What to Wear to Your Engagement Session
Your Ultimate Guide to Getting the Most Out of Your Engagement Photos
Let’s be honest—figuring out what to wear for your engagement session can feel weirdly stressful. You want to look amazing, feel like yourselves, and not overthink it. The good news? You absolutely can have all three.
Choosing outfits for your session doesn’t need to be complicated—it just needs to feel like you. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to look polished, feel comfortable, and create a cohesive look that photographs beautifully and reflects your connection. Let’s take the guesswork out of it and help you show up confidently and comfortably.
Tip 1: Choose Comfort First
The best photos happen when you feel like yourself. And that starts with wearing something that feels natural and comfortable. If you’re constantly adjusting or tugging at something, it’s going to show in your body language—and in your photos. Think of what makes you feel most confident, then build your look from there.
Tip 2: Invest in Quality
This is a special moment in your story—and it’s worth dressing for. I always recommend choosing high-quality pieces for your session, even if that means treating yourself to something new. Quality fabrics tend to photograph better, hold their shape, and wrinkle less. Thin or clingy materials can become transparent or unflattering under the camera, especially in certain lighting.
And hey—there’s something magical about wearing something new. It gives you fresh energy and makes the moment feel even more special. Bonus: Think about how you can repurpose your outfit for other events (showers, rehearsal dinners, date nights).
Tip 3: Flatter What You Love
We all have features we love and others we feel more self-conscious about. I’ll be honest—mine are my waist and upper arms. When I’m choosing outfits for myself, I gravitate toward pieces that feel flattering in those areas and help me highlight what I do love.
So here’s my encouragement: dress to celebrate yourself. If there’s something you’re unsure about, choose silhouettes that give you confidence. The goal isn’t to hide—it’s to feel your best so you can be present and relaxed in your photos.
Tip 4: Coordinate Your Colors (Don’t Match)
Color can truly elevate your photos—but this is where a lot of couples feel stuck. The key? You don’t need to match perfectly. Instead, think in terms of complementary tones.
Some favorite combinations:
- Soft neutrals: cream, ivory, beige, muted greys
- Pastel tones: dusty blue, blush, soft sage, mauve
- Earth tones: warm browns, terracotta, olive, rust
Avoid:
- Neon colors (they can cast odd tones on your skin)
- Loud logos or branding (especially on men’s shirts)
- Distracting patterns that can cause distortion (the moire effect)
- Mismatched levels of formality—if one of you is dressy, the other should be too
Tip 5: Dress for the Setting
Your outfit should feel aligned with the location of your session.
- Beachy setting? Go barefoot, bring flowy fabrics, and embrace that carefree vibe.
- City backdrop? Sleek, structured pieces or elevated basics make sense here.
- Park or garden? Maxi dresses, soft tones, and classic shoes pair beautifully.
We’ll talk more about location when planning your session, so this part can feel fun—not overwhelming.
Tip 6: Consider Professional Hair + Makeup
If you’re planning to do a hair and makeup trial before your wedding, your engagement session is the perfect time to do it. It gives you a chance to see how your look photographs and how it holds up to the weather and lighting. Plus—it’s one less thing to stress about that day. You show up pampered, polished, and ready to go.
Tip 7: Don’t Forget the Details
It’s easy to overlook the little things—but they make a big impact.
- Clean, freshly manicured nails
- A polished engagement ring
- Coordinated accessories like shoes and jewelry that complement your outfit
- A subtle fragrance or finishing touch that makes you feel great
Bonus Prep Tips (That Are Often Forgotten)
- Wear the right undergarments for your outfit (think seamless and supportive)
- Bring touch-up essentials—lipstick, blotting paper, or a powder compact
- Pack a brush or comb for quick hair fixes
- Bring a second outfit if you’d like a mix of formal and casual looks
- Hang outfits during travel to avoid wrinkles—change on location if needed to keep them pristine
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to overthink this—you just have to show up as you. My job is to guide you through every step and help you feel confident and seen in front of the camera. So breathe easy, enjoy this sweet season, and let’s create something beautiful together.
Want help choosing your outfits or planning the perfect location? I’m always here to help—just reach out or send over your ideas!
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