One of the questions I get asked the most is, “What should we wear for our engagement photos?” And I totally get it—choosing outfits can feel way more stressful than it needs to. Your engagement session is such a fun, special part of the wedding experience, and what you wear can really help you feel confident, comfortable, and completely yourself in front of the camera. After photographing couples for years in all kinds of locations and seasons, I’ve put together some of my favorite tips to help you decide what to wear (and what to avoid) for your engagement portraits.

For instance, here are some important Tips for Dressing for An Engagement Session that can help guide your choices.

Start with a vibe, not a specific outfit
Before you start shopping, think about the overall feel you want for your photos. Do you want something romantic and elevated? Cozy and casual? Modern and chic? If you’re dreaming of something dressy and romantic, a flowy dress from places like Reformation or Lulus can be beautiful. If you’re going for something more laid-back, think great denim, a soft sweater, or a simple button-down from somewhere like Madewell or J.Crew. Having a vibe in mind first will make choosing outfits so much easier.

These Tips for Dressing for An Engagement Session will help you find the perfect outfit that reflects your personality.
Coordinate, don’t match
You don’t need (or want!) to be twins in your photos. Instead of matching outfits, aim to coordinate your colors and tones. Choose a color palette of 2–3 main shades and build both outfits around that. For example, if one of you wears a soft blue dress, the other could wear a neutral like tan, cream, or grey that complements it. Pinterest can be a great place to gather inspiration—try searching “engagement photo outfit ideas” on Pinterest and save what you’re drawn to so you can start to see color and style patterns you love.

Following these Tips for Dressing for An Engagement Session can make a significant difference in how you feel during the shoot.
Neutrals and softer tones photograph beautifully
You can absolutely wear color, but softer, more muted tones tend to photograph best and keep the focus on your faces and connection. Think creams, taupes, soft blues, blush, sage, dove grey, and earthy tones. Bright neons, super-saturated colors, or anything with a very loud print can distract from the two of you. If you love patterns, stick with larger, simple prints instead of tiny, busy ones—those can sometimes create odd effects on camera. Florals, subtle stripes, or soft textures can add interest without stealing the show.

When considering your color palette, remember these Tips for Dressing for An Engagement Session to create a beautiful visual.
Dress for the location and season
Your outfits should make sense with where we’re shooting. If we’re doing photos in the mountains or at the beach, think movement—dresses or skirts that catch the wind, layers you can wrap up in, and shoes that are cute but practical for walking around. For city sessions, you can get a little more editorial and structured with your look. If you’re unsure, look at photos of the location you’ve chosen and imagine what kind of outfit would feel natural there. If you’re shopping online, places like Nordstrom and ASOS are great because you can filter by season, style, and color to match your vision.

Make sure your outfits align with these Tips for Dressing for An Engagement Session for a seamless look.
Consider bringing two outfits
If time and location allow, having two outfits—one dressy and one more casual—can give you variety in your final gallery. For example, you might start in a long, romantic dress and blazer combo, then change into jeans and a cute top or a more relaxed dress for sunset. Just make sure both outfits feel like you and that you’re comfortable moving, sitting, and walking in them. Engagement sessions are not the time to test-drive clothes that you constantly have to adjust.

Choosing two outfits is another one of the essential Tips for Dressing for An Engagement Session that can enhance your gallery.
Prioritize fit and comfort
This might be the most important tip: you should feel good in what you’re wearing. Clothes that are too tight, too short, or that you’re constantly tugging at will show in your body language. Choose pieces that fit well, make you stand up a little taller, and let you breathe easily. If you’re between sizes, it’s often worth ordering two sizes and seeing which one feels best (which is easy to do from most online shops like Nordstrom or ASOS that have generous return policies). And don’t forget to sit, walk, and move around in your outfits at home before your session to make sure they’re comfortable in real life, not just in the mirror.

Your body language will reflect confidence when you follow these Tips for Dressing for An Engagement Session.
Don’t forget shoes and accessories
Shoes and accessories can really pull everything together. For her, think simple heels, strappy sandals, or ankle boots that you can walk in comfortably. For him, loafers, dress shoes, or clean sneakers (depending on the vibe) work well. Avoid bulky athletic shoes unless we’re doing something super casual and sporty. Accessories like a delicate necklace, earrings, a watch, or a simple belt can add polish without feeling overdone. If we’re shooting somewhere windy or near water, a beautiful scarf or wrap can look amazing in photos and keep you warm at the same time.

Don’t overlook the details; incorporate these Tips for Dressing for An Engagement Session into your final touches.
Hair, makeup, and details
Your engagement session is a perfect time to do a trial run with your hair and makeup artist if you’re planning to hire one for the wedding. It gives you the chance to see how everything photographs and make any tweaks before the big day. If you don’t normally wear a lot of makeup, that’s okay—you don’t have to go full glam. Just aim for a slightly elevated version of your everyday look, whether that’s done yourself or by a pro. Most importantly, don’t forget the small details: steamed or ironed outfits, clean and simple nails (your hands will be in a lot of photos), and undergarments that don’t show through or need constant adjusting.

Utilizing these Tips for Dressing for An Engagement Session will ensure you feel your best on the big day.
Make it personal
At the end of the day, your engagement photos should feel like the two of you. If you love getting dressed up, lean into it. If you’re more relaxed and casual, there are tons of ways to make that look polished and photo-ready. You might even incorporate something personal, like a cozy sweater you always borrow from each other, a hat you love, or subtle nods to your story. These images are about your connection, not about following a strict style rulebook.
If you’re still feeling unsure, you’re always welcome to send me a few outfit options, and I’ll happily help you narrow things down. The most important thing is that you feel confident, comfortable, and excited going into your session. When you feel good in what you’re wearing, it absolutely shows in your photos—and that’s what makes your engagement portraits timeless.

Ultimately, the best approach is to embrace these Tips for Dressing for An Engagement Session that resonate with you.

When you feel good in what you’re wearing, these Tips for Dressing for An Engagement Session will shine through in your photos.

Always keep in mind these Tips for Dressing for An Engagement Session to reflect your unique style.

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9 Tips for Dressing for an Engagement Session | Bo Washington Engageme

Engagements

November 25, 2020

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