7 Engagement Photos Outfits For Every Vibe

Whether you just got engaged (or you will be soon!) you’re probably wondering two things.

     1) Where should I take my engagement photos? (Check out our recommendations HERE)

And of course!

    2) What should I wear for my engagement photos outfit?!

Well don’t worry because our personal stylist, Grant McNamara of Gentlemen’s Personal Stylist (gps.style) and Wedding GPS (weddinggps.com), has put together 7 different engagement photos outfits to leave you feeling effortlessly stylish while feeling 100% you! So we’ll let Grant take it away. Be sure to shop the look below each category!

First here are some suggestions and general guidelines:

1. Fit is first! The better each item fits, the more flattering it will look on you, and that trumps everything else.
2. Don’t distract. Wild prints and fabrics, big logos, etc. will capture the attention of the viewer rather than letting you be the star of the show. Prints, especially floral prints in the Spring, for example, are great. Just use caution on how bold you go.
3. Avoid the trends. If you wear something too trendy you may look back on these photos one day and ask yourself what you were thinking.
4. Be conscious of colors! For the most versatility, and generally the most flattering, think neutrals, pastels, and cool colors like blues, greens and purples.
5. Texture, layers, and more texture and layers. Beautiful fabrics with textures, mixed with unexpected combinations, is what takes an outfit to the next level, showing your thought, care, and style!
6. Details matter. Include seasonal items like a hat or a scarf (linen or light pashmina for Spring/Summer, wool and cashmere Autumn/Winter), and at least one great accessory — don’t over do it though! Coco Chanel famously advised, “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off.” This advice is great for your engagement photoshoot.

Laid Back Cool

The most famously stylish people all have said that they never tried too hard to be stylish, or even at all - simplicity and confidence is where style comes from. 

A laid back, cool outfit is a great first look before you change into a more formal look. Why? You’re probably more comfortable in this sort of look which can help you ease into the photoshoot. Think of it as a slightly elevated look than you’d normally wear going about your day. 

Ladies, let’s talk about layering. Layering is not just for Autumn and Winter. Start with a simple shirt and good pair of jeans. Feel free to rock a more lived-in style jean, boyfriend jean, different colored jean or even some cute joggers! Next, add a jacket, a hat, a cute sneaker, sandal, or flat, and you’re good to go.

Gentlemen, the standard look most guys go for here is the button down and jeans. That is totally fine! Just make sure it’s the best-fitted shirt and jeans you own. If you’ve never had a custom shirt made before, this is a great time to try one. It’s also the perfect trial run working with a clothier at which you may purchase your wedding suit or tuxedo. 

We’ve given you a couple of options that include easy sweater and polo options that look great, and can save your best dress shirt for the more formal photos. And of course you can’t go wrong with my absolute favorite casual sneaker.

Edgy Sophistication
You don’t have to be edgy or a fashionista to add a little edge to your engagement photos outfit. Pushing your fashion and your look forward a little bit more is simpler to achieve than you may think. These looks often include black, white, leathers, and metals.

Rock the look by simply wearing a leather jacket over a normal outfit, or adding the right piece of jewelry. Or try a monochromatic look by wearing the same color head-to-toe. Think a stylish, tighter-fitting dark shirt under a black leather jacket and black skinny jeans. Adding some colored details and accessories can work but black and white are some of the essentials.

Cozy Chic

One location growing in popularity for engagement shoots isn’t too far from home… literally. But, just because you are at home doesn’t mean your engagement photos outfit can be old, baggy sweats and an ill-fitted t-shirt.

Opt for a cute and cozy sweater with a pair of nicer joggers or leggings, keep it to neutrals, and you’ll have yourself a casual outfit that is perfect for home, while looking purposeful and not out-of-place nice. 

For the guys, a lightweight sweater or superbly fitted t-shirt paired with nice joggers or a faded jean is great. If you’re going to wear a sweatshirt or hoodie, make it a nice one. No logos (unless both of you met at university and you’re both rocking collegiate-gear), not baggy, and definitely not wrinkled.

Elegant Romance

Elegance and romance go hand-in-hand. And these nicer looks are some of the most popular engagement photo styles and for good reason - everyone wants a reason to dress up, look their best and have photos that leave them feeling like a million bucks. 

A no brainer is a flattering dress. You can go with a beautiful print dress to keep it interesting, or stick to a solid color for easy class. Alternatively, go with one of these tops we suggested and pair it with a great pair of jeans. Try to avoid baggier or boyfriend fits. A more-fitted look is considered more elegant — this is not to be confused with size! It’s so important to say that every size is beautiful and elegant. Plus size or not, slimmer fits will be more flattering and elegant! This is also a great opportunity to include beautiful accessories and jewelry, so pay attention to those details especially for this look.

For the guys, if you’re interested in investing in your look for years to come, it’s the perfect excuse to order beautiful, custom clothing that will really reflect your personality.

Modern Parisian

Walking, or shall we say strolling, around Paris, you’ll see simple and chic wherever you look. Purposefully simple, it’s all about beautiful basics for a Parisian style. Always full of class and sophistication, these elevated looks, like the Elegant Romance look, are nearly an essential for an engagement photos outfit. 

Cute and Playful

If it’s important that your fun and energetic personality shine through your engagement photos outfit, then a cute and playful look is ideal. From cute to whimsical, these looks are sure to capture you, and illicit a smile from anyone that sees the photos.

Bright and Bubbly

Did I say try to stick to less bold colors? Yes. But there are exceptions. Some people look particularly good in bright colors and they’re so fun for Spring and Summer looks. If you’ve worn bright colors before and feel good in them, go for it! If you’re not sure, or want to try it, here are a couple ones that you can try out. This is also a great time to send some pictures to your bff, photographer or personal stylist to get the perfect opinion!

Bonus Style Boosting Tips for Engagement Photos Outfits:

Try monochrome

For a quick and easy style boost for your engagement photos, wear the same color head to toe and break it up with different colored accessories. Monochromatic looks require minimal effort while easily displaying style know-how. They are always chic and on-point, for both men and women. 

Try a dark top on dark grey, very dark blue, or black jeans. Or instead of wearing a white sweater with blue jeans, try wearing that same sweater with grey, white, or cream colored jeans. Then pair it with a darker shoe and belt. Instant style points!

Embrace the power of denim

There’s a reason the jeans and a t-shirt combination is a classic, and we can build off that simplicity for engagement photos. A pair of jeans and a black blouse is very chic, particularly when the fit is great. For instant sophistication, wear a striking black or camel-colored trench or topcoat

For men, a perfectly-fitted pair of jeans and a t-shirt is sexy and shows confidence and style. To dress it up and make it more engagement shoot appropriate, add a leather jacket for a cool, edgy enhancement, or a different colored denim jacket for a cool-casual vibe. For your instant sophistication, toss on a darker-colored blazer and call it a day.

There you have it! Grant’s 7 essential engagement photos outfit ideas!

Want more engagement shoot inspiration? Check out How To Pick An Engagement Session Location

You’ve got the Pinterest boards ready and shared your ring size. Now it’s time for them to actually pull the trigger on your dream engagement ring! We talked with MK, owner and head wedding planner at Your Day By MK all about picking an engagement ring. So for all of the folks out there who are ring shopping here are some helpful tips to consider!

So where should you start?

There are actually two choices you’ll need to make when choosing an engagement ring - the setting and the center stone. The diamond is the most popular choice since it is considered to be one of the most precious and durable gems! So today we’ll talk only about diamonds but scroll to the end for other precious gems that are durable that you can consider if you’re looking for something different. 

All that being said, the setting of an engagement ring has its own price and then the center diamond has its own price. Settings are pretty straight forward - it’s just a matter of choosing one you like or working with a ring designer to create a custom setting. The 4C’s are going to determine the cost of the diamond itself. 

What are the 4 C’s of diamonds?

Cut - how symmetrical the cuts are on a diamond

Carat - weight/size

Clarity - Knicks or natural “flaws” in the diamond or the lack of natural inclusions.

Color - Yellow or not? Color ranges from D to Z, D is colorless and the most rare for naturally made diamonds.

The 4 c’s work in tandem to determine the price of the diamond. So if you have a 2 carat diamond that’s a bit yellowed, it’s probably similar in price to a 1ct diamond that’s super clean and pristine. 

What about lab made diamonds?

Lab made diamonds ARE diamonds. They are biologically the same and a gemologist wouldn’t know without seeing the “marking” labs put on them. 

So what’s the difference?

Natural diamonds are mined and looked at as “more valuable” since they’re excavating gems that are created from years and years of pressure in the earth. They’re also problematic because they usually exploit human labor amongst other things.

People still buy natural diamonds because they don’t know lab made diamonds exist and we were societally fed that “natural” diamonds are better.

Typically lab made diamonds are considered “conflict free” because they don’t involve poor mining practices and the exploitation of human labor. Some natural diamonds are also conflict free because they have better mining practices and labor practices. It’s a good idea to ask your partner if having a conflict free diamond is important to them before you start shopping!

Another great and ethical option is to use vintage and recycled jewelry! This means using gems and settings that had a previous owner and repurposing them. These can come in the form of family heirlooms, antique stores or estate sales! Some jewelers also have vintage rings for sale.

So there you have it! Use this to help you when picking the perfect engagement ring (or send to that special someone who might be shopping for you)!

Here are some of MK’s favorite jewelers!

Naturally Made Diamonds:

Catbird - offers antique and recycled diamonds and jewelry!

Valerie Madison Jewelry

Laura Lombardi

Mineralogy

Ana Luisa 

Chicago/Lab made diamonds:

Numined

Brilliant Earth

Ethan Lord Jewelers

Haute Carat - Woman and Chicago owned!

Other precious gems to consider:

Moissanite (clear like a diamond but cheaper)

Sapphire (typically royal blue but can also be a variety of colors)

Aquamarine (pale blue)

Morganite (pink/peach)

Emerald (green)

Ruby (red)

Amethyst (purple in color ranging from deep purple to light lavender)

Still need a wedding planner or day of coordinator? 

Your Day by MK offers everything from Full service planning to Month-Of-Coordination and 2 hour consultations on anything you need help with. 

MK, owner and lead planner, is a wiz when it comes to organization and prides herself on making sure that you have the wedding day of your dreams while being able to focus on all the right things - your love, your loved ones and celebrating! MK believes that “your wedding day should be as easy as showing up, sipping a mimosa and walking down the aisle”

Want to learn more? See more of what it looks like to work with their team HERE

Was this blog about picking an engagement ring helpful? Share it with your fiancé or someone in your life who is starting to shop around for engagement rings! And learn more about our engagement sessions HERE