What to Wear for Your Engagement Photos
(And Still Love the Photos 10 Years From Now)
From colors to effortless styling, this guide breaks it down with ease, so you show up feeling like your favorite version of yourself
You’re here because you want to look good in your photos, but like actually good. The kind of good where your future grandkids repost these on whatever hologram-sharing app they’re using just to say, “Damn, my grandparents were cool.”
The guide below is here to take the stress out of choosing what to wear. Think: outfits that flatter your vibe, reflect your style, and work beautifully with the natural, textured, timeless look I’m all about.
I’m Melissa, an LA-based wedding and couples photographer. My style is candid, editorial, and full of feeling. I photograph connection in natural light, capturing the kind of glances, soft smiles, and real moments that don’t just look like you… they feel like you. My work is warm, grounded, and made to age beautifully. Want to get to know me a little more? Start here.
If you’ve been stressing about what to wear… don’t.
Let’s make choosing what to wear the easiest part of this whole thing. You’re in the right place.
First, Let’s Talk About Color (Because It’s Everything)
You’ve probably seen my work and noticed a pattern: soft, earthy, natural tones that photograph like a dream and never go out of style.
These tones reflect light beautifully, flatter every skin tone, and create the kind of subtle color harmony that works in nature, on the coast, in the city, anywhere we shoot.
✔ Best Colors to Wear for Engagement Photos:
Cream, ivory, and soft white
Olive, sage, and forest green
Caramel, chocolate, and tan
Taupe, clay, and muted rust
Dusty peach, oat, and sand
Faded black or charcoal
❌ Colors to Avoid:
Neons or harsh primaries
Crisp, stark white, especially in synthetic fabrics (think polyester, spandex, or anything that feels super smooth or shiny)
Bold mixed patterns
Logos or large text
Trendy, fast-fashion looks you’d never wear IRL
Want more outfit inspo? Browse examples from real sessions here.
Why Texture Makes Your Photos Better
Texture adds movement, dimension, and softness. It helps the light do its thing. It makes photos feel more editorial and more alive.
Synthetic fabrics (like polyester, acrylic blends, and spandex-heavy items) can often feel flat or overly shiny on camera, think of that slick, stretchy blouse or ultra-smooth dress shirt. These materials tend to reflect light too harshly and lack the visual depth that makes a photo feel warm and dimensional.
Natural and textured fabrics photograph much better:
Linen — light, breathable, with beautiful wrinkles and movement
Cotton — classic, soft, matte-finished, works year-round
Gauze or double gauze — airy, flowy, romantic
Chunky knits — cozy, dimensional, great for layering
Denim, suede, or leather — structure and contrast
Waffle, ribbed, or layered weaves — subtle but super effective
Throw on a jacket. Drape a knit over a slip dress. Mix fitted pieces with movement. Texture is everything.
What Makes a Look Timeless?
When I say timeless, I don’t mean boring or neutral-only. I mean looks that feel true to who you are today and still make you smile 10 years from now.
Think:
Pieces that aren’t overly trendy or fast fashion-y
Soft, flattering colors that won’t feel dated
Fabrics that age well and move with you
Confidence. Honestly, it’s the most timeless thing you can wear.
Remember, timeless doesn’t mean stiff. It means intentional, thoughtful, and grounded in who you are.
Coordinate, Don’t Match
Let’s not go full “family photo from 2006.” You want to coordinate, not match exactly.
Do:
Choose a shared color palette
Mix warm and cool tones that work together
Let one person wear a pattern and the other keep it simple
Aim for balance: soft + structure, flowy + tailored
Don’t:
Wear the exact same color or matching “set”
Both show up in white tees and jeans
Let one of you go super casual while the other is dressed up
Need help picking final combos? I offer wardrobe feedback for all my booked couples.
Dress for the Location
Let’s not wear boots in the sand or linen dresses in a snowy forest. Here’s how to make your outfit make sense with the vibe.
Beach / Coastal
Flowy, linen, barefoot or sandals
Creams, olives, peach, warm neutrals
No heels, no stiff or heavy pieces
Fields or Open Nature
Textured layers, boots or barefoot
Rust, sage, oatmeal, dusty rose
Skip bright white, loud patterns
City / Urban
Sleek, structured, layered neutrals
Charcoal, camel, ivory, soft olive
Avoid flip flops or beachy pieces
Forest or Mountain
Cozy knits, layers, worn-in denim, boots
Deep green, taupe, tan, moss
Nothing too crisp or synthetic
Be “You,” But Elevated
Your outfit should feel on brand for you, like a version of something you'd genuinely wear and feel great in. That’s what shows in your photos.
Ask:
Would I wear this if no one else was watching?
Does this match the feeling I want from these photos?
Am I comfortable enough to move, laugh, and breathe in this?
This isn’t about being fancy. It’s about being intentional.
What to Pack for Your Shoot
Your main outfit(s) — 1 to 2
Neutral or nude undergarments
Location-appropriate shoes
Lip balm, hair tie, blotting powder
Accessories to swap in (hats, jacket, jewelry)
A fresh mani + clean ring
Backup shoes + water if we’re walking
A bottle of champagne? Just saying.
Pro tip: Toss everything into one easy-to-carry tote or bag so we can set it aside during your session without fuss.
Where to Shop
For Women:
Abercrombie
Aritzia
ASOS
Free People
Lulu’s
Petal & Pup
Princess Polly
Reformation
VICI
For Men:
Abercrombie
ASOS
Buck Mason
Everlane
H&M
Zara
Most-Asked Questions About What to Wear
Q: What’s the best color to wear to a couples shoot?
Earth tones: cream, tan, rust, olive, sage, always photograph beautifully and stay timeless.
Q: Should we match each other?
Not exactly. Instead, coordinate tones and textures so your outfits feel connected, not duplicated.
Q: Can I wear white?
Yes, but I recommend going off-white, cream, or something textured. Crisp white often reflects harshly in natural light.
Q: What shoes should I wear?
It depends on the location. Boots for forest shoots, sandals or barefoot for beach. Avoid heels unless you’re on pavement.
Q: Can you help us choose outfits?
Yes! I offer outfit feedback for all my booked couples. You can reach out here to inquire.
When you feel confident and connected to what you’re wearing, it shows. Your energy changes. Your comfort unlocks real connection. That’s what makes the photos glow.
Your outfit should help shape the emotion of your shoot, not compete with it. And if you're unsure? That’s why I’m here.
If you're ready to plan something beautiful, reach out here.
