What to Wear for Your Engagement Photos
Highlights:
How to choose outfits that feel comfortable and natural
What colors photograph best
How to coordinate not match
What to consider based on your location
Read Time: 4 minutes
Topics: Engagement Photos, Photo Session Tips, What to Wear
If you’re anything like me, figuring out what to wear for a regular photoshoot is stressful, let alone your engagement photos. But don’t worry, I’m here to help.
A lot of times people are worried if they are “doing it right,” worried they should’ve dressed up more, dressed down more, or coordinated better. But honestly, engagement photos aren’t about perfect outfits. They’re about documenting this season of your relationship in a way that feels like you (cliche, I know).
Start With What Makes You Feel Comfortable
Before you think about colors, trends, or Pinterest boards, start with comfort. If you’re tugging at your clothes, worrying about how something fits, or feeling stiff, it’s going to be harder to relax during your session. Personally, you’ll never catch me in itchy sweaters, tight jeans, or turtle necks. When you feel comfortable, you look comfortable.
Engagement photos involve walking, sitting, leaning into each other, and moving around more than people expect. Choose outfits you can move in and feel good wearing for more than five minutes. If something already feels annoying at home, it’s probably not the best choice for photos.
Choose Colors That Photograph Well
Neutral and muted tones tend to photograph really beautifully and keep the focus on you, not your clothes. Creams, tans, soft whites, muted greens, warm browns, rust tones, soft blues, light pinks and charcoal are all solid options.
I usually recommend avoiding neon colors, very bold patterns, or large logos since they can be distracting on camera. Unless black is your thing, I would stear clear of that as well, it pull the color away from your skin. If you love darker colors, that’s totally fine. Adding texture through fabric (linen, denim, knits, layers) helps keep things from feeling flat.
Coordinate, Don’t Match
You don’t need to wear the same colors or matching outfits. Coordinating is more about balance than sameness.
A good approach is choosing a loose color palette and building from there. One person might wear something lighter or more neutral, while the other adds contrast through tone or texture. Mixing structured pieces with softer fabrics can also help your outfits feel connected without being identical.
Let Your Location Guide You
Your location can help pick the vibe of what you wear, but it shouldn’t limit you. Outdoor or desert locations tend to pair well with breathable fabrics and softer tones, while downtown or urban sessions often look great with denim, layers, or more structured pieces.
Shoes matter more than people think. Pick something that fits the vibe of your outfit and that you can actually walk in comfortably. Engagement sessions usually include more movement than expected, and uncomfortable shoes can pull you out of the moment quickly.
Accessories, Layers, and Outfit Changes
Accessories should feel intentional. Simple jewelry, a jacket, or an extra layer can add variety without feeling overdone. Avoid anything noisy, uncomfortable, or that you’ll constantly be adjusting.
If you’re torn between a casual look and something a little more elevated, bringing a second outfit is always an option. Many couples start with something relaxed and then change into something dressier for part of the session. It’s not required, but it can be a fun way to get different vibes, or incorporate your personalities into your session
