I wish they had “Style Education” in high schools throughout America. The Lord knows we need it! However, with the budget issues and overspending in California, I doubt that dream will come true any time soon. But imagine with me a world where people wore clothes that fit, colors that coordinated and where people let their individual style shine (and I’m not talking about the latest bedazzled Juicy bag either).
Each season I try to pick out a couple of outfits for guys and gals that are looking for something to don at their engagement photo session. By no means do I claim to be a sartorialist, a stylist or an elitist of fashion but I know what works for me and I’ve been able to decipher what looks great in front of the camera. If you’ve been following my “Styl-Ed” posts from before, you’ll notice my preppy leanings (forgive me for growing up in Palo Alto, CA) but I do try to mix it up a bit with some whimsical pieces. The good thing is that prep and American trad is in right now. So here are a few suggestions for the ladies and gents:

Ladies:
-lightweight cardigans = they photograph beautifully, are flattering for most and give a playful, yet sophisticated look to your ensemble.
-boy shoes = oxfords have never looked better on women
-muted tones = so, so good for skin tones and they shift attention in photos to the wearer’s face/eyes
-panama hats = just because.

Gents:
-sunwashed = it is the theme of this spring and summer. It brings a certain “laid back” feel to your fit. Embrace it.
-tailored fit = if it’s baggy, leave it in the 90s.
-shorter inseams = although we’ve had a lot of rain lately, this look wasn’t started because of it. Look taller, more tailored and like you just don’t care what people say.
-color = guys are breaking the khaki tradition with blue/red/green/etc. on their pants. Also scope some fresh footwear in trad colors.

Both of our outfits were pieced from different sources. For the ladies we have a Library cardigan from Billy Reid paired with a playful dress from J Crew, shoes from Imogene and Willie and all accessories from J Crew. For our gent we have a chambray from J Crew inspired by vintage workwear, a lightweight cotton cardigan and wheat garment dyed Levis. The scarf is a great accessory for guys in the spring and a nice piece to incorporate during engagement sessions. The shoes are from Cole Haan and can be worn to the office or out in jeans with the guys. Versatility is the word.

Here are a few outfits that caught my eye while browsing the likes of Billy Reid, Imogene Willy, Rugby RL, Tommy Hilfiger, J Crew and Anthropologie.