Engagement photos are a great way to commemorate your wedding journey with your partner and capture all the warm fuzzy feelings you two have for each other. Awwww! They're also handy for any save the dates you send out or to put on your website or registry.
Plus, the photographer you use for the engagement photo session might also be your wedding photographer for the big day, so it builds up your rapport and will help get you comfortable in front of the camera. But in case it wasn't already in the back of your mind, you'll have these photos f-o-r-e-v-e-r, so picking out what to wear for the shoot can seem daunting.
If you're stressing about which 'fit to wear, take some deep breaths. Your engagement photo session can be as dressy or as laid back as you want it to be, and while there are no hard and fast rules, below are just some tips and reminders to help you decide your ensemble before the snaps are taken. FWIW, I know whatever you opt for you'll look gorgeous!!! (Your partner will certainly agree.)
More From Cosmopolitan
And just throwing this out there! Now is definitely not the best time for a photo shoot given that we're in the middle of a pandemic with COVID cases spiking, but if this is something you and your partner are moving forward with, shooting outside at a distance of six feet or more from your photographer is the way to do it. And be sure to mask up on your way to and from the shoot location.
Channel your personality, but be comfortable.
Choose something that's your style and that reflects, well, you! It's prob not the moment to try out a new trend or really push your fashion boundaries. You want to wear something you'll be comfortable in during the whole shoot, whether it's a certain silhouette you like best or your go-to floral dress.
Don't be afraid to wear bright colors or patterns.
If you want to lean into the bridal theme, you can wear white in your photos, but you can also don some brighter hues and prints. It might be best to check with your photographer first on this front since some colors can affect the lighting and the undertones of the image, but you're not required to stick to neutrals or softer tones if you're not into it.
ASTR THE LABEL Crinkle Sweetheart Top
RAILS Willow Ruffle Sleeve Plaid Flannel Button-Up Shirt
Consider the location and the season.
The time of year and where the pics are taken will definitely play into your outfit decision. After all, you might not want to wear a mini dress in below-freezing weather. If you're going outside for the session, look up the weather and you can opt for a cute sweater and jeans combo if it's chilly or a breezy maxi dress if it's warmer.
The exact location is also a factor that will influence your outfit—e.g., you might not want to wear beige or tan if it's taking place in a field of tall grass, since you'll probably blend in. Or if you're taking them at a beach, you're likely not wearing shoes. Just think about what you want the ~vibe~ to be, taking both the spot and the season into consideration, and then build your outfit around that.
Complement each other but don't match.
You and your partner don't have to wear matching colors (unless you want to!). Plan with them to see what you're each thinking about wearing, and pick clothing that complements each other. Some examples are cool tones, warm tones, jewel tones, pastels, and black and white contrast. But if you both end up wearing the exact same shade of midnight blue, the matchy-matchy look can be a bit much.
Add layers for any quick changes.
Throw on a jacket, sweater, coat, or any other outerwear so you can take pics both with and without them. You can start off the session with a piece on and then take it off later to switch up and simplify your look.
COLE HAAN SIGNATURE Slick Wool Blend Wrap Coat
MADEWELL Walton Quilted Corduroy Shirt Jacket
ALEX MILL Hilde Fair Isle Cardigan
Accessorize, but don't go overboard.
You definitely want to add some cute shoes, jewelry, or a belt, but just be careful not to pile it on. If you're wearing statement earrings, a chunky necklace, and bold rings (other than your engagement ring, that is), it can take the focus off of you two, especially in those close-up shots because everyone will just be looking at your accessories.
If you're indecisive, you can always bring multiple items to the shoot and swap them out as needed, but one or two accessories is prob best to keep things minimal—and to keep the attention on the main accessory: your sparkly new engagement ring, duh.
Humans Before Handles Rissa
By Chari Initial and Diamonds Necklace
Mateo 14-karat Gold Diamond Bracelet
I'm Cosmopolitan's Associate Fashion Editor and write about any and all trends, major celeb fashion moments, and why wide-leg jeans are basically the best. I originally moved to New York City to audition for RENT, only to find out that the play closed 10 years ago.
