An engagement session is my absolute favorite way to get to know the couples that I work with! It's a great way to establish a friendship and comfort level with your photographer while creating lasting images of your own unique love story. For many couples, this represents the first time they've had professional photos taken together - this often leads to some uncertainty around what to expect, which outfit they should wear, and what they need to bring along with them for the shoot. In this blog post, I'm going to address some the most common uncertainties and questions that I run into.



What to Wear for Your Engagement Photos
Your outfit choices play a huge role in how your photos turn out. The right clothing can enhance the mood, complement the location, and make your photos feel effortlessly stylish and timeless. To help you prepare,
I've put together some essential tips for selecting the perfect engagement photo outfits!
1. COORDINATE, DON’T MATCH
Gone are the days of wearing identical outfits (think denim-on-denim throwbacks, or matching flannels!). Instead, aim for a cohesive color palette that complements both you and your partner.
✅ Stick with neutral tones, earthy hues, or soft pastels—these colors photograph beautifully, especially in natural outdoor settings. Sometimes a pop of bright color can be fun if that's your thing!
✅ Try mixing textures and tones—for example, a soft linen dress with a structured blazer creates a stylish contrast.
✅ If one of you is wearing a pattern, the other should wear a solid color that pulls from the same color scheme.
Bonus Tip: Still unsure? Lay your outfits side by side and see how they look together. If you're working with me as a client, send me a photo and I'll be happy to help you figure it out!

2. DRESS FOR THE LOCATION & SEASON
Your engagement session should feel natural and effortless, which means your outfits should match the vibe of your location and the season.
🌸 Spring/Summer
- Go for light, airy fabrics like chiffon, linen, or soft cotton. Floral prints, pastel shades, and flowy dresses create a dreamy, romantic look. For guys, light-colored chinos and button-downs or rolled-up sleeves add a relaxed yet polished touch.
🍂 Fall
- Autumn is all about rich, warm tones and cozy textures. Think burgundy, mustard, deep greens, and burnt oranges. Layering is key—knit sweaters, stylish jackets, and boots look fantastic in fall foliage.
❄️ Winter
- Embrace elegant, timeless layers with wool coats, stylish scarves, and knee-high boots. Jewel tones like emerald, navy, or deep red pop beautifully against a snowy or neutral winter backdrop.
🌅 Beach & Waterfall Sessions
- Flowy maxi dresses, breathable fabrics, and barefoot vibes make for effortlessly stunning beach or waterfall photos. Guys can keep it casual with linen shirts and rolled-up pants or shorts. Avoid swim trunks or rash guards.
3. AVOID DISTRACTING PATTERNS, TEXT, & LOGOS
While patterns can add personality, avoid anything overly busy or bold—your outfits should complement the photo, not steal the spotlight!
🚫 Stay away from neon colors, tiny stripes (which can create "moire" distortion on camera), and clothing with large logos or text.
✅ Instead, opt for solid colors, subtle patterns, or classic prints like gingham, plaid, or soft florals.
Rule of Thumb: If your outfit could compete with your surroundings, it’s probably too bold - but you don't want it to blend into them either!

4. BRING AN EXTRA OUTFIT (OR TWO!)
Why limit yourself to just one look? Having a second (or even third) outfit allows you to capture a variety of styles and moods.
👗 Dressy Look: A flowy dress and a suit or dress shirt for a classic, elegant feel.
👕 Casual Look: Jeans, a cozy sweater, or a sundress for laid-back, fun shots.
👟 Adventure Look: If you're planning a fun, unique session (like a mountain hike or city
rooftop), consider a practical yet stylish outfit to match!
Having options also helps if the weather changes unexpectedly or if you just want to mix things up mid-session! If you let me know ahead of time that you're planning multiple outfits, I can even bring along my pop-up changing tent to provide you with a private place to get changed!
5. PRIORITIZE COMFORT & CONFIDENCE
Your engagement session should be fun, natural, and comfortable—so wear outfits that make you feel amazing!
✅ Choose clothing that allows for movement—you’ll be walking, sitting, and possibly dancing or playing around.
✅ Wear shoes you can move in—if heels are a must, bring a pair of flats for in-between shots. Remember that many surfaces in nature are slick or uneven: choose shoes accordingly.
✅ Stick to outfits that fit well and make you feel like the best version of yourself. If you’re uncomfortable in an outfit, it will show in your photos!
✅ If it's cold out, make sure to bring along a jacket and some warm layers to put on between photos - there will likely be down time to warm back up as we walk between photo locations. Hand warmers or gloves can also be a lifesaver!
BONUS TIP: Try on your outfits beforehand and move around in them. If anything feels too tight, stiff, or awkward, swap it out for something that lets you relax and be yourself.

What to Bring to Your Engagement Photoshoot
✅ Comfortable Shoes – If you’re wearing heels, bring a pair of flats or sneakers for walking between locations. This will keep your feet happy and ensure we can explore more spots for great photos.
✅ Touch-up Kit – A little refresh can go a long way! Pack lipstick, powder, a hairbrush, bobby pins, and any other small beauty essentials you might need.
✅ Engagement Ring – It’s the star of the show, so be sure to bring it! I highly recommend having it professionally cleaned before the session to make it sparkle in the photos.
✅ Manicure (Optional, but Recommended!) – If you love having polished nails, consider getting a manicure before your session, especially since we’ll capture close-up shots of your hands and ring.
✅ Props (Optional) – Bringing a personal touch can make your session even more special. Consider a cozy blanket, a bouquet, a hat, or even a pet. If you’d like to include props or a pet, please let me know in advance so I can plan accordingly! A small sign with your wedding date can also be a great addition for save-the-date photos.
✅ Bug Spray & Sunscreen – If we’re shooting in a wooded area or during warmer months, these can be lifesavers to keep you comfortable.
✅ Jackets or Layers – Even in warmer seasons, temperatures can drop, especially during sunset sessions. A stylish jacket, shawl, or sweater can keep you comfortable while adding variety to your photos. If your shoot takes place in winter, consider bringing a heavy winter jacket, gloves, and hand warmers to wear between photos.
Taking a few minutes to prep these items beforehand will help ensure a fun, stress-free session. If you have any questions or special requests, feel free to reach out—I want to make this an amazing experience for you both!