Why it Matters


Choosing what to wear for engagement photos can feel way harder than it should. Suddenly you’re thinking about colors, weather, locations, shoes—and whether or not something will actually look good in photos. If you’re feeling stuck or overthinking it, you’re definitely not alone.


The good news is you don’t need perfect or fancy outfits to have great engagement photos. A few simple guidelines go a long way, especially when planning around Utah’s seasons and scenery. This guide will walk you through what photographs best, what to avoid, and how to choose outfits that feel natural, comfortable, and true to you. And if you’re still unsure, don’t worry—helping with outfit planning is always part of the experience when you book with me.

Step One: What's the Vibe?


The first step to picking out the perfect engagement photo outfits is deciding what vibe you're wanting for these photos. In other words, how do you want these photos to feel? Your outfits will set the tone for these photos just as much as the location will. Your outfit choices should also reflect the location as well as the overall vibe—what works perfectly for a downtown, urban session might feel out of place in the mountains, and vice versa. Still having a hard time deciding on a location? Check out my top five mountain locations here.

I also work with my clients individually to pick out the best locations based on what you're hoping for!


Some common engagement photo outfits I see lots of couples gravitate toward are classy and timeless, cozy and relaxed, romantic and soft, fun and playful, or effortless and casual! I'll go through what each of these could look like throughout the rest of the post! I've also created Pinterest boards with inspiration for each type of session that will be linked in each section.

Classy and Timeless


This is all about outfits that won't feel outdated years from now. Think of clean lines, simple patterns, and neutral colors! If you're looking for something classy and timeless think about things like button up shirts and slacks for guys, and dresses for ladies. Check out my pinterest board for this vibe!

Cozy and Relaxed


If you're wanting your photos to feel warm and natural and cozy then this is for you! You're going to want to go for more loose and airy pieces. Flowy dresses, chunky sweaters, knits, denim, layers, and softer fabrics are absolutely the way to go to achieve this look! Neutral colors will likely work best here. Check out my pinterest board for this vibe here!

Romantic and Soft


If you’re wanting your photos to feel light, soft, and effortless, this vibe is for you. Think easy, flowy pieces with a little movement—wrap dresses, subtle ruffles, relaxed button-downs, and breathable fabrics. Lighter colors like ivory, blush, sage, soft blue, pastels, or warm neutrals photograph beautifully and keep things feeling airy. My pinterest board has all the inspo you need here:)

Fun and Playful


If you want your engagement photos to feel fun and easygoing, this vibe is for you. Go for outfits that feel comfortable and show a little personality—denim, casual dresses, sneakers, or even a pop of color you love. The goal is clothes you can move around in, laugh in, and not think twice about. This pinterest board has all of the inspo you'll ever need!

Effortless and Casual


If you’re wanting your photos to feel natural and low-key, this vibe is perfect. Think simple, comfortable outfits that still feel put together—jeans and a nice top, neutral tees layered with jackets, casual dresses, or relaxed button-downs. Nothing too fancy, just easy pieces that feel like you. This look works pretty much anywhere, from outdoor spots to city locations or even in-home sessions. My pinterest board once again, has the inspiration you need!

Some General Tips


Here are some over-arching tips to try and keep in mind while planning your outfits:


  • Try to avoid anything too bright or neon—those colors tend to distract and can reflect oddly on skin tones and can be hard to edit true to their color!
  • Instead of matching outfits exactly, aim to coordinate using a shared color palette so everything feels balanced and natural. Matchy-matchy can be a vibe but generally you want some contrast while keeping it cohesive.
  • Stick with subtle or larger patterns rather than tiny, busy prints that can be distracting in photos.
  • Choose clothes that fit well and feel comfortable—if you’re constantly adjusting something, it’ll show.
  • Layers add depth and interest, and they also give you a little flexibility during the session.
  • When in doubt, neutrals and earth tones almost always photograph beautifully, no matter where you choose to take your photos!
  • Can't decide what you want to wear? When in doubt plan to wear TWO outfits! Most photographers (myself included) are totally fine with having you go for multiple looks in your photos. Why just pick one;)
  • Ask your photographer if you're still unsure! I'm more than happy to help you decide between pieces to wear and even help you shop for exactly what you're looking for!