What to Wear to Your Engagement Session (A Photographer's Style Guide)
One of the first questions I get after a couple books their engagement session is:
"What should we wear?"
The good news? You don't need to buy an entirely new wardrobe.
The best engagement photos happen when you feel comfortable, confident, and like the best version of yourselves. Choosing the right outfits can make a huge difference in how your photos look—not just today, but 20 years from now.
As a Michigan engagement photographer, I've photographed couples in every season and at locations all across Grand Rapids and West Michigan. Here are my biggest styling tips to help you look and feel your best.
Dress One Step Nicer Than Everyday
Think of your engagement session like a special date night.
You don't need a formal gown or tuxedo, but dressing one step above your everyday style instantly elevates your photos.
For Her
- Long flowy dress
- Sleek midi dress
- Elevated cocktail dress
- Jumpsuit
- Heels, boots, or simple sandals
For Him
- Dress pants or chinos
- Fitted button-down
- Henley or knit sweater
- Blazer or sport coat
- Dress shoes, boots, or clean neutral sneakers
The goal is to look polished without feeling overdressed.
Coordinate, Don't Match
One of the biggest misconceptions is that couples should wear matching outfits.
Instead of both wearing white shirts and blue jeans, choose colors that complement one another.
Some of my favorite combinations include:
- Cream + Navy
- Sage + Tan
- Dusty Blue + Cream
- Emerald + Charcoal
- Rust + Oatmeal
- Soft Blush + Gray
Coordinating colors create a timeless, elevated look while allowing each person's personality to shine.
The Best Colors for Engagement Photos
Some colors simply photograph better than others.
I typically recommend:
- Cream
- Ivory
- Camel
- Sage Green
- Dusty Blue
- Navy
- Burgundy
- Soft Blush
- Olive
- Charcoal
These colors complement almost every season, flatter a wide variety of skin tones, and work beautifully with Michigan's natural landscapes.
What to Avoid Wearing
A few simple outfit choices can make a big difference in your final gallery.
Neon or Extremely Bright Colors
Neon shades often reflect onto your skin and overpower natural light.
If you love bright colors, opt for deeper or more muted versions instead.
Busy Patterns & Large Logos
Large logos, bold prints, and heavy patterns tend to draw attention away from what matters most—you.
Subtle textures and small patterns photograph much more beautifully.
Matching Head-to-Toe
Rather than wearing identical outfits, coordinate your color palette while choosing different pieces.
This creates depth and keeps your photos feeling natural.
Very Dark Greens & Browns (Especially Outdoors)
While these colors can work indoors, they sometimes blend into wooded or grassy backgrounds.
Warmer earth tones like rust, camel, olive, or lighter greens usually photograph better outdoors.
Dress for the Season
Michigan gives us beautiful variety throughout the year, and your wardrobe should reflect that.
Spring
Soft colors, light fabrics, and simple layers pair beautifully with blooming flowers and fresh greenery.
Summer
Choose breathable fabrics like linen and cotton. Flowy dresses and lighter colors work especially well during golden hour.
Fall
Think cozy knit sweaters, boots, textured fabrics, and rich colors like burgundy, mustard, rust, olive, and navy.
Winter
Structured coats, scarves, layered neutrals, wool textures, and boots create timeless winter portraits while keeping you comfortable.
Wear Something You Can Move In
The best engagement photos usually aren't the perfectly posed ones.
They're the moments where you're laughing, walking, dancing, hugging, or spinning together.
If you're constantly adjusting your outfit or worrying about wrinkles, it becomes harder to relax.
Choose clothing that allows you to move comfortably and naturally.
Consider Bringing Two Outfits
If time allows, I always encourage couples to bring two different looks.
One dressier outfit and one more casual outfit creates variety throughout your gallery and gives your photos two completely different feels.
Don't Forget About Shoes
Shoes often get overlooked, but they're visible in far more photos than most people realize.
We'll likely be walking through:
- Grass
- Downtown streets
- Parks
- Trails
- Beaches
- Sidewalks
Choose shoes that match your outfit while still being comfortable enough to walk in.
Keep Accessories Simple
Accessories should complement your outfit—not distract from it.
Some of my favorites include:
- Delicate jewelry
- Classic watches
- Hats (when they fit your style)
- Neutral blankets
- Champagne
- Fresh flowers
- Your dog (always encouraged!)
One small tip: if possible, leave your Apple Watch or fitness tracker at home. They're one of the most common things I end up editing out because they can make timeless images feel instantly dated.
Dress for Your Location
Your outfits should fit the environment we've chosen.
A downtown Grand Rapids engagement session pairs beautifully with dressier outfits and structured clothing.
A beach session feels perfect with flowy dresses and lighter fabrics.
A forest session works wonderfully with earth tones and textured layers.
One of the things I help every couple with is choosing both a location and wardrobe that complement each other beautifully.
Looking for ideas? Check out my guide to the Best Engagement Photo Locations in Grand Rapids.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we wear jeans?
Absolutely.
Dark, fitted jeans paired with elevated tops photograph wonderfully. I recommend avoiding distressed or overly baggy denim.
Should we match?
No.
Coordinating colors always photographs better than wearing identical outfits.
Can we bring our dog?
Absolutely! I love when couples include their dogs. They're part of your family and always make engagement sessions even more personal.
Should I get professional hair and makeup?
I highly recommend it.
Professional hair and makeup help you feel more confident and camera-ready while still looking like yourself.
Can we wear patterns?
Yes - but keep them subtle.
Small florals, soft textures, or delicate patterns work beautifully. Large graphics, plaid, and bold prints tend to become distracting.
Should we bring props?
Only if they're meaningful to your relationship.
Some fun ideas include:
- Champagne
- Pizza
- Coffee
- A vintage car
- Canoes or kayaks
- Books
- Your favorite record player
- Your dog
- Anything that tells your story
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, the best outfit isn't the trendiest or the most expensive.
It's the one that makes you feel confident, comfortable, and like yourselves.
When you feel relaxed, your personalities shine through - and that's what creates authentic, timeless engagement photos you'll love for decades.
If you're ever unsure about what to wear, send me photos of the outfits you're considering. I'm always happy to help you put together combinations that photograph beautifully.
