One of the most common questions couples ask before their engagement session is: “What should we wear for our engagement photos?”
The short answer: wear outfits that feel like you, coordinate with each other, and suit the location and vibe of your session.
As an engagement and wedding photographer, I always encourage couples to involve their photographer in the planning process. Your photographer can help you choose locations, suggest outfit ideas, and make sure everything works together to create beautiful, cohesive photos.
Here are my top three tips for choosing outfits for your engagement session.
1. Coordinate Your Outfits (But Don’t Match)
Coordinating does not mean wearing identical outfits. We’re not creating a Sears catalogue!
Instead, think about whether your outfits feel like they belong together. Most people can naturally tell when two outfits complement one another versus when they clash.
Some easy ways to coordinate include:
- Wearing similar tones or neutrals
- Choosing one accent colour to tie both outfits together
- Wearing colours that complement each other
- Keeping a similar level of formality and overall vibe
For example, if one person is dressed for a fancy cocktail bar and the other is dressed for a casual hike, the photos may feel disconnected. The goal is simply to create a cohesive look.
And remember: if you’re unsure, ask your photographer. We help with this all the time.
2. Choose Outfits That Match Your Location and Vision
Your engagement photo outfits should reflect both the location and the feeling you want your photos to have.
What works for a beach engagement session will be very different from what works in a downtown cocktail bar or during a forest hike.
Before your session, spend some time browsing Pinterest and saving engagement photos you love. Pay attention to what couples are wearing and how their outfits interact with the environment around them.
Understanding Colour in Engagement Photos
Colour plays a huge role in how your images feel. Generally, you’ll want your outfits to either:
- Use complementary colours (opposite each other on the colour wheel)
- Creates energy and visual contrast
- Feels vibrant and playful
- Helps subjects stand out from the background
- Use analogous colours (next to each other on the colour wheel)
- Blends beautifully with the environment
- Creates harmony and cohesion
- Feels calm, peaceful, and natural
Some examples can be seen in the photos below (from real engagement sessions I’ve photographed in and around Hamilton, Ontario!)
- Pink tones can stand out beautifully against green landscapes.
- Bright orange and blue outfits create a fun, energetic look.
- A colourful vintage car can act as the focal point against neutral clothing and greenery.
- Soft blues, greens, tans, and creams often create a calm and timeless aesthetic.
- Classic black-and-white outfits are a simple choice that works in almost any setting.
3. Dress Comfortable, Dress Confident
This may be the most important tip of all.
The best engagement photos happen when you feel comfortable enough to focus on each other rather than on what you’re wearing.
If we’re hiking to a lookout point, wear practical footwear and change into dress shoes if needed. If you’ve purchased a brand-new outfit, try wearing it around the house before your session to make sure it fits comfortably and moves well.
Nothing pulls people out of the moment faster than:
- Shoes that hurt
- Clothing that restricts movement
- Constantly adjusting straps, sleeves, or waistlines
- Feeling self-conscious about an outfit choice
When you feel comfortable, you’ll move naturally, laugh more easily, and enjoy the experience. That confidence always shows in the final photographs.
Final Thoughts
If you’re wondering what to wear for your engagement session, remember these three principles:
- Coordinate your outfits without matching.
- Choose clothing that suits your location and desired aesthetic.
- Wear something that makes you feel comfortable and confident.
The goal isn’t perfection. The goal is to create photos that feel authentic to your relationship and tell your story.
Looking for an Engagement Photographer in Ontario?
I’d love to help you plan an engagement session that feels natural, meaningful, and uniquely you. From choosing a location to helping with outfit suggestions, I’m happy to guide you through the entire process.
Contact Shir-El Kline Photography to learn more about engagement and wedding photography in Hamilton, Toronto, and across Ontario.
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