What to Wear to Your Engagement Session

Your engagement session is a special opportunity to capture your love story in a relaxed and intimate setting. It’s also a great place for us to get to know each other ahead of your wedding day! I always say to treat your photos like a date night, and to dress up a little more than your everyday wear.

I send out a portrait session guide book that touches on outfit tips for your photos, but here are some more in depth tips to help you feel confident and look amazing in your photos.

1. Confidence and Comfort Are Key

When you feel good in what you’re wearing, it shows in your photos. Choose outfits that make you feel like the best version of yourself. Prioritize fit and comfort over trends — you want to be able to move, laugh, and cuddle naturally during the session. If you’re not comfortable in your outfit, you’ll be fiddling the whole session, and not able to be in the moment.

While it’s tempting to try something trendy or outside your usual style, your engagement photos should reflect who you truly are. Choose outfits that align with your personality and make you feel like the best version of yourself.

For example:

• If you love classic and elegant looks, consider a tailored dress or a sharp blazer.
• If your vibe is more laid-back, opt for a flowy sundress or your favorite pair of well-fitted jeans.

2. Coordinate, Don’t Match

Avoid the “matchy-matchy” look (no need for identical plaid shirts!) and focus instead on complementing each other’s outfits. Opt for a cohesive color palette—think soft neutrals, pastels, earthy tones, or shades that pair well together. Textures and layers can add visual interest while keeping your look refined.

Here are some colour combination ideas:
– Blues with creams, and camels/khakis
– Navy and blush
– Florals with blues, and creams
– Creams, soft greys, and blues
– Rust, mustards and olive greens
– Terracotta, sages, and creams
– Burnt orange, deep browns, and warm tan

Tips for Pairing Colors

1. Choose a dominant tone: Pick one color to anchor your look, then add complementary or neutral tones.
2. Balance patterns: If one of you wears a pattern (e.g., floral or plaid), the other should opt for solid colors within the same palette.
3. Keep it cohesive: Use accessories like scarves or shoes to subtly tie your colors together.

3. How Many Outfits Should You Bring?

Two outfits per person are usually ideal:

• One dressy option: Perfect for more formal or romantic moments. This doesn’t necessarily mean a suit and tie, but something you’d wear to a nice dinner.
• One casual option: Great for playful, relaxed moments. This can be khakis, linen pants, soft wash jeans, soft and flowy dresses and skirts!

Make sure both outfits reflect your personalities and the vibe you want for your photos! No need to get all dressed up if that’s not who you are as a couple. A cute summer dress is dressy enough, you don’t need to go all out.

4. Dress for the Season

Keep the time of year in mind as you choose your outfits:

• Spring/Summer: Light fabrics such as linens, pastel colors, or floral prints.
• Fall/Winter: Rich tones, cozy knits, or layered looks for warmth.

Layers are a versatile choice — they not only look great but can also help you adjust to changing weather during the shoot.

Each season brings its own unique vibe, and your outfits can complement that beautifully. Here’s how to make seasonal choices that suit both the weather and the overall tone of your session.

Spring is all about renewal, blooms, and soft light, making it a perfect time to embrace airy, romantic looks.

• Colors: Pastels like blush, lavender, and sky blue. Neutral tones like cream or light gray also pair beautifully with soft shades. Bringing in some soft floral patterns really pairs well with that springy vibe.
• Fabrics: Flowy materials like chiffon, linen, light cotton, or soft knits.
• Styles: Sundresses, flowy maxi skirts, or tailored trousers with a light blouse for women. For men, linen shirts or light-colored chinos work well.

With longer days and golden light, summer is great for vibrant, relaxed photos.

• Colors: Bright whites, tropical-inspired hues, and soft warm tones like peach, coral, or pale yellow.
• Fabrics: Breathable fabrics such as linen, lightweight cotton, or chambray.
• Styles: Sundresses, rompers, or flowy midi dresses for women. Men can go for short-sleeve button-downs, polos, or lightweight blazers with tailored shorts or chinos.

Fall’s rich tones and cozy vibes are perfect for layering and texture.

• Colors: Deep earth tones like burgundy, rust, mustard, forest green, and burnt orange. Pair these with neutrals like tan, cream, or charcoal.
• Fabrics: Cozy knits, flannel, suede, or wool blends.
• Styles: Sweater dresses, long-sleeve blouses, or plaid shirts for women. Men can opt for cable-knit sweaters, tweed jackets, or chambray shirts.

Winter offers a timeless, and cozy aesthetic, ideal for chic and elegant looks.

• Colors: Jewel tones like emerald, sapphire, ruby, and amethyst. Pair these with rich neutrals like black, gray, or cream.
• Fabrics: Luxurious materials such as velvet, wool, cashmere, or faux fur.
• Styles: Long dresses with sleeves, tailored coats, or dressy sweaters for women. Men can wear dark suits, layered turtlenecks, or wool overcoats.

5. Think About the Location

The location of your engagement session is one of the most important factors to consider when selecting your outfits. Matching your attire to the setting helps create a cohesive look that complements the environment and enhances the overall aesthetic of your photos. For example:

• A beach session calls for breezy, lightweight clothing.
• An urban shoot pairs well with sleek, modern attire.
• A rustic location suits earth tones or boho-inspired outfits.

6. Accessorize Thoughtfully

Accessories are the finishing touches that can elevate your engagement session outfits, adding depth and personality to your look. However, when it comes to accessorizing, simplicity is often the best approach—your accessories should complement your outfit, not distract from it.

Layered Textures: Accessories like a soft shawl, cardigan, or even a tailored jacket can not only add depth to your outfit but also provide practical options for adjusting to changing weather during the session.

Jewelry: Opt for timeless pieces that enhance your overall look without overwhelming it. Think delicate necklaces, understated earrings, or a simple bracelet. If you’re wearing an engagement ring (or other meaningful jewelry), consider keeping your other pieces minimal to let it shine as the star of the show.

Scarves and Hats: These can be beautiful and functional additions to your outfit, especially in seasonal settings. A cozy scarf adds texture and warmth for a fall or winter session, while a floppy hat can bring a boho vibe to an outdoor or beach setting. Just ensure they don’t overshadow your face, as your expressions are the focal point of the photos.

Belts and Shoes: These functional accessories can also tie your look together. A leather belt or a stylish pair of boots can add cohesion and style, particularly in outdoor or urban settings.

Hair Accessories: For women, subtle additions like a floral hairpiece, elegant clip, or even a headband can bring a romantic touch without taking the focus off your face.

7. Skip Bold Logos or Distracting Patterns

When planning your engagement session outfits, it’s best to avoid anything that might pull focus away from the most important element of the photos: you and your connection as a couple. Busy prints, oversized logos, or overly trendy pieces can become the center of attention and may date your photos over time.

Be Cautious with Trends: Fashion trends, while fun, can often make your photos feel dated within just a few years. Stick to classic and timeless styles that you’ll still love decades from now. Neutral tones, solid colors, and minimal patterns are great choices that ensure the focus stays on your emotions and expressions.

Avoid Loud Logos: While branded clothing can be stylish, large or noticeable logos can feel out of place in romantic and timeless photos. Logos tend to draw the viewer’s eye away from your faces and your love story, turning your session into more of a brand ad than a celebration of your relationship.

Skip Busy Patterns: Bold prints like chevrons, animal prints, or loud florals can overpower the photo and create visual clutter. While subtle patterns can add interest to your look, it’s important to keep them soft and understated. For example, a small polka dot or delicate floral print works beautifully, but large, bright, or clashing designs can dominate the frame.

What to Opt for Instead

• Timeless Prints: Subtle plaids, soft pinstripes, or delicate florals can add just enough visual interest without overwhelming the photo.
• Textured Fabrics: If you want variety, consider fabrics with texture instead of print. Knit sweaters, lace, or even corduroy add depth without being distracting.
• Complementary Solids: Solid colors in a complementary palette always photograph beautifully, allowing the background and your connection to shine.

8. Plan Ahead

Try everything on well in advance of your session, and don’t forget to iron or steam your outfits if needed. Bringing a lint roller, hairbrush, or touch-up makeup can also help you stay camera-ready.

By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be ready to shine during your engagement session. Remember, the most important thing is to enjoy this experience together—because your love story is what truly makes the photos magical!

xo, Hilary