One of the most common questions I get from couples is: "What should we wear for our engagement photos?"

It's a valid concern. You want to look good. You want your outfits to work together. You want photos you'll be proud to hang on your wall and send to grandma. But you also don't want to look like you're trying too hard or wearing something that doesn't feel like you.

Here's my guide to picking outfits that photograph beautifully while still feeling authentic to who you are as a couple.

The Most Important Rule

Before we get into specific recommendations, here's the most important thing: wear something you feel comfortable and confident in.

I can always tell when someone is uncomfortable in their outfit. They pull at their clothes, they stand awkwardly, they don't relax. The best photos come when you feel like yourself.

So if you hate heels, don't wear heels. If he never wears ties, skip the tie. These photos should capture the real you, not some dressed-up version you wouldn't recognize.

Colors That Photograph Well

Not all colors photograph equally. Some pop beautifully in photos, while others can look washed out or overwhelming. Here are my favorites:

Best Colors for Engagement Photos

• Earth tones: Sage, olive, rust, terracotta, mustard. These look amazing in natural settings and photograph beautifully in any season.
• Neutrals: Cream, beige, taupe, gray, navy. Classic and timeless. They won't compete with your background or each other.
• Dusty/muted tones: Dusty rose, dusty blue, mauve, burgundy. More interesting than neutrals but not overwhelming.

Coordinating Without Matching

The goal is for your outfits to look good together without being identical. Think "complementary" not "matching."

How to Coordinate

• Pick a color palette: Choose 2-3 colors that work well together. For example: navy, cream, and rust.
• Balance formality: If she's in a flowy dress, he should dress up a bit too. If he's in jeans and a casual shirt, she shouldn't be in a formal gown.
• Mix textures: A chunky knit sweater with a silky dress. A linen shirt with denim. Texture adds visual interest.
• Don't compete: If one person is wearing a statement piece (a bold printed dress, a colorful blazer), the other should keep it simple.

Specific Tips for Her

Dresses

Flowy fabrics move beautifully in photos, especially if there's any wind. A midi or maxi length photographs better than a short dress (more fabric to flow, and you won't be worried about it riding up).

Shoes

You'll be walking, standing, and possibly navigating uneven terrain. If you love heels, bring a pair for some shots but also bring flats. Block heels or wedges are more stable than stilettos.

Hair and Makeup

Do your hair and makeup how you normally would for a nice date night — just a polished version of yourself. This isn't the time to try a dramatically different look you've never worn before.

Jewelry

Keep it simple. Your engagement ring is the star. A delicate necklace or small earrings are fine, but avoid chunky statement pieces that compete for attention.

Specific Tips for Him

Fit is Everything

The most important thing for men's clothing in photos is fit. A well-fitted $50 shirt looks better than a baggy $200 shirt. Make sure nothing is too tight or too loose.

Avoid These

• Graphic tees (unless that's genuinely your style)
• Athletic wear (unless it's a specific theme)
• Shorts (unless it's a beach/summer vibe)
• Wrinkled anything — iron your clothes!

Easy Upgrades

• Roll your sleeves to the elbow (looks relaxed and put-together)
• Leave the top button unbuttoned (more natural)
• Add a layer (blazer, sweater, jacket) for visual interest
• Make sure your shoes are clean

Location Considerations

Your outfit should work with your location. A few things to think about:

• Urban locations (Beacon Hill, Seaport): More polished, city-chic looks work well. Think dressier.
• Nature locations (Arboretum, Acadia): Earth tones and more casual styles blend beautifully. Skip the stilettos.
• Beach: Light, flowy, barefoot-friendly. Avoid long trains that will get sandy.
• Golden hour: Warm tones (rust, gold, cream) look especially good in warm sunset light.

Should You Bring a Second Outfit?

For a 60-minute session, you usually have time for one outfit change if you want variety. It's not required, but it can be nice to have some photos in a more casual look and some that are dressier.

If you do change, make it quick and easy. A dress you can slip on over your head is faster than something with 50 buttons.

The Day Before Checklist

• Try on your complete outfit (including shoes, jewelry, accessories)
• Check for stains, wrinkles, or missing buttons
• Steam or iron everything
• Pack a backup outfit just in case
• Bring: lint roller, fashion tape, safety pins, hair ties
• Check the weather and adjust if needed

Final Thoughts

The best outfit is one that makes you feel confident and comfortable. When you're at ease, it shows in your photos. When you're tugging at your dress or uncomfortable in your shoes, that shows too.

Pick something that feels like you — just the nicest version. These photos will hang on your walls for decades. You want to look back and think "that's us" not "who were we trying to be?"

And remember: I've photographed couples in everything from evening gowns to hiking boots. There's no wrong answer as long as it's authentically you.