What to Wear for Engagement Photos

Engagement photos are one of the most important parts in planning your wedding. Besides being the first professional photos for most couples, they tend to be used for announcements, invitations, and decor at the wedding (and in your home). Deciding what to wear for engagement photos can be pretty overwhelming– you want to look and feel your best, but you also want to choose the perfect outfits that will stand the test of time in photos. Below are some helpful tips to help you choose the best wardrobe for your photo shoot!

Before You Start Deciding What to Wear for Engagement Photos

Before you start rummaging through your clothes, there are a few things to think about that can help you narrow down the options and figure out what you’re looking for! 

How Many Outfits Will You Need?

First, how many different looks do you want in your photos? This is a good time to consult with your photographer– You need to be on the same page to make sure there will be enough time for outfit changes and to fully shoot each look.

Two outfits is usually ideal for most couples, as it gives you some variety in your photos. I recommend choosing a clean and casual outfit as well as one that’s a little more dressed-up to give your photos a bit of contrast.  

Should You Go Shopping?

Getting a new outfit for your engagement photos can be a ton of fun, but remember that it’s super important to be comfortable! A new outfit can definitely give you a confidence boost, but an old favorite you already know and love the fit of can feel even better. If you choose to get something new, I recommend wearing it a few times before your engagement session to make sure everything fits well, feels comfortable, and is broken in!

What’s the Vibe of Your Engagement Photos?

Another thing to consider is what kind of vibe you’re going for. This includes a few things– the weather and season, your engagement shoot location, and what story you want to tell with your photos. For example, cocktail attire would be perfect if your photoshoot is somewhere urban with views of the city, but high heels and dress shoes might look a bit out of place on a sandy beach. Your photos should reflect your personalities and style as a couple, so build your photoshoot to express yourselves together.

Many engagement sessions tend to be done outdoors, so dressing for the weather is of utmost importance. Think flannels or light sweaters for fall, sundresses and polos for summer, thick cozy sweaters for winter etc.

How to Decide What to Wear for Engagement Photos

Once you’ve brainstormed a little, here are some more specific things to do when you’re looking for the perfect outfit!

Start With One Outfit

Part of the challenge when it comes to choosing what to wear for engagement photos is coordinating– it’s important to like your outfits individually but also that they look good together. If there’s one of you that cares more about fashion, or who has more clothing options, it’s often easier to start with that. Find an outfit that works, then find a complementing outfit for your partner!

Make Sure Your Outfit is Comfortable

While there are some tips for finding colors, patterns, and styles that work well for engagement photos, the most important thing to remember is that your outfit should be comfortable. Taking engagement photos should be fun, but you’ll quickly lose interest if you have to keep adjusting and tugging on your clothes, or if you don’t feel comfortable with the fit.

Another facet of comfort is simply making sure the outfit feels like you. Don’t force yourself into something that you wouldn’t normally wear! These engagement photos should be a reflection of who you are. If an old band tee and jeans is what makes you feel most like yourself, wear that! If you like dresses, I love the way a flowy dress looks in photos, while looser skirts tend to be more comfortable. 

Keep in mind that a fun engagement session isn’t just a series of poses! You’ll be moving around a lot, so make sure your outfit lets you do that!

What Colors to Wear for Engagement Photos

When you’re deciding what to wear for engagement photos, colors should be one of the first things you think about! Neutral, muted tones are always good – this can mean classic neutrals like white, black, gray, and beige. Other examples of neutrals include mustard yellow, navy blue, forest green, and maroon. It’s also great to add a fun, bright pop of color, but make sure that you don’t overdo it! Stick to mainly neutrals, but one of your pieces can be a little brighter.

What Patterns to Wear for Engagement Photos

Adding a pattern can make for diverse photos– for engagement shoots I recommend sticking to simple patterns like flannel, polka dots, or florals. Avoid anything with logos or graphics, as this can be distracting to the eye. Stick to one pattern for the both of you (possibly two if they’re subtle and the colors complement each other) to avoid any clashing! It’s also best to avoid tight stripes, as they often get distorted on camera.

Make Sure Your Outfits Match

You don’t want your outfits to match too much–we’re not going for a cheesy 90’s family photo here!– but you do want the outfits to complement each other. Look for colors and styles that are similar, but not exactly the same shade and cut. Try on your options and take a few practice pictures together beforehand to make sure they mesh well on camera!

Consult Your Photographer About What to Wear for Engagement Photos

Throughout the process, don’t be afraid to talk to your photographer about outfit choices! They’ll know what photographs well, what looks good together, and what colors will look best at the location you chose. It never hurts to bring multiple options to your engagement session so you can make last minute changes if need be.

If you’re ready to schedule an engagement session, contact me – and let’s get to capturing this exciting time!