique twist to your photos. Urban environments allow for more fashionable and trendy outfit choices.
General Tips for Choosing Engagement Photo Outfits
No matter where in Humboldt County you decide to have your engagement photoshoot, some general principles will help you look your best:
Coordinate, Don’t Match: Choose outfits that complement each other rather than matching exactly. This creates a cohesive look without being overly uniform.
Consider the Season: Humboldt County experiences a range of weather conditions. Layering can be a practical and stylish way to adapt to changing temperatures.
Comfort is Key: You’ll be moving around a lot during your shoot, so make sure your outfits are comfortable and allow for ease of movement.
Stay True to Your Style: Your engagement photos should reflect who you are as a couple. Choose outfits that you feel confident and comfortable in.
Outfit Ideas for Different Settings
Redwood Forests
The awe-inspiring redwood forests are one of Humboldt County’s most iconic settings. Here’s how to dress to complement this majestic backdrop:
Color Palette: Earthy tones like olive green, brown, rust, and mustard yellow work beautifully. Soft neutrals like cream, beige, and grey can also create a lovely contrast.
Fabrics: Think about textures that complement the natural surroundings. Linen, wool, and cotton can add depth and interest to your outfits.
Footwear: Comfortable shoes are a must, as you may be walking on uneven ground. Stylish boots or well-made flats can be both practical and fashionable.
Accessories: Simple, nature-inspired jewelry and scarves can add a personal touch without overwhelming the overall look.
His Outfit:
A button-down shirt in a rich, earthy tone or soft neutral.
Dark jeans or chinos.
A lightweight jacket or sweater, depending on the season.
Leather boots.
Her Outfit:
A flowy dress in a complementary color, such as forest green or rust.
A cozy cardigan or shawl.
Ankle boots or comfortable flats.
Simple jewelry like a pendant necklace or stud earrings.
Coastal Areas
The beaches and cliffs of Humboldt County provide a breathtaking, yet often windy, setting. Here’s how to dress to make the most of this dramatic backdrop:
Color Palette: Soft blues, whites, and pastels reflect the ocean's tones. Bright colors can also pop beautifully against the neutral backdrop of sand and rocks.
Fabrics: Light, flowing fabrics like chiffon, silk, and cotton look beautiful when caught by the coastal breeze.
Footwear: Sandals or barefoot (for beach shots) can add a relaxed vibe. If you're planning to venture onto the rocks, sturdy yet stylish shoes are a good choice.
Accessories: Keep it minimal to avoid looking too busy. A wide-brimmed hat or a simple shawl can add elegance without distraction.
His Outfit:
A light-colored linen shirt or a casual button-down.
Khakis or light-wash jeans.
Slip-on shoes or sandals.
Her Outfit:
A flowing maxi dress in a pastel shade or a light, patterned sundress.
Simple sandals or barefoot.
Minimal jewelry, perhaps a delicate bracelet or earrings.
Countryside and Meadows
The rolling hills and open fields of Humboldt County offer a serene and rustic backdrop. Here’s how to dress to complement this charming setting for your Humboldt engagement photos:
Color Palette: Earth tones, soft pastels, and classic denim work well. Consider colors that blend with the natural surroundings.
Fabrics: Comfortable, breathable fabrics like cotton, denim, and linen are ideal. Layering can add interest and practicality.
Footwear: Think about stylish yet practical footwear, like ankle boots or comfortable flats.
Accessories: Hats, scarves, and simple jewelry can add a personal touch without being overpowering.
His Outfit:
A casual plaid shirt or a simple tee.
Jeans or chinos.
Leather boots or casual sneakers.
Her Outfit:
A floral dress or a casual blouse paired with a skirt.
Denim jacket or a cozy cardigan.
Ankle boots or comfortable flats.
A wide-brimmed hat or simple scarf.
Urban Settings
If you’re drawn to the historic charm and vibrant culture of Eureka or Arcata, your outfits can be a bit more fashion-forward and trendy. Here’s how to dress for a Humboldt urban engagement photoshoot:
Color Palette: Bolder colors and patterns can work well against urban backdrops. Black and white always look chic, but don’t be afraid to incorporate a pop of color.
Fabrics: Structured fabrics like denim, leather, and wool can add a sophisticated edge.
Footwear: Stylish boots, heels, or trendy sneakers can complete your look.
Accessories: Urban settings allow for more statement pieces like bold jewelry, hats, and sunglasses.
His Outfit:
A stylish blazer or a well-fitted leather jacket.
Dark jeans or tailored pants.
Trendy sneakers or dress shoes.
Her Outfit:
A chic dress or a stylish blouse paired with a skirt or tailored pants.
A statement jacket or coat.
Heels or trendy sneakers.
Bold jewelry and a fashionable handbag.
Dressing for the Season
Humboldt County’s weather can vary significantly by season, and it’s essential to dress appropriately to ensure comfort and style.
Spring
Spring in Humboldt County is fresh and vibrant, with blooming flowers and lush greenery. Here’s how to dress for a spring engagement photoshoot:
Colors: Soft pastels, light neutrals, and floral patterns.
Layers: Light layers like cardigans, denim jackets, and scarves.
Footwear: Comfortable flats, sandals, or ankle boots.
His Outfit:
A light button-down shirt or a casual sweater.
Chinos or jeans.
Casual shoes or loafers.
Her Outfit:
A floral dress or a light blouse with a skirt.
A light cardigan or denim jacket.
Sandals or ballet flats.
Summer
Summer brings warmer temperatures and longer days, perfect for beach and forest photoshoots. Here’s how to dress for a summer Humboldt engagement session:
Colors: Bright colors, bold patterns, and light neutrals.
Fabrics: Lightweight and breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, and chiffon.
Footwear: Sandals, espadrilles, or casual sneakers.
His Outfit:
A short-sleeve button-down or a casual tee.
Shorts or lightweight pants.
Casual shoes or sandals.
Her Outfit:
A sundress or a light blouse with shorts or a skirt.
A wide-brimmed hat.
Sandals or espadrilles.
Fall
Fall in Humboldt County is marked by vibrant foliage and cooler temperatures. Here’s how to dress for a fall Humboldt engagement photoshoot:
Colors: Rich, warm tones like burgundy, mustard, and forest green.
Layers: Cozy sweaters, scarves, and jackets.
Footwear: Stylish boots or closed-toe shoes.
His Outfit:
A cozy sweater or a plaid shirt.
Dark jeans or chinos.
Leather boots.
Her Outfit:
A warm dress or a sweater paired with a skirt.
A cozy scarf or hat.
Ankle boots or knee-high boots.
Winter
Winter photoshoots in Humboldt County can be magical, especially in the forests and urban areas. Here’s how to dress for a winter Humboldt engagement session:
Colors: Deep, rich colors like navy, emerald, and maroon.
Layers: Warm coats, scarves, and hats.
Footwear: Sturdy, stylish boots.
His Outfit:
A warm coat or a stylish sweater.
Dark jeans or tailored pants.
Leather boots.
Her Outfit:
A cozy dress or a warm sweater paired with a skirt or pants.
A stylish coat and scarf.
Ankle boots or knee-high boots.
Tips for a Successful Photoshoot
In addition to choosing the right outfits, here are some tips to ensure your Humboldt engagement photos turn out beautifully:
Plan Ahead: Discuss your outfit choices and locations with your photographer. They can offer valuable input based on their experience.
Bring Extras: Having extra layers, accessories, or even a change of clothes can be helpful for adapting to different settings and weather conditions.
Stay Hydrated and Comfortable: Engagement shoots can take a few hours, so bring water and snacks to keep your energy up.
Be Yourself: The most beautiful photos capture your genuine emotions and connection. Relax, have fun, and let your love shine through.
Conclusion
Choosing what to wear for your Humboldt engagement photoshoot doesn’t have to be stressful. By considering the unique settings of Humboldt County, coordinating your outfits, and dressing for the season, you can create stunning and memorable photos that capture this special moment in your life.
Remember, the most important thing is to feel comfortable and confident, allowing your love and joy to shine through in every shot.
Happy planning, and enjoy your engagement photoshoot in beautiful Humboldt County!
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