What to Wear for Your Engagement Session | Tips from a Wedding Photographer
- fingerprintphotost
- Mar 29
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 5
Your engagement session is one of the most exciting parts of wedding planning. It’s a chance to celebrate your love, get comfortable in front of the camera, and capture stunning images that you’ll cherish forever. But one of the most common questions couples ask me is: "What should we wear for our engagement photos?"
The right outfit can make a huge difference in how confident you feel and how your photos turn out. Whether you’re going for a classic, romantic, or casual look, these tips will help you pick the perfect outfit while avoiding common wardrobe mistakes.
1. Choose Outfits That Reflect Your Style
The most important thing when picking your engagement session outfit is to stay true to yourself.
You want to look and feel like YOU—just a slightly more polished version!
If you're a jeans-and-T-shirt kind of couple, a casual-chic outfit might be perfect.
If you love dressing up, go for elegant, formal attire that makes you feel amazing.
Think about what you would wear on a special date night—this is a great way to find an outfit that feels both stylish and natural.
Your engagement photos should feel timeless, so while trendy outfits can be fun, choosing classic, well-fitted clothing will ensure you love your images for years to come. That means avoiding anything that feels uncomfortable or doesn’t fit well—if you’re tugging at your clothes or adjusting your outfit constantly, it will show in the photos.
2. Stick to Flattering Colors & Patterns
Certain colors and fabrics photograph better than others. Here’s what to keep in mind:
✔ Solid colors and subtle patterns tend to look best. Busy prints can be distracting.
✔ Avoid neon and overly bright colors, as they can reflect onto your skin, creating unnatural color casts in your photos. Soft, muted tones and earth tones look great in natural light.
✔ Avoid clashing prints or patterns—if one of you wears a print, the other should wear a solid color that complements it. Small, repetitive prints (like tiny stripes or checks) can also create a strange visual effect in photos.
If you’re unsure, neutrals, pastels, deep jewel tones, or earth tones are always a safe bet!
3. Coordinate, But Don’t Match
Matching can be adorable (think family photos in white shirts and blue jeans) but coordination tends to look more sophisticated.
✔ Choose colors that complement each other instead of matching exactly.
✔ If one partner wears a bold pattern, the other should wear a solid color to balance the look.
✔ Make sure your outfits are in the same level of formality—if one of you is in a dressy outfit and the other is in casual wear, it can feel unbalanced.
For example, if one partner wears a soft floral dress, the other can wear a solid-colored button-down and khakis to complement it.
4. Consider the Season
Your outfit can reflect the season of your engagement session! This is also great to consider if your session is outdoors.
Spring Engagement Session
Colors: Soft pastels, neutrals, floral prints
Fabrics: Light and breathable fabrics like cotton or linen
Avoid: Heavy winter fabrics that look out of place in warm weather
Summer Engagement Session
Colors: Bright, airy tones like white, blush, or soft blue
Fabrics: Flowy dresses, linen pants, breathable shirts
Avoid: Heavy layers or dark colors that absorb heat
Fall Engagement Session
Colors: Earth tones, deep greens, burgundy, mustard yellow
Fabrics: Cozy sweaters, stylish boots, layering pieces
Avoid: Neon colors that clash with natural fall hues
Winter Engagement Session
Colors: Deep jewel tones, neutrals, metallic accents
Fabrics: Wool, velvet, structured coats
Avoid: Summer-style outfits that won’t make sense in a winter scene
5. Think About Movement
Engagement sessions aren’t just about standing and posing—I love capturing movement, whether it’s twirling in a flowy dress, walking hand-in-hand, or laughing as you run toward each other.
✔ Flowy skirts and dresses add movement and romance.
✔ Avoid stiff or overly tight fabrics that restrict natural movement.
✔ Comfort is key—if you’re uncomfortable, it will show in the photos.
6. Skip the Graphic Tees & Distracting Logos
While a well-placed brand logo might be fine in everyday life, graphic T-shirts, slogans, or large logos can take attention away from your faces and the overall mood of the photo.
✔ Stick to timeless pieces that won’t feel dated in a few years.
✔ If your outfit has branding, opt for something minimal and understated.
7. Shoes & Accessories Matter
Your outfit isn’t just about your clothes—shoes and accessories complete the look.
✔ Wear shoes that make sense for your location. If we’re heading to a park or cobblestone street, stiletto heels might not be the best choice. Flats, wedges, or boots are often better for uneven terrain.
✔Sneakers and every day shoes are great if that's your vibe, but maybe give them a wipe down from mud.
✔ Jewelry should enhance, not distract. Simple, elegant accessories often work best.
8. Hair & Makeup Tips
Engagement photos should feel natural, but this is also a great chance to practice your wedding day look!
✔ If you’re planning to do professional hair and makeup for your wedding, consider doing a trial session on the same day as your engagement shoot.
✔ Avoid heavy, cakey makeup—natural looks photograph best.
✔ Keep your hair styled but not overly stiff—soft waves or natural curls often look great in photos.
For those who don’t wear makeup daily, just a light touch of foundation or powder can help even out skin tones under natural light.
Final Thoughts: Dress for Confidence!
At the end of the day, the best outfit is one that makes you feel confident and comfortable. Your engagement session is all about celebrating your love—so choose outfits that let your personalities shine.
📍 Ready to book your engagement session? Contact me today!
