Best Engagement Photo Outfits for Your Photoshoot

Have you ever wondered what you should wear for your engagement photoshoot? Well, choosing the best engagement photo outfits for your session allows you to discover colorful recommendations, seasonal inspirations and outfit ideas that will leave you looking stylish. Whether you’re searching for outfit ideas or simply planning your coordinated efforts for your pictures with your partner, the right wardrobe can help you look confident and create timeless images you’ll love for years to come.

Key Takeaways

** What should I wear for my engagement photo shoot?

** What colors photograph best for engagement photos?

** How many outfits for an engagement photo shoot?

** What should I wear for any particular season?

The best engagement photos begin with clothing that reflects your personality while complementing the location and season. Rich earth tones, along with soft neutrals, as well as carefully chosen accent colors typically photograph beautifully, while textures, layers, and timeless accessories can add the depth you’re looking for without distracting from the connection between you and your fiancé. Coordinating your outfits versus matching exactly creates a more polished, natural look.

With thoughtful planning and a few simple styling ideas, you will enjoy your engagement session feeling more comfortable, more confident, and ready to capture wonderful memories.

 

 

What should I wear for my engagement photoshoot?

First and foremost, take into consideration the location of your shoot, the season it’s in, the weather, as well as your personality and that of your future spouse. Each of those elements may direct you into your selections that you opt for.

An engagement session at the beach often gets breezy, so decide how you want your hair done and whether your clothes are flowing too freely. A beach session in the winter is much colder, where a sweater comes into play, compared to the summer, where you want to wear something lighter so you’re not overheating.

If you choose a location that might include hiking, be sure to wear comfortable shoes and clothes that don’t drag along in the dirt. I hate to say it, but if you’re wearing uncomfortable shoes, it will show in your facial expressions, or lack thereof, in your photos.

Outside of the location of your session, ask yourself, “What is our personality? What says… US? If you and your spouse are more laid back and casual, then a more casual approach is your statement. If you are a couple that dresses up, then get fancy. OR you can go opposite of your personality. You’re a laid-back person? Go fancy. Make it fun. Almost like you are role playing. And if you go fancy, don’t be afraid to really doll yourself up.

Other factors to consider…

Matching Outfits

Unless there is a specific reason you want to wear matching outfits, we recommend staying out of the past. Wearing matching outfits were big in the 1980s to early 1990s, but now it’s time to be modern. Besides, when you are not wearing matching outfits, you can contrast with one another, and your photos will stand out more.

However, if you’re dead set on having the same tone as your colors, that’s fine. Wear colors that complement each other. Just one example that we love is if your session is in the fall and you like earth tones, wear brown related colors. One of you can wear a darker brown, while the other goes with a lighter shade of brown. You can do the same with prints. One of you can have a print while the other is solid. You get the idea.

 

Bring an Outfit Change

Now this one will depend on what engagement session package you choose as some of the smaller engagement packages only allow for a short amount of time and truly don’t allow for time to make an outfit change. If you are set on multiple clothing changes, then you should increase the time of your engagement session.

More on Outfit Changes below.

 

 

Heavy Jewelry and Other Accessories

Remember, we want to capture the looks on your face more than anything else, but if you wear anything too much in terms of jewelry or other accessories, it will cause busyness and become a distraction rather than a highlight.

 

Polish Your Ring

I guarantee you there will be close-up photos of your engagement ring, so be sure to polish it because a dingy looking ring will really stand out in your photos and not in a good way. Your ring is something you definitely want to show off.

 

Don’t Forget Your Manicure!

Just like polishing your ring, you will want to have your nails done professionally, so they stand out in your photos.

 

When it comes down to it, just be yourselves and go with what you desire. Something that will bring joy to you and your spouse, the type of photos that you will look, and enjoy, at for a lifetime.

Whatever you decide, let that favorite photo tell your story at a glance.

 

 

What colors photograph best for engagement photos?

Colors are often the most asked question we get at Three16 Photography, and we give suggestions based on what time of the year you want to schedule your session and where you want them taken at.

You can learn more details about Colors down further under Seasonal Engagement Sessions.

 

How many outfits for an engagement photoshoot?

As mentioned above, it will first depend on your engagement session package. If you opt for a package, say an hour session, I recommend bringing at least two separate outfits. I always recommend bringing one casual and one fancy outfit for engagement photos, that way you have some variety! But too many outfits can cut into your session time and create a gallery that’s all over the place.

By the way, if you have scheduled your session at two different locations, keep the location and your outfit style in mind. Wearing beach attire on a dusty hiking trail doesn’t make sense and vice versa, unless that is your plan… for some reason.

Also, be sure your outfits work well together with your spouse’s. Outfits that “fight” against the other is more of a detriment to the outcome of your photos. Make it make sense.

There’s no sense in bringing two different sets of outfits if they don’t look good together. If you use your engagement photos on your wedding website, invitations, or save the dates, you’ll want them to flow together.

 

 

What is recommended for the different seasons of the year?

This is a great question that we get often. First, the answer will vary depending on where in the country you are having your session take place at. Obviously, a Fall session in the New England area will be much different than if your session was in Southern California.

Spring Season

If you have scheduled your session for the Spring season, take the below into consideration that will allow for beautifully done photographs in spring:

** Soft neutrals (cream, ivory, beige)

** Muted pastels (sage, dusty blue, blush)

** Earthy tones that complement blooming landscapes

 

Fabrics that work best:

** Flowy dresses or skirts

** Lightweight cotton, linen, chiffon

** Layers that move naturally in a breeze

 

What to avoid:

** Heavy or stiff materials

** Neon colors that overpower spring tones

** Busy patterns or large logos

The goal isn’t to match the flowers, it’s to feel comfortable, to get lost in the moment with your spouse and worrying about your outfit entirely. When you can walk, spin, sit in the grass, and lean into each other without adjusting constantly, your Spring engagement photos feel natural instead of styled.

 

 

Summer Season

If you have scheduled your session for the Summertime, take the below into consideration that will allow for beautifully done photographs in summer:

** Muted Greens

** Blues

** Pinks

** Neutrals

 

Best Summer Clothing Choices for Women:

** Long dresses (filter for “maxi dresses” or “midi dresses”)

** Jumpsuits

** Jeans

** Smocked Tops

** Blouses

** Classic Button-Downs

** White Pants

** Lightweight cotton, linen, chiffon

** Layers that move naturally in a breeze

 

Best Summer Clothing Choices for Men:

** Jeans

** Button-Downs

** Camel/Tan Pants

With Summer months you will want to make sure you’re wearing something breathable and cool. My engagement sessions usually involve a fair bit of movement and activity; you don’t want to wear something too hot! Consider choosing fabrics like cotton, silk and linen. And opt for lighter colors that won’t show if you sweat!

 

 

Fall Season

If you have scheduled your session for the Fall Season, take some of the below into consideration that will allow for beautifully done photographs in fall:

** Burgundies

** Mustards

** Deep Greens

** Browns

** Maroons

** Creams

** Whites

** Beige

** Burnt Orange

 

These colors look great against the foliage, especially if you are having your session in a nature setting and/or park. Also, if your session is shorter in time not allowing you to change your outfits, simply put on a jacket, flannel, scarf, etc., to change up your photos without an actual outfit change.

Other things to consider for a Fall engagement session:

** Denim

** Jackets

** Flannels

** Long-Sleeved Dresses

** Sweaters

** Shoes

** Accessories

 

 

Winter Season

If you have scheduled your session for the Winter Season, take some of the below into consideration that will allow for beautifully done photographs in winter:

** Coat / Jacket

** Winter Accessories

** Winter Boots / Uggs

** Suggested Colors:

** Reds

** Greens

** Purples

** Blues

 

 

What is recommended for the different locations?

This is another great question. First, before you settle on a location, ask yourself if you really know the area. We had a client that insisted on having their engagement session at Holy Jim Trail, despite never being there before. She dressed more for a typical park than a rugged hike and her feet weren’t happy. From that experience, when we plan out the engagement session with our client, we make sure they truly understand the location they are requesting to avoid unhappy feet… and sad photos.

 

Nature & Hiking Trail Locations

• Long and flowing dresses tend to photograph well, especially against a beautiful backdrop.
• For women, if time for an outfit change, consider both a dress and one a little more casual such as pants (denim).
• Bring comfortable walking shoes. Some of the trails can be long and/or treacherous and the last thing you want are sore feet. If you have your heart on unrecommended shoes, bring a pair with you and put them on at the point of the photoshoot.

Being out in nature puts everyone more at ease and it really shows in the end result.

 

Park Locations

Very similar to the Nature & Hiking Trail Location, but you don’t have that rough terrain or hiking trails. Parks can bring together the mix of nature and community. Parks also have a bit more than just nature as they may have boulders, bridges, streams, community buildings, sports fields just to name a few.

 

 

Urban Locations

• In addition to longer dresses for women, in most urban areas you can include shorter dresses.
• Heels are a lot easier to get away with than in a nature setting.
• Colors can also be more vibrant than those of a nature park setting or hiking trail.

 

Beach Locations

If you are planning on having your sessions at the beach, we recommend outfits that combine comfort, style, and colors that complement the natural beauty of the ocean.

Consider flowing dresses and/or casual linen shirts, as the right clothing helps create timeless images while allowing you to relax and enjoy your session together.

In addition, you should consider:

• Soft fabrics that are breathable
• Maxi dresses
• Sundresses
• Linen button-down shirts
• Lightweight blouses
• Khakis
• Rolled-up chinos

For colors that work best at the beach, I would keep it neutral colors like ivory, beige, cream, soft blue, sage green, blush, and light gray photograph as they tend to stand out more against the sand and water. Avoid large logos, bold graphics, and busy patterns that can distract from the connection between you and your partner.

For footwear, many couples choose to go barefoot, but if you prefer shoes, simple sandals, espadrilles, or dressy flats are excellent options.

Accessories should remain minimal.

 

 

Conclusion…

When it comes to choosing the best engagement photo outfits for your photoshoot, keep it simple. From your choices in colors, patterns, matching versus non-matching, seasons, locations and inspirations, and you will come with something stylish to look your very best.

 

___________________________________________________________________________________

About the Author:

Jerrick O’Connor is the owner of Three16 Photography and has 15 years of experience in the world of photography. He specializes in Weddings, Engagements, Family and Corporate photography and loves connecting small business owners with other small business owners in hopes they can benefit each other’s production. When he’s not working, you can find him spending time with his wife Josie, playing board games or just spending time with his many friends.