What to Wear for Great Engagement Photos

Planning your engagement photos is about more than just picking a date and location—it’s about choosing an engagement photographer who understands how to capture you naturally, artfully, and in a way that feels true to your relationship. If you’re a couple looking for romantic, documentary-style engagement photos on film, what you wear plays a huge role in how your story comes to life. This guide is designed to help couples preparing for an engagement photo session feel confident, comfortable, and aligned with a timeless  aesthetic—so your images don’t just look beautiful now, but feel meaningful for decades to come.

These guidelines will help you choose the perfect outfit to get the most out of your session and create photos you’ll want to hang on the wall forever. 

First off, let’s talk about what to avoid:

Busy patterns

Busy patterns, like polka dots, pinstripes, paisley for example, are distracting to the eye. We want YOU to shine as the focal point of this session, not your shirt. Busy patterns pull the attention away from you. Subtle patterns with neutral colors can be okay. When in doubt, ask your photographer!

Neon or super bright colors

Similarly to busy patterns, neon and super bright colors are too loud to the eye. They also reflect light, and can create a glowing effect that will detract from the overall image.

Clothes with writing or large brand logos

Clothes with writing or large logos are also a distraction. They also look odd in shots where you can’t see the full text or image. You don’t want everyone trying to read your shirt instead of looking at your beautiful face.

All white

Like neon colors, white reflects light and can make it look like you are glowing. I like to call this the “angel effect.” White can be okay in certain lighting, or obviously if it is your wedding day! But, I recommend avoiding all white outfits when possible so you don’t glow right out of the image.

All black outfits – unless that’s your style!

All black outfits tend to blend together and lose their detail through the lens. This can lead to weird images where it’s difficult to tell where your arms are and other important details. Subtle color variation or accessories can help avoid this. If all black is your style, let me know and we will plan the shoot to make sure we retain as much detail as possible.

What you SHOULD wear:

Clothes you feel confident and comfortable in

Everyone always says they are “bad at taking pictures” or really nervous to be in front of the camera. The first step to moving past this feeling is to dress like yourself. Wear clothes that you feel like your best self in – the outfit that makes you feel confident and comfortable in your skin.

And, don’t forget about actually being comfortable. Wear clothes that feel good and don’t hurt. Dress for the weather. Wear clothes you can move around comfortably in. Skip the shoes that pinch your toes or the pants you can’t breathe in. Wear an outfit that makes you exude confidence – we will be able to see it in the photos!

Clothes you already own!

You’ll feel the most like yourself when you are rocking an outfit you already love and feel confident in. This is the perfect opportunity to shop your closet and wear all your favorite things, or the things you always wish you had somewhere to wear it. 

If you really must shop for your shoot, try to buy vintage or second hand. Vintage items are usually of far better quality, and are unique and interesting. Don’t buy a bunch of fast fashion options that will quickly fall apart after the shoot.  

Clothes that make sense for the scene

Think of the setting of your shoot and choose an outfit that makes sense for the environment. If we’re meeting on a beach, maybe bring a swimsuit and a sunhat. If we’re doing a studio shoot and you want to show off your dance moves, wear clothes that flow. Think of how you want to show up in the space and incorporate that into your outfit. 

Embrace texture

Varied textures will give your photographs depth and intrigue. Think of the shine of velvet or the grooves of corduroy – the grain of denim and the softness of knits. Mix textures throughout your outfit to create subtle intrigue throughout your photos.

Remember accessories

Don’t forget about accessories! Think of the jewelry you want to wear (your favorite earrings) and don’t want to wear (give the Apple watch a break). Replace the hair tie on your wrist with the bracelet your grandma gave you. Choose accessories that have sentimental value and are close to your heart. 

Accessories can also include props or other items that make sense for your shoot. Do you bike everywhere? Let’s get a few shots of you on wheels! Is this shoot documenting your engagement announcement? Maybe you want to bring the box your engagement ring came in, or the letter your fiance wrote you to propose. Think through items that help tell the story you want to share and bring them with you!

Coordinating colors with your partner

If your photo session is with your partner or a group of people, coordinate your outfits. Wear clothes in the same color family, but don’t exactly match. Having varied colors, textures, and silhouettes will keep the photographs interesting and allow each of you to show off your distinct personality while also highlighting your similarities. 

Remember, these are guidelines. This is a resource to help steer you in the right direction. These are not hard and fast rules of what you can and can’t wear for your photo session. When in doubt, trust your instincts! Wear what you feel your best in and you’ll be sure to shine. And as always, I’m here to help! I’m in your corner and am happy to talk through your outfit options any time.

♡ Gabie