One of the first questions almost every couple asks me is: “What should we wear for our engagement shoot?”
And it makes total sense. You want to look like yourselves, but also like your best selves—elevated, effortless, and totally in sync with each other and the setting. So whether you’re planning a chic rooftop session in NYC or a golden hour stroll in Nashville, here’s everything you need to feel confident and photo-ready.
1. Keep It Timeless (With a Hint of Personality)
You’ll want to look back at these photos years from now and still love them—so aim for a look that feels elevated but true to you.
Go for:
- Neutrals, earth tones, and soft muted hues
- Natural textures like linen, denim, or knit layers
- Clean lines and classic silhouettes
But let’s be clear: we love color here.
While I used to lean hard into neutrals (and still love them for their timelessness), these days I’m fully on board with rich tones and pops of color—when they’re done intentionally. Think deep rust, olive green, golden mustard, slate blue, burgundy, even a perfectly bold pink or red. Color can bring so much life and personality to your photos without feeling loud or trendy.
Avoid:
- Distracting patterns, heavy logos, or super trendy cuts
- Matching exactly—coordinate instead of twinning
Want a pop of personality? Add it through accessories: a bold earring, a great boot, a lived-in leather jacket, or a vintage watch.
2. Dress for the Setting (And Season)
Are we shooting in a quiet Brooklyn neighborhood or a Nashville field at sunset? Rooftop glam or woodsy weekend getaway?
Make sure your outfit matches the energy of the location. You don’t need to be overdressed—just thoughtfully styled.
Pro Tip: Plan for movement. Flowing dresses, untucked button-ups, layered textures—these all photograph beautifully in motion and add depth to your gallery.
3. Bring Two Outfits (If You Want Variety)
If you’re torn between cozy and dressed up, bring both! I recommend one more relaxed look and one that feels a little more elevated—without sacrificing comfort.
4. Where to Shop for Engagement Photo Outfits
You don’t have to break the bank to look amazing. Here are some of my favorite spots to shop (or browse for inspiration):
For Her:
- Reformation – Feminine, flattering, photo-friendly cuts
- Aritzia – Chic, minimal, and beautifully tailored for layering
- Anthropologie – Romantic textures and soft palettes
- Free People – Boho-inspired pieces that move beautifully
- & Other Stories – Elegant yet modern European vibes
- House of CB – Sleek, structured, and great for statement looks
- Abercrombie – Surprisingly elevated basics and occasion looks
- Zara – Trend-forward but still polished
- ASOS – Budget-friendly and great for variety
- Doen – For that dreamy, vintage-inspired aesthetic
- Madewell – Casual-cool staples with great fits and tones
For Him:
- J.Crew – Classic and clean, great layering options
- Abercrombie – Modern cuts, elevated casualwear
- Bonobos – Tailored fits for every body type
- Everlane – Minimal, neutral, and sustainable basics
- Madewell – Understated cool with quality fabrics
- Taylor Stitch – Rugged and vintage-inspired
5. Don’t Forget the Accessories (They Make the Look)
Shoes, bags, jewelry, hair details—these are the finishing touches that can take an outfit from “nice” to styled and intentional. The best part? Accessories are a fun, low-pressure way to add texture, color, or a little bit of edge to your overall look.
Here’s what I always suggest:
- Shoes: Clean, polished, and walkable! Avoid bright white sneakers unless it fits your vibe. A great boot, strappy heel, or minimalist loafer goes a long way.
- Purses: If you’re bringing a bag, make it a moment—something chic and structured (or small and statement-y). And don’t forget to empty anything bulky out of it before the session!
- Jewelry: Gold, silver, pearls, vintage… this is your chance to add meaning or elevate the overall look. Keep it cohesive and avoid anything too flashy or noisy (literally).
- Hair accessories: A silk bow, minimal headband, or even a colorful scrunchie can photograph beautifully—especially when it catches movement or light.
This is also one of my favorite ways to incorporate color.
If you’re wearing a more neutral outfit, a bold purse or a soft pop of color in your shoes or earrings can add depth without overwhelming your overall look. Think of accessories as the finishing brushstrokes—they bring the whole thing to life.
6. Final Tips for Choosing the Right Outfit
- Try everything on ahead of time—including shoes!
- Steam or iron your pieces the night before (wrinkles show more than you think)
- Avoid neon and anything that might reflect odd light on your skin
- Coordinate, don’t match—build your looks around complementary tones
I’m linking a few pieces I’m currently loving below to help get you started! I’ll do my best to keep this list updated as seasons (and styles) shift. You can also check out my Pinterest board for even more engagement outfit inspiration—from color palettes and textures to full look ideas for both of you.
Reformation
Anthropologie
Jake Square-Neck Drop-Waist Satin Bubble Mini Dress
Mia Satin Halter Drop-Waist Bubble Mini Dress
Isabell Strapless Sweetheart Pleated Ruffled Maxi Dress
Rosie High-Neck Pleated Chiffon Maxi Dress
Briana Strapless Drop-Waist Bubble-Hem Midi Dress
House of CB
Abercrombie
Premium Linen Drop-Waist Belted Midi Dress
High-Neck Bubble Hem Mini Dress
Doen
RAQUELLA DRESS (same name, different dress)
TL;DR? You want to feel like you, just a little elevated.
When in doubt, send me your outfit ideas—I’m always happy to help style your session so it fits your location, your story, and your comfort zone.
Whether you’re city-dwellers or country dreamers, I’ll help you feel like the best version of yourselves in front of the camera. Let’s chat and plan your dream session here.
What to Wear for Your Engagement Photos (And Where to Shop for It)
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