So you just popped the question (or answered the question!) and now you’re planning your engagement photography—but what to wear?! This is my most-asked question from engaged couples, so I decided it was time to create an engagement photo outfit guide full of outfit ideas and styling tips!
In this post I pulled together some of my favorite recent engagement sessions with real clients. And I even took it a step further. I did hours of research to find exact outfit links and similar items for you to reference while you shop for engagement session outfits!
Outfit inspo incoming!
Where To Shop For Engagement Photo Outfits
My first piece of advice when shopping outfits for engagement photos actually has nothing to do with style at all:
Only shop from reputable brands!
If you’re anything like me, you do 99% of your shopping online these days, which can be tricky with sizing and shipping.
You can’t go wrong ordering from established brands known for quality fabrics, accurate sizing, good customer service, and a great return policy. Avoid the last-minute stress of not having a backup plan (been there, done that!). Order early so you have time to exchange, alter, or pivot if needed.
To help you narrow it down, I made a list of some of my favorite stores to find engagement photo outfit ideas for every season!
The Best Stores to Shop Engagement Photo Outfits For Women
- Abercrombie
- Aritzia
- Bloomingdales
- House of CB
- LoveShackFancy
- Nordstrom
- Reformation
- Revolve
- Saks
- Sam Edelman
The Best Stores to Shop Engagement Photo Outfits For Men
- Banana Republic / Gap
- Bonobos
- Brooks Brothers
- Express Mens
- Ralph Lauren
- Zara Mens
Anyone else fall victim to those IG ads that follow you around the internet with a deal that’s too good to be true? (Spoiler: it is).
You’ll never regret spending a little bit more on high-quality pieces that always look better on camera—and last longer, too. But you might regret that “identical dupe” that you swear looked totally different on the model.
Check out this list featuring a range of different engagement session vibes and outfit styles on real clients!
Engagement Photo Outfit Ideas from Real Sessions
Isabelle + Johnny’s Old Hollywood Glam Engagement Photo Outfits in West Village, NYC
As an NYC engagement photographer, I’m constantly inspired by the fashion in this incredible city. Some engagement photo outfits for men can feel tired and bleh but Johnny brought the heat with his 1950s inspired look featuring suspenders and loafers.
Isabelle fully embraced Old Hollywood glamour with two striking looks:
- A black-and-white floral gown that made a bold, romantic statement
- A two-piece cream blazer and mini skirt set paired with a chic wide brim hat
Isabelle styled both looks to feel beautifully modern and polished.
🛍 Shop the Look
- Exact gown: Wisteria Gown by NBD
- Similar blazer/skirt sets:
- Gucci Men’s Horsebit 1953 loafer
Bailee + Reid’s Coastal Spring Engagement Photo Outfits in Alys Beach, FL
I’m not always a 30a photographer, but when I am visiting the area, Alys Beach is one of my all time favorite spots to meet clients. If you’re searching for engagement photo outfit ideas for summer and spring, you’ll love Bailee’s relaxed, coastal look!
She wore a coordinated romantic botanical set that fit the beachy, elevated vibe of Alys Beach.
🛍 Shop the Look
- Exact top: Beau & Ro – Adi Blouse by Omika
- Exact skirt: Beau & Ro – Sammi Midi Skirt by Omika
Anh + Thang’s Urban City Chic Engagement in Center City, Philadelphia
I loved how uniquely Anh + Thang’s urban engagement photos stood out from some other sessions on this list. These two embraced the modern uniform of tailored, all black looks during the studio portion of their session.
Thang wore a sharp all-black ensemble anchored by stylish Onitsuka Tiger sneakers.
Anh changed into three chic looks throughout the shoot, featuring structured tailoring and romantic silhouettes.
🛍 Shop Their Look
Thang
- Exact shoes: Onitsuka Tiger Corsair Sneakers
Anh
- Similar Dress 1: Autograph Dress – Aritzia
- Similar Dress 2: Minford Mini Dress – Park & Fifth
- Exact Dress: Cece Dress – Daphale Studios
- Similar Dress 3: Red Jacquard Mini Dress – Showpo
- Similar shoes: Wingtip Slingback Heels – Thom Browne
Samantha + Andrew’s Timeless Looks at The New York Public Library
Samantha kept it timeless in a white tie-strap midi dress with kitten heels and simple gold studs. Andrew wore a navy suit, making the pair look effortlessly elegant against NYC’s iconic architecture. I loved being their NYC engagement photographer for the day!
🛍 Shop the Look
- Similar Dress: Aritzia – Wilfred Golden Hour Linen Dress
- Similar Heels: Sam Edelman Slingbacks
- Similar Suit: Express Navy Suit
I also photographed their stunning Tribecca Rooftop 360 wedding this summer and I’m so excited to share their full gallery!
Karoline + Jacob’s Breezy Summer Engagement Photos at Conestoga House
Karoline wore a romantic blue and white floral halter maxi dress, while Jacob coordinated in earth-toned linen pieces.
🛍 Shop the Look
- Exact dress: Club Monaco Toile Halter Maxi
- Similar dresses:
Jacob
- Similar shirts:
Kathryn + Blake’s Polished New York City Engagement Photo Outfits
Kathryn wore a floral midi dress that exuded timeless femininity, while Blake looked polished in a blue suit with a patterned tie.
🛍 Shop their Look
- Exact dress: Juliette Dress in Formosa – Reformation
- Similar suit: Blue Suit – Express
- Similar tie: Patterned Silk Tie – Brooks Brothers
Check out their full session →
Tips for Choosing Dresses and Suits for Engagement Photos
Choose Timeless Over Trendy
Look for classic, timeless, minimally patterned items. I recommend focusing on richly textured fabrics versus patterns—texture photographs beautifully and adds some nice contrast in photos. Fabrics with flow and movement are also gorgeous on camera and give us so much more to work with!
Create Complementary Looks
I love when couples subtly coordinate their outfits without it feeling overly matchy. It requires you to be a little more intentional in your planning but I promise you will love the outcome. Beyond the colors and fabrics, think about coordinating the time periods of your chosen styles. I love how Isabelle and Johnny both wore styles that evoked old Hollywood glam.
Add Fun Accessories
When it comes to looking perfectly put together for your engagement photoshoot, accessorizing is key. For my fellow queens, carrying a small handbag, layering tasteful jewelry, or even wearing a hat can take your look to the next level. For guys, a sleek watch, leather belts and shoes, a jacket, or even suspenders will completely elevate your basics.
Plan Multiple Looks
There are so many fun engagement photo outfits for women especially—I always recommend having at least two, ideally three looks prepared for your session!
Start with a formal look, then change into casual or sentimental outfits to mix it up.
Many brides choose to transform their mother’s or grandmother’s wedding dress into a rehearsal dinner or wedding reception dress. I say, bring it! This can be such a fun piece to photograph and would make a beautiful mother’s day gift!
Booking Your Engagement Photography
Choosing outfits for your engagement session doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. The key is to wear something that makes you feel confident, fits the vibe of your location, and coordinates well with your partner’s look. Whether you lean into a high-fashion city style or keep it classic and coastal, the most important thing is that your outfits reflect you as a couple.
If you’re still not sure what to wear, take inspiration from these real couples—and remember, your photographer (hi, me!) is always here to help guide you.
Want personalized styling tips or outfit feedback before your session? Just reach out—I’d love to help.
