What to Wear for Your Engagement Photos: A Practical Guide

You’re engaged—congratulations! If you’re planning your engagement session and wondering what to wear, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common questions I get, and I’m here to make it as simple and stress-free as possible.

Choosing what to wear isn’t about impressing anyone or fitting into an idea of what you think engagement photos are supposed to look like. It’s about wearing something that feels like you, fits the setting, and helps you feel comfortable and confident on the day.

Here’s what you need to know.

1. Start With Your Story, Not a Pinterest Trend

Before you start shopping or pulling things out of the wardrobe, ask yourselves: What do we actually love doing together?If I wasn’t there with a camera, how would you naturally spend a Saturday? That’s the starting point for a great session.

The best engagement sessions don’t come from posing like models in an unfamiliar outfit. They come from capturing real connection in real clothes. That could be the jumper you always steal from your partner or the jacket you’ve worn for years. The clothes you already feel like yourself in are often the best ones for photos.

2. Stick With Soft, Neutral Tones

Neutrals, creams, soft whites, and earthy colours photograph beautifully in almost every location. They feel natural and timeless, and they don’t compete with the background—or your expressions. Plus, they flatter skin tones better than you might expect.

Bright colours like red or yellow can reflect onto your skin and create odd tones, especially in sunlight. Anything neon or overly vibrant might look fun in real life but can feel out of place in a natural setting. A pop of colour is fine—just keep it subtle and pair it with softer tones so it doesn’t overpower the image.

3. Comfort First—Seriously

If there’s one piece of advice to remember, it’s this: wear something you’re genuinely comfortable in. That means you can move freely, sit down, hug, and walk around without feeling like you’re going to ruin the outfit. Loose, breathable clothes with a bit of movement (think flowy skirts, jumpers, cotton shirts) not only feel better, but they also look better on camera.

It’s easy to think you need to ‘dress up’ for engagement photos, but the truth is—casual often works best. A soft jumper you’ve had for years usually looks far more natural than a brand-new dress you feel stiff in. The more at ease you are, the more genuine the photos will feel.

4. Think About the Setting

Where we’re shooting matters. If we’re on the coast in Cape Cod, soft blues, oatmeal, or off-white will fit beautifully. In a forest in Upstate New York? Olive, rust, or earthy browns work well. For urban or indoor spots, something a little more styled might work too—but it should always make sense in context.

You don’t want to blend into the background completely, but you also don’t want to stand out like a sore thumb. Look for colours and textures that complement the space, not compete with it.

5. Coordinate, Don’t Match

You don’t need to wear the exact same tones or outfits—coordinating is far more visually interesting. Choose complementary colours and textures that work well together, without being too “matchy-matchy.” If one of you is wearing cream and tan, the other might lean into dusty blue, sage, or warm brown. It creates balance while keeping things unique.

6. Pay Attention to Shoes (Or Go Barefoot)

Shoes matter more than most people expect. Clean, simple footwear that matches the mood of your outfits goes a long way—avoid sporty trainers or anything too bright unless it’s part of your everyday look. And if we’re somewhere soft and earthy, barefoot can be beautiful and grounding. The main thing to ask yourself when choosing your shoes is can you spend an hour or two having fun in them? While brand new heels might be fun, they won’t be after a a few minutes walking around a rocky coastline or an open meadow…

7. Bring a Bit of Movement and Texture

Clothing that moves catches the light and adds emotion to your images. A skirt that flutters in the breeze, a cardigan that shifts as you walk—these subtle things bring photos to life. Avoid stiff, overly tailored pieces that restrict your movement or feel too formal. If you can’t comfortably walk, sit, or spin in it—it’s not the right fit for your session.

It’s not just about how the fabric looks, but how it feels on your body. If you’re constantly adjusting straps, tugging at hems, or holding your breath to keep things in place, that tension shows. Clothing that lets you relax—drop your shoulders, lean into each other, move freely—always photographs better. You’re going to be walking, cuddling, sitting, maybe even dancing a little. Your outfit should help you enjoy that, not get in the way of it.

8. Plan for Windy Hair Days

If we’re shooting somewhere breezy—like the Rhode Island coast or a hilltop in Scotland—think about how your hair will behave. Loose waves are beautiful, but if wind bothers you, it’s worth bringing bobby pins, a hair tie, or clips just in case. A quick brush and a backup plan can save the day if things get wild.

9. Aim for Timeless

You don’t need to chase trends. The goal is to wear something that still feels good when you look back in five, ten, or twenty years. A simple rule? If you would’ve worn it five years ago and you’d still wear it five years from now, you’re probably on the right track.

That doesn’t mean boring—it just means avoiding logos, loud prints, or anything that screams “2025 fashion moment.” Go for classic, well-fitting, and true to your personal style.

10. Bring Options and Ask for Feedback

If you’re torn between outfits, bring a couple of choices. I’m always happy to take a quick look and help decide what works best for the setting and the light. You can even send me photos of your options ahead of time—I’ll give honest feedback and suggestions if you want them.

Sometimes something that feels ‘fine’ on the hanger looks incredible in the setting, and vice versa. That’s where I come in.

11. Accessories Should Be Thoughtful

A subtle necklace, a hat, a pair of earrings—these can all work beautifully in moderation. Just avoid big brand logos, chunky watches, or anything overly trendy that might date the images quickly. Keep it minimal, and think about whether the accessory adds to or distracts from your overall look.

Something as simple as a flowy shawl or scarf can make for some epic photos!

12. Trust That Simple Is Enough

You don’t need a special outfit to make your session meaningful. The point is to document your connection—not to win Best Dressed. If you love dressing up and want to go glam, that’s great. But if you feel best in worn-in boots and a jumper with a story behind it, that’s just as powerful.

Photos feel most timeless when they reflect who you really are. So wear what makes you feel most like yourself—and let’s make something honest, beautiful, and totally you.

If you love these tips and want more, or if you’re looking for a photographer to capture this special chapter in your life, I’m here for you! [Get in touch] with me and we’ll start planning a session that feels true to you from the very beginning.