One of the first questions I receive after a couple books their engagement session is what to wear for engagement photos. It’s a practical question, but it’s also an important one. Your outfits have a significant impact on the overall feeling of your photographs. They influence the mood of the gallery and even how comfortable and confident you are during the session itself. My goal is never for couples to look overly styled or like someone else entirely. Instead, I want your photographs to feel like the very best version of you. After photographing engagement sessions for many years, here are a few things I always encourage my couples to keep in mind.
Choose Colors That Feel Timeless
When in doubt, I almost always recommend soft, neutral colors. Creams, light blues, soft greens, warm beige tones, dusty rose, and muted earth tones tend to photograph beautifully and work well in nearly every location throughout Philadelphia. Neutral colors also allow the focus to remain on the two of you and your connection where it belongs. That doesn’t mean you have to avoid color altogether. If there’s a shade you genuinely love, absolutely incorporate it. I simply encourage couples to lean toward tones that feel classic rather than overly trendy. Years from now, you’ll likely be grateful for photographs that still feel timeless.
Coordinate Rather Than Match
One of the biggest misconceptions I hear is that couples need to match exactly. In reality, coordinating almost always photographs better. I like to think about outfits as complementing one another rather than mirroring one another. If one person is wearing a soft blue dress, perhaps the other incorporates a neutral tone that works alongside it. The goal is to create balance without looking overly coordinated. Some of the most beautiful engagement session wardrobes feel effortless because the pieces work together naturally.
Decide Whether You Want a Formal or Casual Feel
Before choosing outfits, I often encourage couples to think about how they want their photographs to feel. Do you envision something elevated and romantic? A dress and sport coat may feel fitting. Would you prefer something relaxed and reflective of your everyday life together? A beautiful sweater and well-fitted jeans might be the perfect choice. There is no right answer. Some couples even choose to bring two outfits that way you have one that feels slightly dressier and one that feels more relaxed. The most important thing is choosing clothing that feels authentic to you and your relationship.
Don’t Forget About Hair and Makeup
Professional hair and makeup is never required, but many of my couples tell me they appreciate having it done for their engagement session. It often helps people feel a bit more confident in front of the camera and can make the entire experience feel special. If you choose to have professional makeup done, I usually recommend a slightly elevated version of your everyday look rather than something dramatically different.
Choose Comfortable Shoes for City Sessions
Many of my favorite engagement session locations in Philadelphia involve a bit of walking. Between historic neighborhoods, parks, and city streets, comfortable shoes can make a tremendous difference in how relaxed you feel throughout the session. If you have your heart set on a particular pair of heels, consider bringing a comfortable pair of shoes to wear between locations. You’d be surprised how much easier the evening feels when you’re not thinking about sore feet.
What to Wear for Engagement Photos That Feel Like You
One of the reasons I spend time helping couples think through their outfits is because clothing genuinely affects the overall feel of the final photographs. That doesn’t mean you need to purchase an entirely new wardrobe or spend weeks searching for the perfect outfit. It simply means choosing pieces intentionally. As a Philadelphia engagement photographer, I’m always happy to help my couples choose outfits that complement both their location and their personalities. If you’re ready to begin planning your engagement session, I would love to hear more about your story. Reach out here to begin planning your session.
