Picking out an outfit for your engagement photos is equal parts exciting and nerve-wracking. You want this to be perfect, and it’s easy to obsess over the small details. If you aren’t sure where to start, though, we’ve got some options you should consider. Luckily, engagement photographers will let you bring a few different looks if you let them know ahead of time and plan around it!
What to Consider
Weather
This seems obvious, but it’s worth mentioning. Just because you’re in South Florida doesn’t mean you can’t wear a sweater for your engagement photo. It does, however, mean you might not be as comfortable as you’d like. While the perfect winter outfit makes for a great photo, it also might be more trouble than it’s worth.
On the flip side, Northeastern winters mean you may have to gear up a little extra or be cold during the shoot. If you’ve got your pear shaped engagement ring front and center, wearing gloves may be tricky. While it might be worth it to get the perfect photo, wouldn’t you prefer to be comfortable? Of course, there’s always the simpler option of an engagement shoot.
Seasonal Color Schemes
If you want to stay on the winter theme, consider staying within the standard winter color scheme. If darker tones and neutrals look good on you, winter is going to be the ideal time to get engaged. We aren’t saying that you should push engagement back a few months if you look better in spring colors, but it is an option.
Seasonal Materials
Consider materials and textures that evoke the season. Extra points if they also keep you warm. Wool, for example, is the best of both the function and fashion worlds. Besides wool, you can also consider leather, fur, tweed or fleece. Of course, these aren’t the only materials, but they will have an easier time blending in with a winter engagement shoot setting.
What to Wear for Winter Engagement Photos
The Simple Option
There’s no reason to dress up super fancy here if you don’t want to. Jeans and a sweater will work just fine if that’s your vibe. Neutrals and dark denim here are great, but if you want to add some color, just make sure to keep it on the darker side. Deep purples, reds or blues are all great ways to add a pop of color but still keep with the season.
Gear All the Way Up
There are two options for this one: fashion and function. If you’re both fashionable, this is layering heaven. Think about pea coats or overcoats. Maybe you want a chunky sweater or something cozy paired with boots. Less is more in most cases, but in this place, more is more. If you’ve ever wanted to wear your best winter in NYC outfit, this is the time.
There’s a second choice that’ll suit outdoor adventurers, though. If you’re active in the outdoor scene, there’s a good chance you’ve got cold weather gear you love. If the outdoors is a big part of your life and relationship, why not include it here? Grab your favorite neutral-colored fleece (let’s be real, you’ve likely got more than one) and pair it with dark denim and some boots (casual or hiking).
Something a Bit Fancy
While fall might be the best time for business and dressy casual, winter sure gives it a run for its money. Like the fancier option in the last idea, you can go for some sort of topcoat or extra layers. A turtleneck sweater or dark button-down under a tweed jacket is fun, but go for whatever makes the most sense.
Southwestern Winter
It isn’t freezing cold in the winter all throughout the U.S. If you’re in a section with milder weather, you’ve got some extra options here. Consider adding in a few of your favorite fall colors, especially if they’re on the darker end of the spectrum. A burnt orange is a great option here. Consider leaning into Southwestern influences and flowy pieces or go with a simple sweater dress and take all the guesswork out.
Just Dress Up What You Have
There’s no need to go buy a whole new outfit for your engagement shoot if you don’t want to. If you love what you already have, stick to just a few tweaks. Add in some of your favorite everyday jewelry to dress up an outfit you love. If you usually only wear one or two pieces, add an extra one for some depth.
Still, stuck on what to wear? Talk to your engagement photographer. Your photographer will have plenty of insight into what people tend to wear and how many outfit changes you’re going to have time for. It’s always better to overcommunicate in these situations so your photographer knows what’s going on. It’s an exciting day, so make sure you’re all ready!