Find The Perfect Outfits for Your Engagement Session: A Photographer’s Guide to Looking & Feeling Your Best

Your engagement session is more than just a photoshoot—it’s a celebration of this beautiful, in-between moment before you say “I do.” It’s a chance to soak it all in, have fun with your partner, and get comfortable in front of the camera before the big day.

One of the most common questions I get from couples is:
“What should we wear for our engagement photos?”

The short answer: wear what makes you feel amazing.
The longer answer: here are some tried-and-true tips to help you look polished, feel confident, and create timeless, beautiful images you’ll love forever.

1. Start with Neutrals + Soft Tones

Neutrals, earth tones, pastels, and soft colors tend to photograph beautifully—especially in natural light. They help keep the focus on you and your connection, rather than the outfit.

Colors like ivory, blush, taupe, soft blue, sage, charcoal, and sand look great in almost any location and season.

Avoid neon or overly bright colors, which can reflect color onto your skin or distract from the moment.

2. Coordinate, Don’t Match

Your outfits should feel like they belong together, not like you’re twinning. Choose complementary tones and textures rather than identical colors. For example:

• If one of you is wearing a bold pattern, the other can wear a solid color that pulls from that pattern.

• Think of dressing in the same vibe: dressy, cozy, modern, romantic—whatever suits your personalities.

Pro tip: Lay your outfits side by side ahead of time to make sure they visually go together.

3. Dress It Up a Little

This is a special moment—don’t be afraid to elevate your look!

• Long, flowy dresses or skirts create beautiful movement in photos.

• Structured outfits like a tailored dress, chic jumpsuit, or a well-fitted blazer can add a touch of editorial elegance.

• Think timeless and classic over trendy—you want to still love these photos 10 years from now.

If you’re unsure, bring two outfits! One casual and one a bit more dressy gives you variety in your gallery.

4. Consider Your Location + Season

Let the setting guide your look:

• Beach or nature session? Flowy fabrics, barefoot moments, and lighter tones work beautifully.

• Urban or downtown setting? Think more structured, modern outfits like blazers, heeled boots, or monochrome looks.

• Fall or winter? Bring cozy textures like knits, scarves, and rich, warm tones like camel or burgundy.

And don’t forget—layers photograph well. They add dimension and give you options if the weather shifts.

5. Pay Attention to the Details

Small things can make a big impact in photos:

• Iron or steam your clothes beforehand (wrinkles will show up!)

• Make sure shoes are clean and stylish—even if you think they’ll barely show

• Avoid logos or graphics—they can date your photos and distract

• Keep your nails clean and polished (yes, people do notice that ring hand!)

6. Be Yourself, But Elevated

Ultimately, you want to look like you, just a slightly more polished version. If you’re not a heels person, don’t wear them. If you never wear bold lipstick, stick to your signature look.

Your comfort and confidence will always show through the most in your photos. The best outfit is the one that makes you feel good, that you can move in, laugh in, and snuggle up to your person in.

Where to buy your outfits

• Reformation – Sustainably made dresses with beautiful movement and flattering silhouettes. Great for beach, garden, or winery sessions.
  thereformation.com

• Baltic Born – Affordable and romantic gowns with flowing fabric, ideal for dramatic, movement-filled shots.
  balticborn.com

• Lulus – Stylish, budget-friendly options for long dresses, jumpsuits, and elevated casualwear.
  lulus.com

• Anthropologie / BHLDN – Romantic pieces that blend boho with elegance. Their occasion wear and separates are stunning for more editorial sessions.
  anthropologie.com

• Petal & Pup – Australian brand known for on-trend yet timeless pieces, especially midi and maxi dresses in soft tones.
  petalandpup.com

• Free People – Flowy, whimsical pieces with a little edge. Great for a coastal or desert engagement session vibe.
  freepeople.com

• Banana Republic – Crisp button-downs, structured blazers, chinos, and sweaters in classic tones. Great fit and polished basics.
  bananarepublic.com

• J.Crew – A go-to for elevated casual looks and preppy classics. Their “Ludlow” line of blazers and trousers is perfect for dressed-up sessions.
  jcrew.com

• Nordstrom – A wide variety of brands (from budget-friendly to designer), so it’s easy to mix and match pieces. Their stylists can even help curate looks.
  nordstrom.com

• SuitSupply – If they’re going ultra-elegant and want something more formal, this is a great spot for tailored suits or jackets.
  suitsupply.com

Final Thoughts

Engagement sessions are about more than just the photos—they’re about freezing this sweet season of life in a way that feels real and romantic. So don’t stress too much about what to wear. Choose pieces you love, coordinate with your partner, and trust your photographer (hi, it’s me!) to guide you every step of the way.

Still not sure what to wear? I send all my couples a full engagement session prep guide with outfit suggestions, mood boards, and location ideas. I’m always here to help make sure you show up feeling relaxed, confident, and totally you.

Let’s make some magic together.