You’ve booked your engagement photoshoot, yay! Now comes the big question: What should you wear?

This post is here to help you feel confident and inspired when choosing outfits for your engagement photoshoot. Think of it less like following a bunch of rules, and more like creating a look(s) that feels like you! Whether your session is romantic and windswept on a beach, urban and editorial downtown, or casual and cozy in the woods, the right outfit helps tell your story in a meaningful and visually beautiful way.

1. Start with the Vibe

Before you head to your closet (or the store), pause and ask: How do you want your photos to feel? Are you imagining something soft and romantic? Bold and modern? Playful and fun? Let that vision guide your wardrobe choices.

Some ideas:

• Romantic + timeless → Flowy dresses, neutral tones, and natural textures
  
• Edgy + modern → Sleek lines, darker color palettes, bold accessories
  
• Casual + cozy → Sweaters, denim, boots, layers you’d wear on a real-life date
  
• Playful + fun → Colorful outfits, retro details, sneakers, graphic tees

Kevin and Aubrey’s engagement photoshoot had such a cool editorial feel. Their elevated outfits paired perfectly with the brown vintage car and stood out beautifully against the relaxed beach setting. I loved this combination because it felt unexpected in the best way—polished and styled, but still playful and true to them. That contrast made the whole session feel effortlessly stylish and unique.

2. Coordinate > Matching

Gone are the days of couples wearing identical outfits. Instead of matching exactly, choose colors that complement each other and your surroundings.

Typically, you should pick a shared color palette of about 2–4 tones and build your outfits around that. Layers, textures, and different materials (like linen, denim, cotton, wool) will give your outfits depth and dimension.

Example color palettes:

• Earthy: rust, forest green, tan, and cream
  
• Muted tones: slate blue, dusty rose, oatmeal, and charcoal
  
• Bold + high contrast: black, burgundy, and camel
  
• Beachy neutrals: white, beige, soft blue, and sage
  

Want to get more creative? Throw in a pop of color or use contrast intentionally. A burnt orange dress can look incredible next to a deep blue or charcoal suit.

3. Let the Location and Season Inspire You

Your location plays a big role in what will look and feel best on camera. Let the environment set the tone.

Beach or coast:
Linen, cotton, barefoot or sandals, light flowy dresses or rolled-up pants. Avoid anything too stiff or structured. Light colors pop beautifully against sand and water.

Forest or mountains:
Layers are your best friend. Flannels, cozy knits, beanies, boots. Nature-loving outfits that blend texture and warmth.

City or downtown:
Chic, fashion-forward looks. A long coat over a slip dress, cool boots, or a sharp blazer. Don’t be afraid to dress it up here.

By season:

• Spring: pastels, light layers, floral prints
  
• Summer: breathable fabrics, simple silhouettes, sun hats or sunglasses
  
• Fall: warm tones, boots, wool hats, cozy sweaters
  
• Winter: dramatic coats, scarves, textures like velvet or wool

I love that Sarah and Alex embraced the cold winter weather and dressed comfortably with a pop of fun color!

4. Prioritize Comfort and Confidence

You don’t have to suffer to look good in photos. Choose outfits you can move in, snuggle in, walk in. If you’re fidgeting with your clothing or feel restricted, it’ll show in the photos.

Ask yourself:

• Can I sit, walk, or dance in this?
  
• Do I feel like myself in this outfit?
  
• Is there anything I’ll be constantly adjusting?

5. Don’t be Afraid to Dress Up (and consider two looks!)

Your engagement photoshoot is a celebration of your relationship, and the perfect excuse to dress up a bit more than usual. Whether that means a flowy dress, a tailored suit, a dramatic coat, or something sleek and modern, this is your moment to lean into your style.

One of my favorite ways to add variety to your gallery is to incorporate two outfits during your session. We’ll plan for a thoughtful outfit change that aligns with the session flow and location.

Here’s how it usually works best:

• Look One: Something more dressed-up or fashion-forward to kick things off. This outfit is great for structured poses or a more editorial vibe.
  
• Look Two: A more relaxed, cozy, or movement-friendly, and more candid, snuggly portion of your shoot.
  

Planning for an intentional outfit change is a great way to get different vibes in your photos without cutting into the time we spend shooting. If you’re unsure what to pair together, I’m happy to help you narrow down your options during our planning call.

A few things to keep in mind:

• Choose outfits that are easy to change into on-location (especially if we won’t have access to a bathroom or private area).
  
• Avoid overpacking or trying to fit in too many looks—it can disrupt the natural flow of your session.
  
• Lay everything out before your session day to check for wrinkles, stains, or anything missing.
  

This is about capturing the full range of your relationship, so go ahead and bring that killer outfit you’ve been saving, and let’s plan a second look that shows a more laid-back version of your connection, too.

Pamela and Jorge started their engagement photoshoot in downtown La Conner with a dressy, neutral-toned look that felt effortlessly elegant. I especially loved Pamela’s satin skirt and trench coat combo (such a classic and stylish pairing). Later, they changed into cozy sweaters and denim for a relaxed stroll at Rosario Beach. The perfect mix of polished and playful!

6. Mind the Details: little things make a big difference

The smaller styling details might not seem like a big deal in the moment, but they can really impact how your photos look—and how much editing is required afterward. Taking a bit of time to prep your outfits before your session can go a long way toward making sure everything looks clean, intentional, and distraction-free.

Here are a few things to check ahead of time:

• Iron or steam your outfits the day before. Wrinkled fabrics can be super noticeable in photos, especially in bright light or close-ups.
  
• Check for lint, pet hair, or deodorant marks, especially on darker clothes. A lint roller is your best friend here.
  
• Try everything on in advance. Make sure your clothes fit well, feel good, and move the way you want them to.
  
• Wear the right undergarments. Strapless bras, nude tones, and seamless options are usually best. A visible bra strap in every shot is tricky to edit later—and often impossible to fully fix without sacrificing image quality.
  
• Don’t overlook accessories and shoes. Choose shoes that complement your outfit and the terrain. Socks can totally pull a look together—or totally distract if they clash or peek out in an awkward way.
  
• Remove anything you don’t want in the photos—hair ties on your wrist, smartwatches, bulky keys or phones in your pockets, sunglasses on your head, etc.
  

Pro tip: If you’re planning to wear something with sheer or light fabric, hold it up in natural light beforehand to check for transparency. These small prep steps help ensure your photos look polished and let us spend our time during the session focused on connection—not fixing wardrobe issues.

7. Accessorize with intention

Accessories are the finishing touch that can take your outfit from good to gorgeous, but a little goes a long way. The right jewelry, hat, or even nail polish can subtly enhance your look and add personality to your photos, while too many accessories (or ones that clash) can become distracting.

A few tips when choosing your accessories:

• Jewelry: Go for pieces that reflect your style and don’t compete with your outfit. Delicate layered necklaces, simple hoops, or a favorite statement ring can look beautiful without pulling focus. Avoid overly reflective or noisy pieces (like jangly bracelets) that might shift or make editing tricky.
  
• Hats: A wide-brimmed hat can add drama and shape to your photos, especially in outdoor settings. Just make sure it fits well and complements your outfit colors.
  
• Scarves, belts, and jackets: These are great for layering, especially in cooler weather—and can bring more texture and dimension to your photos.
  
• Nails: Your hands will be in a lot of photos (especially showing off your ring!), so make sure they’re clean and cared for. A simple manicure or neutral polish is always a good choice.
  

The goal: Let your accessories enhance your outfit and help express your personality without taking attention away from you and your connection with each other.

I thought Mathea’s bow was such a cute hair accessory for an engagement photoshoot.

8. What Not to Wear

A friendly heads-up about common outfit mistakes to avoid.

• Neon colors – Super fun in theory, but in photos? They reflect onto your skin and can be really tough to edit.
• Loud logos – We want to focus on you, not a brand.
• Clothes that require constant adjusting – Think slipping straps, gaping buttons, or anything you’ll be tugging at the whole time.
• Shoes you can’t walk in – If they’re painful, pinchy, or meant for sitting still, swap ‘em for something stylish and walkable.
• Matchy-matchy outfits – It’s sweet to coordinate, but you don’t need to twin like it’s 2003. Go for complementary instead of identical—unless you’re intentionally going for a retro, super-matchy look for fun. In that case, lean all the way in m let’s make it a moment!!
• Socks that steal the show – Bright white athletic socks peeking out from dress shoes? So distracting!

9. Style Notes for Queer Couples & Nontraditional Pairings

Every couple brings their own dynamic, and your outfits should reflect you, not any traditional expectation. What matters most is that you feel like yourselves.

Don’t feel pressure to follow gendered fashion norms or try to “balance” your looks in some specific way. If one of you wants to wear a suit and the other wants to wear a flowy dress, great. Or you’re both in suits or both in full glam, fantastic. If you’re doing your own thing entirely? That’s perfect.I’m here to support and celebrate your style choices, however that looks. If you want help styling outfits that reflect your vibe without leaning into outdated norms, I’ve got you. We’ll make it feel intentional, effortless, and most importantly, you.

10. What to Bring With You

You don’t need to bring much—but having a few thoughtful items on hand can make your engagement photoshoot smoother and more comfortable (and help avoid any last-minute hiccups).

Here’s what I recommend tossing in a small tote or backpack:

• Lint roller – Especially helpful if you’re wearing darker tones or have pets at home.
  
• Tissues or a handkerchief – For windy noses, misty eyes, or blotting shine.
  
• Brush, bobby pins, or hair ties – Great to have on standby, even if you’re wearing your hair down.
  
• Lip balm or touch-up makeup – If you’re wearing lipstick, toss it in for easy refreshes.
  
• A compact mirror – Quick checks for hair, makeup, or something in your teeth!
  
• Water – Especially if we’re walking, hiking, or it’s a warm day.
  
• Comfy shoes for walking – If you’re wearing dressy shoes, bring flats for getting from place to place.

A Few Last Words of Encouragement

At the end of the day, the most important thing is that you feel like yourselves. Your engagement photos aren’t about following fashion rules—they’re about capturing your connection, your style, and this sweet season of life together. Whether you show up in boots and denim, a dramatic gown, matching sneakers, or something entirely your own, I’m here to help you feel confident, comfortable, and totally seen.

Need help narrowing down your outfit options or figuring out what fits the vibe you’re dreaming of? I’d love to help! As we plan your engagement photoshoot, we’ll walk through everything (from styling to location to what to bring) so you feel totally prepared for your shoot.

💡Pinterest Board for Outfit Inspiration💡

Thank you for stopping by my blog!

Love, Lillian Jean

Ready to start planning your own engagement session? [Reach out here]—I’d love to hear what you’re dreaming up.