Thanks for stopping by my blog! I am the founder of Alex Gordias Photography and a lead Boston Wedding Photographer. Congratulations on your upcoming engagement session! This is such an exciting time for you and your partner, and it’s important to look and feel your best. Choosing what to wear can be challenging, but with a little guidance, you’ll select the perfect outfits that showcase your personal style and complement your location. Let’s talk about what to wear for your engagement photos.
The Beach
When selecting outfits for a beach engagement session, comfort is key. The beach can be a windy and sandy environment, so choose clothes that won’t restrict your movement. Opt for light and airy fabrics such as linen, cotton, and chiffon to stay cool. Soft pastels, muted blues, and sandy neutrals are the perfect colors for coastal sessions.
For women, consider flowy sundresses, maxi dresses, or wide-legged pants paired with a stylish top. Light jackets or cardigans are great for cooler seaside evenings. For men, a lightweight cotton or linen shirt paired with khaki pants or tailored shorts is a comfortable yet polished option. If you’re looking for luxury fashion brands to elevate your coastal look, consider options from Zimmermann, LoveShackFancy, and Camilla.
Pay Attention to the Details
Special attention to details—such as your manicure, hairstyle, and makeup—makes a significant difference. These should reflect your personality and suit the session’s style. Props can also add a fun touch; a bottle of champagne, fresh flowers, or even a vintage blanket can make the gallery feel more personalized and vivid.
Finding the Right Balance
Wearing clothes that are too stiff or overly formal can make you look uncomfortable. If you usually wear jeans and T-shirts, choose a “dressed-up” version of that style rather than a full tuxedo if it doesn’t feel like you. Balance is everything—you want to look like the best version of yourself.
Jewelry Counts
The engagement ring is often a main feature of the session, so having it polished in advance is highly recommended. However, try not to over-accessorize with too much other jewelry—let the ring be the true star of the show!
The City
For a city engagement session, you can typically dress up a bit more than you would for the beach. You want to look polished and sophisticated against the urban backdrop. Consider cocktail attire or smart casual pieces like a tailored jumpsuit, a midi skirt, or a chic dress for women. For men, dress pants, a collared shirt, and dress shoes are a perfect combination. You can also add a blazer for a more high-end feel.
Luxury fashion brands like Gucci, Prada, or Dior offer high-end pieces that can give your urban outfit a sophisticated touch.
Elevate Your Style with Luxury Labels
If you’re looking to add a touch of luxury, consider designer pieces from Oscar de la Renta, Versace, or Alexander McQueen for women. For men, designer suits from Tom Ford, Giorgio Armani, or Ralph Lauren truly elevate the aesthetic. Accessories from Tiffany & Co., Cartier, and Chanel offer timeless sophistication. While these brands add a premium feel, remember that confidence is your best accessory—you can look incredible at any price point.
What to Avoid
- Too Casual: While you want to be comfortable, avoid sweats or overly worn-out sneakers. Dress for the occasion—as if you were attending a nice engagement party.
- Too Revealing: Extremely short skirts or very low-cut tops can sometimes be distracting in photos. Aim for “classy and timeless.”
- Overly Baggy: Clothes that are too loose can look crinkled and hide your shape. Opt for well-fitted garments that highlight your silhouette.
Complementary, Not Identical
Choose colors that coordinate well without being perfectly “matchy-matchy.” Shades of the same color or complementary tones help create a cohesive look. I generally recommend avoiding saturated reds and neons as they can cast unwanted colors onto the skin. When in doubt, neutrals are always a timeless choice.
Two Outfits Are Better Than One
For a standard hour-long session, I recommend bringing two different outfits. This gives your gallery more variety—perhaps one casual look and one more formal. Even if you don’t do a full change, bringing a pair of comfortable flats to walk in between locations will save your feet if you plan on wearing high heels!
In conclusion, choosing your engagement session wardrobe should be a fun and creative part of the process. Consider your location, your personal style, and the mood you want to capture. If you have any questions or need advice on a specific look, don’t hesitate to reach out! I can’t wait to capture your love story.
Alex Gordias — Boston Wedding Photographer & The Team
