What to Wear for Engagement Photos (Stress-Free Guide)
Ahh, engagement pictures! Cue the what to wear panic.
I swear, as we get older, finding an outfit for special occasions gets harder—and when it’s for something as meaningful as your engagement session, it can feel completely overwhelming. When Luke and I took our engagement photos, I spent weeks overordering outfits and ended up returning half of them! So trust me, I get it.
If you’re feeling stuck on what to wear, I’m here to help! There are a few key things to consider when choosing your engagement session outfits, so keep reading for all my best tips.
1. Choose Light, Soft, Neutral Tones
This is totally a personal preference, but my style of photography lends itself best to light, airy tones—think white, beige, taupe, and pastels like dusty blue or blush. These colors create a romantic, timeless look that keeps the focus on you!
Brighter, more vivid colors can draw attention away from your faces, and darker shades like black or navy can make the photo feel heavier and less balanced.
That being said, if you’re dreaming of wearing a gorgeous black lace dress—go for it! Your engagement session should reflect your style, not mine.
2. Coordinate, Don’t Match, with Your Partner
Remember those ‘90s family photos with everyone in jeans and white turtlenecks? Yeah, we’re leaving that in the past. Instead of matching, aim to coordinate your outfits by choosing colors that complement each other.
Here’s a quick breakdown of tones:
- Cool tones: Blue, green, purple, gray
- Warm tones: Pink, orange, red, beige
Sticking to the same tone family creates a cohesive, balanced look. And while there are no hard-and-fast rules (sometimes a dusty blue and blush pairing is chef’s kiss), choosing shades that naturally work together will make your photos look effortlessly polished.
3. Dress in the Same Level of Formality
Picture this: Your partner is dressed in a full suit with a tie and dress shoes, and you’re in jeans, flip-flops, and a t-shirt. It wouldn’t make sense, right?
The same goes for engagement photos! You and your partner should be dressed at a similar level of “fancy” so the photos feel cohesive.
✨ Examples:
- Formal look: A mid-to-floor-length dress with heels, while your partner wears dress pants, dress shoes, a button-down, and a blazer.
- Casual look: A flowy sundress and sandals for you, with a short-sleeve button-down and shorts for your partner.
4. Change Outfits Halfway Through
If you can’t decide between formal and casual—why not do both?
Most engagement sessions allow time for an outfit change. While not every location has a dedicated changing space (sometimes the car has to do!), most couples love having two different looks for variety.
That being said, if picking one outfit is all you can mentally handle—that’s totally fine! Luke and I stuck with one outfit for our engagement photos, and we still loved the results.
5. Wear What Makes You Comfortable
Your engagement photos should feel like you. If you’re constantly adjusting your dress, pulling at your sleeves, or feeling self-conscious in an outfit, it will show in your photos.
Choose something you love from every angle. When I was picking my engagement session outfits, there were so many dresses I loved—but only from certain angles. Since your photographer will be capturing you from all perspectives, make sure you’re happy with how your outfit looks in any pose.
And if you have any insecurities (we all do!), let your photographer know ahead of time so they can be mindful while shooting.
6. Dress for the Weather & Location
This one’s a biggie! Engagement sessions happen year-round, and your outfit should match the season:
☃️ Winter Sessions:
- Don’t freeze in a tiny dress—your discomfort will show in the photos.
- Think cozy layers, stylish coats, scarves, and hand warmers.
☀️ Summer Sessions:
- It gets hot in the Northeast during July, August, and even September.
- Wear light, breathable fabrics and be mindful of tan lines.
- If humidity is an issue for your hair, consider a style that will hold up in the weather.
🌊 Windy Beach Sessions:
- Keep in mind that wind can wreak havoc on hair and flowy dresses.
- A fitted or structured outfit may work better than something overly loose.
Your environment plays a huge role in your engagement session, so plan accordingly!
Quick Recap: Dos & Don’ts
DO WEAR:
✅ Light, soft, neutral colors
✅ Coordinated (but not matching) outfits
✅ Clothes that are equally formal for both partners
✅ A second outfit for variety (if you want!)
✅ Something you’re comfortable and confident in
✅ Season-appropriate attire
DON’T WEAR:
🚫 Bright, neon, or super vivid colors
🚫 Matching outfits that look overly planned
🚫 Mismatched levels of formality (one too dressy, one too casual)
🚫 An outfit you only love from one angle
🚫 Clothes too light for winter or too heavy for summer
