Nassimbeni Photo & Films Guide to Perfect Engagement Photo Outfits
You’re getting engagement photos done, YAY! If you’re wondering what to wear for your engagement photo session, (especially if you’re planning one in the Vero Beach or Palm Beach area) this post will help you look stylish, feel confident, and avoid the common mistakes that can make your photos feel stiff or dated.
These are not hard rules. They’re just helpful engagement outfit tips from a wedding photographer who wants your photos to feel like you…elevated and authentic.
Start with Two Outfits: One Formal, One Casual
I always recommend my couples bring two outfits to their engagement session:
- For formal, think “wedding guest” level polished
- For casual, it’s like something you’d wear to brunch or a relaxed date
This gives your photos variety in vibe and allows you to show different sides of your relationship. Some couples love starting with a dressier outfit when energy is high, and then switching into something more relaxed for sunset.
You can be yourself, just the dressed-up version.
Coordinate, Don’t Match
Instead of both wearing white or both wearing navy, try complementary color palettes. Texture, pattern, and layering make outfits visually interesting without being too “matchy-matchy.” Think rust and olive. Cream and sage. Dusty rose and charcoal.
✨ Pro Tip: Pick tones that go with each other, but aren’t identical.
Color Considerations:
When choosing colors for engagement photos, ask yourself:
- Will these photos go on a wall in your home?
- Do you want to use them for wedding signage or Save-the-Dates?
- Will your outfit colors clash with your location?
Color families (like warm neutrals or soft pastels) photograph beautifully and give you more styling flexibility.
Where to Look for Outfit Inspiration
Instead of searching “engagement outfit ideas” and seeing the same navy & blush combos over and over, check out style-forward influencers who can inspire unique looks:
Or browse our Pinterest board of engagement photo outfit ideas to see real looks that work beautifully in front of the camera.
Plan Ahead (Don’t Panic-Shop)
The best engagement photo outfits are ones you already feel good in. Not the thing you bought in a rush the night before. Keep an eye out while shopping, and try your outfits on together ahead of time so you know they work well as a pair.
Let’s Talk Shoes
You could have the best outfit in the world, and the wrong shoes will throw it off. Some shoe tips for engagement sessions:
- Choose shoes that match the level of formality for each outfit
- Wedges, running shoes, boat shoes (unless we’re actually on a boat)…leave those at home
- Consider shoes an extension of the outfit, not an afterthought
- Socks will show, so pick good ones!
Hair & Makeup Tips for Engagement Sessions
If you’re wondering whether to get professional hair and makeup done: yes, it’s worth it. You don’t need a full glam look, just something polished that boosts your confidence.
- Don’t expect the wind or humidity to cooperate, especially at the beach
- Communicate your “best side” with your photographer
- Wear your hair in a style that won’t have you checking a mirror every two minutes
Ask your stylist if they have a trial or flexible rescheduling policy, just in case the weather doesn’t cooperate.
Jewelry & Accessories: Less Is More (But Still Fun!)
Statement pieces can elevate a simple outfit, but avoid wearing them all at once. Here’s how to balance:
- Big earrings? Skip the necklace.
- Layered necklaces? Pair with small studs.
- Avoid matching jewelry sets, they tend to look dated
- No smartwatches or fitness trackers. Yes, even his
✨ Want to try something different? A floral hair clip or headband can be gorgeous. Just don’t pair it with other loud accessories.
Want to Bring Props? DO IT.
Props aren’t cheesy, they’re personal. Bring your dog. A champagne bottle. A vintage car. A bouquet. A picnic. A wide-brim hat. They add movement and personality, and they help with that “what do I do with my hands?” feeling.
Outfits to Avoid for Engagement Photos:
- Clothes with large logos or visible brand names
- High contrast color combos like black + white or red + blue
- Light colored outfits with no texture, patterns or structure (they photograph flat, especially in bright light)
- Sports watches or clunky accessories
- Ill-fitting clothing that needs constant adjusting
- Bra straps, visible undergarments, or thick socks
✨ Pro tip: If you’re wearing a neutral or pale color, make sure the fabric has texture or movement (like linen, crepe, or embroidery), so the camera has something to work with.
Photo Sessions Are an Event — Dress Like It!
You don’t need to wear a gown or a tux (unless you want to!), but you should treat your session like the special occasion it is. This isn’t just another Tuesday, you’re celebrating your love, and you’ll have photos of this moment forever.
💡 Think stylish brunch, not grocery run.
💡 Think wedding guest, not job interview.
If your outfit could pass for something Michael Scott would wear, stiff navy suit, chunky tie, no texture or personality… it might be time to swap out one thing for something more you. Maybe it’s a breezy linen shirt, a wrap dress with movement, layered jewelry, or bold shoes.
Just one styled piece can shift an outfit from office manager to photo magic.
This is your engagement session. You’re the main character, not the intern. (And definitely not the regional manager.)
Yes, You Can Be Extra — Even at the Beach
Worried your outfit is “too much” for the setting? Don’t be.
A gown on the beach? YES.
A suit in a field? Also yes.
A romantic silk dress in a grungy alley? Always a yes.
That contrast between your styling and your surroundings is what makes the photos stand out. You’re not dressing for the location, you’re dressing for the moment.
So if you’ve been dying to wear something dramatic, artistic, bold, or just really you, this is the time. When else would you be getting so dressed up and have professional photos taken? Don’t play it down just because you’re not in a ballroom. Let the wind blow your dress around. Let the sand dust your hem. It all adds to the magic.
Need More Inspiration?
📌 Check out our Pinterest board for engagement photo outfit ideas
📸 Want to see how our real couples styled their sessions? Browse our engagement gallery here.
💌 Still unsure? Reach out and I’ll help you choose!
Whether you’re planning a sunset beach session at the House of Refuge or something more editorial over at Bok Tower Gardens, we’d love to photograph your engagement from down in Miami, up to Orlando and out on the west coast of Florida!
Ready to book your engagement session? Let’s create photos you’ll love forever, and look amazing doing it. Get in touch here →
What to Wear for Engagement Photos (From a Wedding Photographer Who’s Seen It All)
June 16, 2025
