What to wear - and what to avoid - so that you love your engagement photos for a lifetime!

Recently engaged and wondering what you should wear for your engagement session? You are in the right place! Keep scrolling to find out our best styling tips for engagement photos.

A couple in a floral dress and grey suit share romantic moments on a tree-lined path during an outdoor photo session.
A couple shares romantic moments in front of a rustic stone building with blooming garden flowers.
A couple stands together in an outdoor garden setting surrounded by lush green trees and grass on a sunny day.
Close-up of couple in wedding attire with navy suit and white floral dress with orange poppy print.
A couple wearing white outfits shares intimate moments while sitting on a wooden bench against a white wall.
A couple shares tender moments in a blooming rose garden with raised brick planters on a sunny afternoon.
A couple in formal attire share a joyful moment on marble steps, with the person in blue helping their partner descend.
A couple poses for engagement photos in front of a large greenhouse structure at sunset.
A romantic moment captured in a series of three photos on a cobblestone courtyard of a historic stone building.
A couple walking together on a paved path surrounded by lush green grass and trees on a sunny day.
A couple embraces in a sun-drenched field during golden hour as autumn colors paint the landscape behind them.
A couple walks together on a lush green lawn beside a garden wall during a sunny afternoon.
A couple sits together on a rocky outcrop during a romantic outdoor photo session at sunset.
A couple in coordinated white and blue outfits walks together on a grassy hill with a lighthouse in the background.

1. Wear clothes that feel like YOU!

Easier said than done, but the most important thing is that you are comfortable - not necessarily in sweatpants - but you don't feel stiff, unnatural or out of character in your outfits. This looks different for each couple but figure out if your personality leans more elevated and formal or polished and relaxed. When you feel like yourself, your photos will feel like you!

2. Have some variety

I always encourage my couples to have at least two outfits for their session. Most choose to have a more formal look for one outfit and a more relaxed outfit for their second choice so they have visual variety in their gallery.

3. Coordinating, not matching

Matching outfits can feel too forced or planned. Instead, aim for coordination which allows for cohesion and visual appeal without looking fake. This can be accomplished by choosing colors and fabrics that compliment and pair well.

4. Get inspired by your location

If you are choosing a more urban or architectural location, lean into a formal and elevated look - think suit, long dress, heels. If you are planning a beach or lakeside session, go for light and flowy fabrics - think linens.

5. Treat it like a date!

Whether that means going on a dinner date once we wrap up your session, or making a stop at your favorite cocktail bar or coffee shop for some candid shots, I always encourage my couples to treat this session like a date. It truly is a chance to spend a couple hours in bliss with your love, treat it like that!

6. Use color thoughtfully

Some photographers say to only lean neutral in engagement photo outfits. I am a firm believer that color can be your friend if its intentional! Use of a color in more muted hues can insert personality and life into photos but done incorrectly, color can distract from the main focus of the photos - you! Consider choosing softer, more pastel shades and incorporating textures like lace to give depth.

7. But what does my fiancé wear?

This is the million dollar question! Every girl needs help styling her man and that's what I'm here for. My top suggestions are to lay your outfits out next to his to make sure they coordinate. For a more formal look, I suggest a suit with a white button down. I am a huge fan of a blue plaid blazer and khakis for a pop of color and personality! I suggest men lean away from short sleeves or polos and denims as this can make the look too casual.

8. Choose timeless over trendy

Engagement sessions are the perfect time to showcase your personal style but I recommend getting inspired by looks that stand the test of time rather than choosing what is most recently trending on social media.

9. Classy & comfortable

I can't emphasize enough that you don't want to be pulling at your clothes or squirming in something that is too short or too tight. In order to relax and allow your love to be captured in a natural and comfortable environment, you need to dress the part.

10. Set the tone for your wedding

Your engagement photos are often the first thing that people see that is related to your wedding! You will likely use them for save the dates, on your wedding website, and of course, on social media, so everyone will view these as the first taste of your wedding style. Think about the way you want your wedding style to feel - elegant, formal, colorful, chic - and consider leaning into those vibes.

Bonus Tips:

  1. Earth tones, muted pastels and neutrals work beautifully in all environments
  2. Outfits with texture and movement allow for depth and dimension in photographs
  3. Incorporating props like champagne for a popping photo or bringing your dogs can allow your personality to shine through

If you are recently engaged and wanting to schedule a session, inquire with me here! If you want to see more engagement inspiration, click here!

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