Your guide to looking good, feeling comfortable, and still looking like YOU!
So, you've booked your engagement session (yay!), picked the perfect location, and now you're staring at your closet wondering, "What am I supposed to wear?"
First of all, don't panic! I promise choosing your outfits doesn't have to be complicated.
As a photographer, one of the most common questions I get is what couples should wear for their engagement photos. And while I could give you a list of colors and tell you to avoid certain patterns, I think there's a little more to it than that.
Your engagement photos should feel like YOU. Not a Pinterest board, not a clothing advertisement, and definitely not two people who look like they just met because they're uncomfortable in their outfits.
So, let's get into it!
1. Comfort Is Everything (Seriously!)
I cannot stress this enough. If you're uncomfortable in what you're wearing, chances are it's going to show in your photos.
If you're constantly adjusting your dress, pulling at your shirt, or worrying about how something fits, you're not going to be fully enjoying the moment.
My advice? Wear something that makes you feel like the best version of yourself.
Now, that doesn't mean you can't dress up! If you've been waiting for an excuse to wear that beautiful dress hanging in your closet, this is your moment.
Just make sure you can move around, sit, walk, and, most importantly, hug your person without feeling restricted.
Trust me, we'll be doing plenty of moving around!
Jemez Springs, NM
I love how this couple stuck to what felt comfortable and true to them! They're both wearing white, but it works! Her dress has beautiful texture and movement, while his white button-down and jeans keep things a little more casual. And can we talk about the matching boots?! It's such a fun little detail that ties their outfits together without making them look too matchy-matchy.
Their outfits are similar, but different enough to let their individual styles shine through. Which brings me to my next point!
2. Coordinate, Don't Match!
Instead of matching your outfits exactly, try coordinating them!
Choose colors that complement each other without being identical. Think about the overall color palette rather than individual pieces.
For example:
Earthy greens, creams, and warm browns
Soft blues, whites, and neutral tones
Rust, beige, and denim
Black, cream, and muted colors
You don't need to wear the same colors. You just want your outfits to feel like they belong together.
A little tip: If one of you is wearing something with a pattern, consider having the other wear a solid color. This helps keep your photos from looking too busy.
3. Think About Your Location
Your location plays a HUGE role in choosing your outfits!
Are we hiking through the mountains? Running around in the desert? Exploring downtown Albuquerque? Or maybe having a romantic picnic somewhere?
Your outfits should complement the environment while still making sense for what we're doing.
For example, if we're photographing your engagement session in the beautiful New Mexico desert, earthy tones, flowing fabrics, and natural textures can look absolutely stunning against the landscape.
If we're heading somewhere with lots of greenery, creams, soft blues, and warm neutrals can really stand out.
And if we're shooting downtown? Maybe this is your chance to pull out something a little more editorial and sophisticated!
That being said, don't be afraid to break the rules.
A beautiful formal dress in the middle of the desert? YES PLEASE.
Sometimes the unexpected combinations make for the most incredible photographs.
Downtown Phoenix, AZ
I love how this couple went for a slightly more dressed-up look while still keeping things casual and fun! Her white dress and heels paired with his striped shirt and neutral pants work beautifully against the warm tones and architecture of downtown Phoenix. Their outfits complement the location without taking away from the two of them!
And that's exactly what I mean when I say to think about your location! You don't have to match your surroundings perfectly, but choosing outfits that work with the environment can really bring the whole photo together!
4. Movement Is Your Best Friend
If you've looked through my portfolio, you've probably noticed that I LOVE movement in my photographs.
Walking, running, spinning, dancing, you name it!
That's why I absolutely love clothing that moves with you.
Flowing dresses, skirts, loose fabrics, and textured layers can add so much life to your photos.
Imagine the wind catching your dress while you're standing in the mountains with your fiancé. DREAMY!
Of course, this doesn't mean everyone needs to wear a dress. It's more about choosing clothing that allows you to move naturally.
The less you're worrying about your outfit, the more we can focus on capturing those genuine moments between you two.
5. Don't Be Afraid of Color or Personality!
Okay, I'm going to say something that might surprise you.
You do NOT have to wear beige to have beautiful engagement photos.
I know, shocking!
While I absolutely love a good neutral color palette, I also love when couples incorporate their personalities into their outfits.
If you love bold colors, wear them! If your style is a little more vintage, embrace it! If you're the type of couple who lives in jeans and boots, there's absolutely nothing wrong with that.
Your engagement session is about celebrating your relationship, and your clothing should reflect that.
I would, however, recommend being mindful of super-bright neon colors, large logos, and overly busy patterns. These can sometimes distract from what's most important in the photos: YOU!
Sedona, AZ
See what I mean about not being afraid of color?! I love how this couple incorporated darker, bolder colors into their outfits! His navy blue shirt and her patterned green skirt look beautiful against Sedona's warm red rocks. The contrast really helps them stand out without taking away from the scenery!
And notice how they balanced everything out? Her simple white top complements his darker shirt, while the subtle patterns in both outfits add a little personality without being too distracting.
Just goes to show you don't have to stick to neutrals to have beautiful engagement photos!
6. Bring a Second Outfit!
Can't decide between dressing up and keeping things casual?
Why not do both?
If our session allows enough time for an outfit change, I always love the idea of bringing two different looks.
Outfit One: Something casual
Think jeans, a cute top, a relaxed dress, or whatever you might wear on a date together.
Outfit Two: Something a little more elevated
A long flowing dress, a nice button-down, a blazer, or something that makes you feel extra special.
Having two different outfits can add variety to your gallery and give your photos two completely different moods.
Just keep in mind that changing outfits takes time, especially if we're out in the middle of nowhere!
7. The Little Details Matter
Sometimes it's the smallest things that make the biggest difference.
Before your session, take a few minutes to think about the finishing touches.
Make sure your clothes are wrinkle-free, your shoes are clean, and your accessories complement your outfit.
Speaking of shoes, if we're hiking to a location, PLEASE bring comfortable walking shoes! You can always change into your cute shoes once we arrive.
And don't forget about your engagement ring! Give it a quick cleaning before your session because you better believe I'll be photographing that beauty.
8. When in Doubt, Ask Your Photographer!
Seriously, that's what I'm here for!
If you're stuck between two dresses, unsure about a color combination, or just want a second opinion, send me pictures!
I love helping my couples plan their sessions, and choosing outfits is all part of the experience.
At the end of the day, I want you to show up feeling excited, comfortable, and ready to have some fun.
Because that's when the magic happens.
At the End of the Day, Just Be You!
Here's the thing. Years from now, when you're looking back at your engagement photos, I don't want you to remember how uncomfortable your shoes were or how worried you were about your outfit.
I want you to remember laughing with your favorite person, exploring somewhere beautiful, and celebrating this exciting chapter of your lives.
So wear something you love, bring your person, and leave the rest to me!
Still looking for an engagement photographer?
Well, you're in the right place!
I'm an Albuquerque-based wedding and engagement photographer who loves capturing the adventurous, romantic, and everything-in-between moments that make your story yours.
Whether we're wandering through the New Mexico desert, exploring the mountains, or photographing somewhere meaningful to you, I'd love to help bring your vision to life.