What to Wear for Engagement Photos: Your Portrait Session Guide
“What should I wear for engagement photos?”
“What should I wear for engagement photos?” – it’s a question many couples grapple with as they prepare for their portrait session. While the choice ultimately rests with you and your partner, I’m here to offer a little bit of guidance to help if you’re feeling unsure.
As your photographer, I’m honored to document the milestones in your relationship. I truly believe that capturing these moments should be a joyful experience and, as such, want to remove any pressure that you may be experiencing while selecting your portrait session “look.” From colors and textures to accessories and comfort, let’s navigate this decision together.
Whether you prefer to buy or rent your outfit, I’ll point you in the right direction. And if we’re planning your engagement photo shoot together, rest assured that I’ll be there every step of the way to lend a helping hand. Now, let’s dive into the guide.
5 Tips for Nailing Your Engagement Photo Look
1. Dress Comfortably
One of the most important considerations when choosing your engagement photo outfits is ensuring that you feel comfortable and true to yourself. Confidence is key to a successful portrait session, and that self-assuredness starts with wearing clothes that make you feel at ease. Whether you love to dress up or prefer a more casual style outfit for engagement photos, the most important thing is to find what feels good for you and your partner.
My experience photographing engagements and portraits has taught me that there is no one-size-fits-all approach. I’ve seen couples rock everything from jeans and flannels to elegant evening attire. What matters most is choosing an outfit that fills you with confidence, regardless of the style.
Now, you might be wondering, “Should I wear my hair up or down for my engagement photos?” My answer stays the same: do whatever makes you feel your best. Your photos will reflect your genuine happiness and comfort, so choose a hairstyle that makes you feel confident.
Of course, it’s essential to consider the weather and terrain of your photo shoot location when selecting your clothing and footwear. If you’re venturing into snowy landscapes or tackling rocky trails, you’ll want to dress accordingly. And if the conditions are cramping your style, consider bringing along comfortable shoes to change into between locations and a parka or warm robe for quick layering if needed.
Remember, your engagement photos are about capturing this milestone in your journey, so focus on being yourselves and having fun. With the right mindset, you’re sure to shine in front of the camera.
2. Think Complementary
Once you’ve identified some options that make you feel as glowing as you deserve, the next step is to consider how your outfits complement one another. Instead of trying to match your outfit to your partner’s, think about pairing outfits of similar formality and style for a cohesive aesthetic.
It’s crucial to communicate and collaborate with your partner while identifying your engagement photo outfit ideas. You’ll want to find a middle ground where both of you feel comfortable and confident. If you’re struggling to find that middle ground, consider choosing two separate looks to accommodate both of your preferences during your engagement session.
Find a style that you both agree upon, whether it’s boho chic, quiet luxury, grand elegance, maximalist, or anything in between. Crafting outfits around a similar aesthetic goal will create greater cohesion in your photos.
Finally, concentrate on creating an intentional color palette that seamlessly ties your looks together. Uncertain about how to coordinate your colors effectively? Let’s break it down with a bit of color theory.
Neutrals: Anchor your outfits around large neutral pieces in order to prevent an overly vivid wardrobe from taking center stage in your photos. You, not your clothes, should be the star of the show! When selecting your neutral pieces, look for options with similar undertones. For example, pair creamy warm ivories, beiges, and browns together, or, alternatively, pair crisp whites, cool grays, and black together. Now, let’s use color theory to determine how to incorporate color alongside your neutrals for a more dynamic look.
Complementary Colors: These are two colors that sit opposite each other on the color wheel, such as red and green, blue and orange, or yellow and purple. Pairing complementary colors creates a dynamic and vibrant aesthetic.
Analogous Colors: These are three colors located next to each other on the color wheel, like blue, blue-green, and green. Pairing analogous colors creates a cohesive and minimalist aesthetic that allows you to shine in your photos without your outfits becoming distracting.
Monochromatic Colors: These are variations of a single color, such as light blue, medium blue, and dark blue. If choosing a monochromatic color scheme, be sure to break up your color of choice with large neutral pieces so that you and your partner do not blend into one another.
Edits by Stephanie Yves Photography
Triadic Colors: These are three colors evenly spaced apart on the color wheel, like red, yellow, and blue. If choosing a combination of three differing colors, I recommend choosing one primary color for most of your look and using pops of the other two colors to accessorize.
Split Complementary Colors: This variation uses one color and the two colors adjacent to its complementary color, such as blue, yellow-orange, and red-orange. As with a triadic color scheme, I recommend choosing one primary color and using pops of the other two colors to accessorize.
Sessions College offers a helpful color wheel calculator for experimenting with these concepts if you want to try it out for yourself. Understanding these color schemes will help inspire you to create great outfits that harmonize effortlessly. If you’re looking for more inspo, check out some of my favorite color palettes below!
3. Colors + Patterns
Choosing the right colors and patterns for your engagement photo look can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Let’s address some common questions and considerations to help you brainstorm ideas for your engagement outfits.
First, the age-old question: what is the best color to wear for your engagement photos? While there’s no one answer, there are some key considerations. Neutrals are always a safe bet as they are timeless and elegant. If you want to include color, pastels and cool, desaturated tones often photograph particularly well.
When incorporating color, choose colors that not only complement each other, as explained in the previous section, but that also complement the colors of your photoshoot location. If you’re unsure about what colors might work well at your chosen location, don’t hesitate to reach out for advice.
Some couples wonder if they should wear white for their engagement photos. While white is incredibly flattering and well-suited for engagement photos, it’s not a requirement.
When it comes to patterns, simplicity is best. Avoid bold, graphic patterns or contrast-rich designs that may distract from you and your partner. Instead, opt for subtle textures and solids or gentle patterns that add dimension without overwhelming the frame.
Additionally, flowing fabrics can add movement and bring your photos to life, lending a natural and dynamic quality to your images. This is especially true for breezy springtime engagements and windy mountain sessions.
By following these tips and considering the overall aesthetic you want to achieve, you’ll be well on your way to selecting outfits that not only look great but also reflect your unique style as a couple.
4. Accessorize
Now that you’ve chosen your outfits, let’s talk about the extra touches that will take your look to the next level. Accessorizing offers an opportunity to elevate your style and let your personality shine.
I always encourage couples to bring bold accessories to their portrait sessions. Not only do these unique pieces add flair to your ensemble, but they also offer endless opportunities for creative posing. Whether you’re a fan of hats, scarves, statement jewelry, hairpieces, or floral accents, incorporating these elements can add a unique flair to your outfit and give the illusion of multiple wardrobe changes without the hassle.
As a self-proclaimed hat aficionado, I can’t help but mention the power of a stylish headpiece. Hats not only protect you from the elements, but can also add a touch of sophistication or boho whimsy depending on your preference. Similarly, jackets, sweaters, and other layering pieces can provide versatility to your look, allowing you to switch up your style effortlessly throughout your session.
If you’re looking for inspiration, I recommend checking out Spicy Heart for mountain-boho-inspired statement pieces. Their collection features a variety of accessories that perfectly complement the Colorado landscape and add a touch of mountain charm to your photoshoot.
So go ahead, have fun experimenting with your accessories, and let your personal style shine through in every shot. After all, little details can both personalize your engagement photo outfit and create additional visual interest.
5. Prepare Your Outfits Beforehand
Before your portrait session, try on your engagement photo outfits together to ensure that they fit well, feel cohesive, and achieve your aesthetic goals. By preparing ahead of your session date, you leave time to make any necessary adjustments, eliminating last-minute stress.
Additionally, as your session date approaches, ensure that each garment is clean and free of wrinkles by ironing or steaming as needed. Similarly, if you’re hoping for some sparkly ring shots, clean your gem to ensure extra shine.
Since you and your partner will already be looking and feeling your best, why not extend your celebration? Consider turning your photo session into a date night to create even more cherished memories together. If you’re looking for some recommendations, one of my favorite date night stops after a session in the foothills is The Hungry Goat! If we are shooting in the front range, I adore Aurum in Breckenridge. And, if we venture to Rocky Mountain National Park, I can’t speak highly enough of Bird & Jim.
Where you can shop my favorite looks:
To Rent:
To Buy:
Morning Lavender (10% off with promo code SYPhoto)
Ready To Start Planning?
As you select your engagement photo outfits, remember that the most important thing is to feel confident and comfortable in whatever you choose to wear. Whether you opt for casual attire or dress to the nines, your love and happiness will shine through in every photo.
Feeling a bit uncertain or in need of a little extra help? If you need assistance along the way, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m here to help you put together the perfect look for your engagement shoot and create a day that you’ll never forget.
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