So, you’ve officially booked your wedding photographer, set up your engagement session date, and the only thing left is to pick out your outfits. I’ve put together my best tips just for you covering colors, styling, shopping recommendations, and more!

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TABLE OF CONTENTS:

-Casual Outfit Ideas

-Dressy Outfit Ideas

-Shopping Recommendations

-My Best Tips!

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Choosing your engagement session outfits doesn’t have to be a daunting task. In fact, you can make it a fun little activity together, as it’s not every day you get photos taken together. For my sessions with couples, you can bring up to two outfits. A lot of times it works out great to start in something casual, and then change into something fancy to end your session with a bang!

Engagement session outfit choices make a big difference between simply having some photos taken. The right outfit in the right setting can create a better sense of story and personality. So, let’s see how we can spice up your wardrobe!

Casual outfit ideas for couples

This is always the best starting point, specifically if you don’t see yourself dressing up a lot, or simply prefer not to. One of the biggest things I tell my couples is that it’s important you feel comfortable in the clothes you choose. So, think of your casual outfit as something you’d wear out to a coffee date with your bestie.

Styling for the ladies

Here are a few different ideas for all of you ladies out there:

• Add a skirt to any plain top. Of course, you can customize this with a plain, flowy skirt and a top with a simple pattern as well. 

• Linen and denim shorts with a plain top. This is an easy, inspired outfit choice when the sun is glowing in summer. Perfect for the beach or desert field. Plus, you can use the same shorts with different tops for a seamless outfit change. 

• Floral midi dresses always work. A pretty, flowy floral dress pattern is never a bad choice, especially during summer and fall. Just make sure your partner is in a solid, complimenting color like Becca & Dylan did here.

• Bring out the denim jacket and rock it. Denim jackets are perfect for the cool, fall air. They allow the background to pop around you, adding depth and detail to your engagement photos. Throw a scarf on like Kam here for the extra touch. 

Styling for the gentlemen

Most guys enjoy more casual outfits for engagement photos, so here are some options to get you started:

• Simple henley t-shirt with jeans. You want neutral colors here, paired with dark or light wash denim. Ideally, you’re also avoiding a plain white tee unless you’ve layered it with a dark vest or jacket. 

• Button-up shirt with denim. See, jeans are really versatile! Pairing them with a plain button-up shirt is a casual look that works for a lot of cases. Throw on some clean white sneakers or vans and you’ll be killing this look!

• A patterned button-up with jeans and boots. This only works if your fiancé is wearing the solid colors, but if you have a toned-down shirt with darker colors it can compliment many styles. 

Formal Outfit Ideas

Once we’ve warmed you up to the camera, we can take a short break and get in outfit number two. While two outfits is totally optional, it can be a fun way to add variety to your images. Formal outfits are going to be something that you’d wear out to a nice dinner, or maybe as a wedding guest.

Styling for the ladies

• Full length dresses with some flow look amazing in photos. In the colder months, you might choose a long sleeved dress with tights. I know a couple great places to look for dresses–keep reading!

• In the colder months, a neutral color overcoat/peacoat with boots. Using a coat as an outfit choice, who would’ve thought! But really, this is another easy outfit choice as the coat will keep you warm and also add a sense of stature to your photos. 

Styling for the gentlemen

• Solid wool sweater with a patterned undershirt. This one looks good and will keep you warm at the same time, so it’s a win-win. Pairing this look with some chino pants or slacks works well, and is a timeless option. 

• ¼ zip sweater with jeans and boots. Another simple and effective outfit for guys, using a ¼ zip adds a touch of class with your jeans and boots, fitting right in with snow on the ground or cherry blossoms around you. 

• Pastel color shirt with pants (not jeans). Pastel colors, like blue or salmon, look amazing in the springtime, as the overwhelming background colors from blooming nature add depth to you and your partner. 

• Button up collared shirt with chino pants or dark denim.

Shopping resources for your engagement session outfits

Old Navy

Old Navy is a sure bet to find outfit pieces that are in season, while also not featuring any distracting logos. Its style choices lean more contemporary, which makes it easy to find outfits that go together when shopping for men and women. Plus, easy returns to a store if you don’t like something. 

• Regular-Fit Workwear Utility Shirt for Men
• French Terry Quarter-Zip Utility-Pocket Sweatshirt for Men
• Soft-Washed Short-Sleeve Henley T-Shirt for Men
• Regular Fit Soft-Brushed Twill Long-Sleeve Shirt for Men
• Patterned Flannel Shirt for Men
• Color Me Blue Shirt for Men
• Long-Sleeve Blouse for Women

Roolee

Roolee is a women’s clothing store that features boutique-inspired options. It’s a personal favorite of mine, and always seems to have just the right piece I’m looking for. Everything here is free of logos as well, so you don’t have to worry about that either. 

• Amalfi Maxi Dress
• The Cora Classic Chelsea Boot
• Fun and Flirty Scrunchie Pack
• SALT Millburn Textured Dress
• Evangeline Button Maxi
• The Charlottesville Jumpsuit
• Taylor Jane Wrap Maxi – This dress comes in 12 colors!

Nordstrom Rack

Both Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack are wonderful options, I prefer Nordstrom Rack as it’s, generally, a bit cheaper to shop at while still having lots of stylish pieces available! They have a storefront in Spokane Valley if you would rather shop in person!

• Slim Straight Leg Mens Jeans
• Oxford Mens Boot
• Women’s Denim Utility Jacket
• V-Neck Curve Hem Maxi Dress
• Solid Tie Waist Jumpsuit

Lulu’s

I love Lulu’s for their flowy dresses that look amazing on everyone. Here are some of my favorites: 

• Wondrous Water Lilies Blush Pink Maxi Dress
• Long Sleeve Wrap Dress
• Love Me Forever Terra Cotta Tie-Strap Square Neck Maxi Dress
• Tea Reader Light Grey Sweater Dress
• Dot Ruffled Midi Dress

Baltic Born

Another great choice for dresses. 

• Sicily Satin Maxi Dress
• Esmerelda Velvet Wrap Maxi Dress
• Venice Lace Maxi Dress

Some extra tips for your engagement session

Here are a few more little tips to get the most out of your engagement photos:

1. Keep your makeup even-layered and avoid anything extravagant. Trying out a smokey eye look for the first time isn’t ideal.
2. If you want to get your nails dressed up, do it! Just avoid any bright coloring that may clash with your engagement session outfits.
3. Lip balm or lip color is also a great detail to include. The same applies with makeup and nails, though: neutral and natural is your friend.
4. Bring comfortable shoes! If you have a more formal outfit and plan to have nicer shoes to go with them, that’s great. I’ll store your fancy shoes in my backpack until we walk to our location! I don’t want you to have to walk all through a park in heels. 😉 Avoid wearing bright, dirty, and distracting shoes with large logos.
5. Bring accessories for a sprinkle of variety. A bracelet, pretty earrings, or hats like this one, are always a great addition!
6. Use props that are special. Yes, if you want to slurp a noodle together like “Lady and the Tramp”, go for it! If you have a special pet you want to include, that’s totally alright with me. I’m all about customizing your engagement session to you!
7. If you feel awkward, remember that you and your partner are there together and will have a lot of fun! Think of it like a date, one where there’s a third wheel taking your photos the whole time. I promise you’ll be laughing through the entire session!
8. Avoid big, distracting logos on clothing when possible. I know I touched on this before but mentioning it again because, while everyone loves seeing their Patagonia jacket or rugged Carhartt beanie in photos, it isn’t always fitting and will distract from the subject of your photos. 

In the end, your outfit choices should be an extension of yourself

It always sounds a bit cheesy to say it like this, but the reality is your engagement session outfits should reflect some part of you. Even if you’re a sweats and sweatshirt gal or guy 75% of the time, you know there’s just one outfit you’ve been dying to use for something important. 

If you’re comfortable, you’re generally happier and more excited about getting your engagement photos taken; to all the men out there, you especially. 
So, hopefully, you’ve learned a thing or two about outfit styles and can apply it to your own engagement session! Of course, if you’re still looking to find a photographer to take them for you, I happen to know one that may be able to help you.

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