If planning your engagement session outfits is a struggle, then this guide is for you! Don’t worry, you’re not the only one either. I get asked all the time, “What should we wear for our engagement session?” This Engagement Session Outfit Guide is here to give you my top tips on choosing outfits for your engagement photos. 

Engagement Session Outfit Guide

Before we dive in, keep in mind these are just guidelines! Over the years of photographing engaged couples, these are tips I’ve found are helpful and tend to translate well to photos!

#1 Dress Like Yourselves

First things first: dress like yourselves! I want you to be yourselves at your engagement session, so that means choosing outfits that feel like YOU! Choose outfits that you feel comfortable in and are something you would wear in normal life, not just for your session. A band tee and jeans? Great! Thinking of going dressier? Go for it! 

Just because you’re getting engagement photos done, doesn’t mean you have to go on a shopping spree either. Totally cool if you want to though! Check your closet first! Do you already have options that could work? Or are there a few items you’d like to look for and pick up?

#2 Bring Outfit Options

For engagement sessions, I usually photograph couples in two different outfits. If you’re having trouble narrowing your outfits down, then bring your options to the session. I can look at everything and let you know what I think will photograph best! No need to bring your entire closet, but bringing 2-3 of your top choices should work!

A lot of couples will start in their more casual outfit, and then change into their dressier option. This will give you two different looks in your gallery and will add variety to your photos! You might find that you prefer one look over the other too. Plus, engagement sessions are the perfect excuse to get dressed up! Highly recommend making a date night out of your session, and going out afterwards!

I incorporate a LOT of movement into my engagement sessions! So this is where having a casual option is always preferred, so we can really get you both moving and having fun!

#3 Think Practically

Your outfit should make sense for the location! For example, if we’re in the mountains for an adventure session then nice heels probably aren’t a good idea while we’re hiking and climbing around. You can always bring along a pair of tennis shoes or something a little more sturdy to slip on while we walk between spots too!  And vice versa if we’re in an urban location, casual hiking attire might not be the best look! 

Keep the weather in mind and check the temperature prior to your session! Vegas summers can get really hot! On the flip side, just because Las Vegas is in the desert doesn’t mean it doesn’t get cold. Winter seasons in the desert can get chilly, especially when the sun starts going down! Layers are key when dealing with cooler temps because you can always take a layer off or add on.

#4 Colors, Patterns, & Textures

Colors

Neutrals!! Neutral colors ALWAYS photograph well! Neutrals aren’t limited to only whites, browns, and grays. There’s a neutral version of any color! Think along the lines of muted and earthy tones. Like the earthy shades of orange, yellow, green, blue, maroon etc. If lighter colors are more your style, then look for pastel shades like light blues, pinks, etc. It’s always best to avoid overly bright, neon and hot colors. Those colors tend to overpower the photo and take away from you both as the couple. Bright, vibrant colors can also make editing a nightmare, and I’m all about getting your skin tones right!

I can’t forget to mention logos too. It’s best to leave shirts with big logos at home. You know I’m all about rocking a sweet band t-shirt or going for a vintage graphic look, so if it fits the vibe then I’m all about it! However, if you’re considering a shirt with a big Nike logo across the front, let’s skip it and go with a solid shirt instead.

Patterns

When it comes to patterns, stay away from patterns that have too many different colors, are too small, or are too busy. I recommend only one person wearing a pattern. For example, if your favorite dress has a pattern, then your partner should wear something more solid without a pattern. You can take the primary color of the pattern to help determine what complementary color the other person should wear. 

Layers & Textures

Textures and layers add dimension and can help an outfit look more flattering in photos. For example, you could wear a knitted sweater, cardigan, or a denim jacket. Especially during colder months, layering is great to help you stay warm! 

#5 Props

Don’t worry, I’m not talking about the cringy Pinterest board props you might be thinking of. Those can stay at home. Props are a way to add something unique and personal to your engagement session and there are SO many options! It could be a blanket, your dog, a hat, an instrument, or your adventure vehicle. We could end the session by cracking some craft beers or popping a bottle of champagne. The list goes on! Incorporating props that show off a little more about your relationship, makes your engagement photos even more special and fitting!

#6 Hair & Makeup

Some people like to get their hair and makeup done for engagement photos! If not having to worry about your hair and makeup sounds like a dream then schedule it out! Maybe you can schedule it as your wedding trial (if the look is similar) or simply book with a trusted pro! Plus, a professional hair and makeup artist knows what photographs well.

However, don’t feel like booking professional hair and makeup is necessary. If you’re confident in your hair and makeup abilities then great! Or if you tend to be pretty minimal (like me!) when it comes to hair and makeup then keep it that way! Like point #1 says, you want to feel like YOU! 

#7 It’s how you show up.

When it comes down to it, how you show up to your session will make all the difference! I totally get that the thought of being in front of the camera can make you feel awkward, but as long as you show up ready to have a good time and love on each other then it’ll make all the difference! 

Hopefully, this Engagement Session Outfit Guide gives you some direction in planning your session outfits. If you’re still not sure what direction to go or if you have a few questions, please reach out! I’m always happy to help with outfit suggestions! In need of outfit inspo? Be sure to follow me on Pinterest!

Las Vegas Engagement Photographer

I’m a Las Vegas Engagement Photographer and would love to chat with you about engagement photos! Get in touch about planning a Las Vegas engagement session through my contact form!