What to wear for your engagement photo shoot

Outfit ideas for London engagement shoots

I originally wrote this as part of a blog post back in the earlier stages of my career, and I wanted to give a permanent space to some advice on what to wear for your engagement photo shoot, and make sure it reflected the kinds of couples I work with in 2023.

This is your shoot and I want you to wear what makes you feel good rather than be prescriptive about what to wear, but this is one area I get asked about a lot. For me, what we choose to wear is a huge aspect of our identity, so there’ll be no moodboards and suggestions for autumnal colour palettes here.

How you choose to dress might also reflect for you the purpose of the engagement session – are you having your photos taken as an add on to your wedding package and getting to know me as your photographer or have you booked a stand alone session – that might influence how you feel about what you choose to wear. Your choice of location, too, might influence things – buzzing round the city might feel different from a cosy shoot at home, or a wrapped up session exploring the woods. If the pair of you live in your jeans, then make your photos reflect that.

Keeping it casual v dressing up

When thinking about what to wear for your engagement photo session – I wholly advocate dressing up – think casual day date, or maybe what you might wear to a nice pub, or for dinner. For me that would be a Rixo esque dress and chunky ankle boots, but for others that might be your favourite jeans, a faux fur coat and Converse. Wear what makes you feel good and confident, or you could use it as an opportunity to be totally dramatic and rock an outlandish evening gown or a super sharp suit. In fact I think there’s some magic in this kind of elevated look, and it can add a bit of an editorial look to the photos to get really dressed up and parade around London or a beach or wherever, giving everything a stark contrast.

Don’t believe me – check out this Pinterest board

So here’s some dos and don’t to consider

When planning what to wear for your engagement photos

Do think about using it as chance to have your hair and makeup trial, if it’s a pre-wedding shoot and you’ll be wearing makeup – it’s a good chance to see how it photographs. Alternatively you could book a session at a counter if you fancy.

Do dress up a little, you get to spend some quality time together and could make an evening of it with dinner or drinks.

Do ensure you feel comfortable – in that I don’t mean Yoga pants kind of comfy, but that you feel like yourself, and your shoes aren’t impossible to walk in

Do cover up the bits you’re not so keen on and show the others you like – for myself I’m not a big fan of my upper arms, so my outfit would have sleeves – but I might wear something that has a waisted detail as opposed to something smock shaped. I know there’s a lot of conversations right now about ‘fuck flattering’ etc and I’m totally there and on board but realistically it is a deeper, more nuanced conversation. I think lots of people just want to look their best and that’s from understanding what makes you feel great.

If you’re wearing a button up shirt, ensure it doesn’t gape. if it has a tendency to, then well placed safety pins can work wonders.

Do think about colour

Do think about how you can change up your outfits with layers

Dont wear anything bobbly, avoid head to toe black (it doesn’t photograph as well as colour), really busy prints.

Don’t bring a huge bag as you’ll end up dragging it from place to place.

Don’t wear tees with big logos, or busy images. Think timeless!

Do use the iron – creases are one of those things that photograph much worse than they look in real life, so give anything creasy a touch up.

I feel a bit like Glamour magazine now (does anyone remember that? feels so out of step with the times now!), so I think that’s enough to get you going.