What Do I Wear to My Engagement Photo Session?
Struggling with what to wear for your engagement session? Here's my best advice covering colors, textures, patterns, and confidence-boosting style.
Engagement photo season is in full swing, and one of the most common questions I get from couples is: “What should we wear for our engagement session?” It’s a great question—and while every photographer has their own take, I’ve refined a few tried-and-true tips over the years that help my couples feel confident, look great on camera, and enjoy the experience.
Whether you're preparing for your engagement session, a couples shoot, or anniversary photos, here’s my expert guidance on how to dress for success in front of the camera.
1. Wear What Makes You Feel Confident and Comfortable
Your outfit should reflect your personality and make you feel amazing. Maybe that’s a tailored suit or a chic cocktail dress, or maybe it's your favorite jeans and a cozy sweater. If you feel uncomfortable or out of place, it’ll show in your photos. On the other hand, when your clothes fit well and make you feel great, that confidence will radiate on camera.
Photographer tip: If breaking all the other “rules” means you feel more like yourself—do it! Comfort and confidence always come first.
2. Make Sure Your Clothes Are Photo-Ready (No Wrinkles or Wear)
One often-overlooked detail? The condition of your clothes. Wrinkles, loose threads, pilling, or faded fabrics can show up more prominently in high-resolution images than you might expect—and they can be distracting. While your photographer will do everything they can in editing to minimize such attention-pulling details, it is always much more effective and confidence boosting to ensure things look great beforehand. So before your session, take time to steam or press your outfits, check for lint or pet hair, and inspect for any visible wear and tear such as stains or snags.
Pro tip: Bring your outfits to your session on hangers or neatly rolled if you’re changing on-site. Packing clothes folded in a bag can cause creasing in certain fabrics—even on the way there!
What to check for before you go:
Iron, steam, or take everything to your neighborhood cleaners a few days before
Look for pilling, pulls, or loose buttons
Use a lint roller (especially if you're wearing darker colors)
Avoid anything overly worn, faded, or stretched out
Your outfits don’t have to be brand new—but they should look polished and cared for. A little prep makes a big difference in how crisp and timeless your final images will feel.
3. Embrace Color and Texture (Skip the Solid Black)
Rich colors like jewel tones, earthy neutrals, or soft pastels add visual interest and flatter most skin tones. Textured fabrics—lace, knits, linen, tweed—add dimension that looks beautiful in photographs.
Try to avoid solid black as the main part of your outfit. Solid black can flatten your silhouette and look overly harsh, while solid white can wash you out or distract from your face. If you love black, go for textured or shirred versions instead.
Pro tip: Use color in your accessories too—shoes, jewelry, scarves, or even nail polish can help complete the look.
4. Patterns Are Totally Okay—Just Choose Wisely
Contrary to popular belief, prints can look fantastic in photos—as long as they’re not too large or too small. Think Goldilocks: not too bold, not too fine. Oversized florals can dominate a frame, while tiny patterns like pinstripes or houndstooth can create strange visual effects on camera.
A great example? A mid-scale plaid shirt that photographs clearly and adds personality without pulling attention from your face.
Rule of thumb: If it reads clearly and cleanly from across the room, it’s probably a safe bet.
5. Don’t Skip the Details
Small touches make a big difference. Statement earrings, layered necklaces, a beautiful belt, well-groomed shoes, or a thoughtfully chosen jacket can elevate your whole look.
For the ladies, this is also a great chance to test out your wedding day glam. Think: hair and makeup trial, fresh manicure (you’ll want that engagement ring to shine!), and lashes if they make you feel fabulous.
Couples style tip: Coordinate your looks without being overly matchy-matchy. Aim for complementary styles and color palettes rather than identical outfits.
6. The Most Important Rule? Have Fun
What really makes a photo session shine isn’t just the outfits—it’s the connection between the two of you. Laugh, play, be silly, and enjoy the moment. The best photos come when you’re relaxed and just being yourselves.
Final Thoughts: What to Wear for Engagement Photos
Still unsure? Bring two outfit options to your session—something more elevated, and something relaxed. I’m happy to help you choose what photographs best once we’re on-site. And remember, the goal isn’t just to look good—it’s to feel like yourselves and tell your story through images that reflect your relationship.
Related Reads:
5 Locations in DC Perfect for Engagement Photos
Tips for a Stress-Free Wedding Photography Experience
