Engagement Session Style Guide | What to Wear for Your Photo Session
I’m so excited to be working with you and can’t wait to capture your love during your session!
It’s completely normal to feel a little nervous before your photos - I totally get it. Even I sometimes still get butterflies when I’m the one in front of the camera!
I also know how overwhelming all the little details can feel when planning your engagement or couples session. From what to wear to where to go, there’s a lot to think about, but don’t worry, you’re in great hands. That’s exactly why I put together this helpful style guide. You’ll find tips and inspiration to make planning easier and to help you feel confident and excited going into your session.
Engagement sessions are some of my absolute favorites. They’re the perfect excuse to get dressed up, spend some intentional time together, and just enjoy each other’s company. You’ll laugh, snuggle, and maybe steal a few dozen kisses along the way, and by the end, you’ll have a beautiful gallery full of genuine moments and timeless memories to look back on.
Whether this is your engagement session or simply a way to celebrate your love story, I’m here to make the experience fun, stress-free, and authentically you.
Your engagement or couples session is such a special opportunity to showcase your personalities and your love story. You can choose a location that’s meaningful to you, maybe where you had your first date or a favorite spot you love to explore, or we can go somewhere completely new and adventurous. I love making your session feel like your own date night, fun, relaxed, and full of genuine connection.
There’s a lot to think about when planning your session, and since I get asked many of the same questions, I’ve put together this Engagement Session Style Guide to walk you through everything you need to know. Inside, you’ll find outfit inspiration, ideas for including your pets, location suggestions, and plenty of tips to help you feel confident, comfortable, and ready to have fun in front of the camera.
Whether you’re planning your engagement session in Southern Vermont or a cozy couples photoshoot anywhere in New England, I’m here to make it easy, meaningful, and true to who you are.
At Clover and Pine Photo, I love helping couples feel relaxed, confident, and completely themselves in front of the camera. Choosing what to wear for your engagement or couples session can feel like a big decision, but don’t stress, I’m here to make it easy and enjoyable. I’ve created this Engagement and Couples Session Style Guide to help you plan your outfits with confidence, so you can focus on what really matters: being present with the one you love.
Whether your session takes place in Southern Vermont, across New England, or anywhere your story unfolds, these tips will help you look and feel amazing in front of the camera while creating timeless, romantic images you’ll treasure forever.
Be Comfortable and Confident
The most important thing you can do is wear something that makes you feel like you. If you’re comfortable and confident in your outfit, it will absolutely shine through in your photos. Confidence photographs beautifully every time.
That said, this is a special occasion, so don’t be afraid to dress up a little. You don’t need to go formal, but choosing something a bit more elevated than your everyday look helps make your session feel even more special. For women, a soft, flowy dress always photographs beautifully, adding movement and a romantic touch. For men, a linen shirt, button-up, or well-fitted polo looks timeless and complements almost any setting.
When you feel great in what you’re wearing, you’ll move naturally, smile effortlessly, and your connection will take center stage.
Why You Should Coordinate, Not Match
One of the most common questions I get is whether couples should match their outfits and my answer is always the same: coordinate instead! Matching outfits can feel flat or overly staged, while coordinating tones and textures creates depth and visual harmony.
Choose colors that complement each other instead of matching exactly. If one of you wears soft neutrals like cream, beige, or taupe, the other might go for muted greens, warm browns, or subtle blues. These natural tones look stunning against the soft, earthy backdrops we often find in Vermont and throughout New England.
When your outfits work together without blending into one another, your final images will feel effortless, balanced, and beautifully cohesive.
Patterns and Textures That Work
When it comes to patterns, less is usually more. Busy prints can distract from what matters most - the connection between you two. If you do love a pattern, stick with something subtle and minimal, like soft florals, delicate stripes, or simple plaids.
Textures, on the other hand, are your best friend when it comes to adding depth and visual interest to your photos. Think cozy knits, lace, linen, or a softly layered look. These small details photograph beautifully and bring warmth and richness to your images. Adding layers, like a light jacket, shawl, or cardigan also gives you flexibility and variety during your session.
At the end of the day, your engagement or couples session is about celebrating your connection and creating memories you’ll look back on for years to come.
The best outfit is one that makes you feel comfortable, confident, and completely yourself.
So take a deep breath, have fun planning, and get ready for a session that feels as natural, heartfelt, and beautiful as your love story.
Choosing the Best Colors for Your Skin Tone
When planning your outfits for your engagement or couples session, choosing the right colors can make a big difference in how your photos look and feel. The colors you wear should complement your skin tone and help you stand out beautifully in front of the camera.
If you have fair skin, slightly darker or richer tones tend to photograph best, as they add warmth and contrast without overpowering you. If you have deeper skin tones, lighter or neutral shades can make your features pop and bring a natural glow to your photos. The key is to create contrast between your skin and your clothing as this keeps the focus on you, where it belongs.
If you’re unsure what colors flatter you most, there’s an easy way to find out. You can head to Google and ask, “What colors look best on someone with [your skin tone, hair color, and eye color]?” It will give you ideas for shades that enhance your natural features and others to avoid. Try it for both of you before your session so your outfits complement each other perfectly!
Dressing for the Seasons
Each season in New England brings its own kind of magic, and the colors you choose can make your photos feel even more timeless and romantic. Whether you’re surrounded by fresh spring blooms, golden fall leaves, or sparkling winter snow, dressing for the season helps you stand out against the backdrop and keeps your images beautifully balanced.
As a Southern Vermont photographer, I love when couples wear tones that contrast gently with their surroundings. If you’re taking engagement photos in the winter, deeper colors can pop against the snow. In the summer, lighter tones feel bright and natural against the greenery. The goal is to make sure you are the focus of your images and not to blend into the background.
What to Avoid:
Neons: Avoid neon’s completely as they can cast color onto your skin and the skin of your partner.
Busy and high-contrast patterns: Loud plaids, large checks, and bold, high-contrast stripes can be distracting and may cause a moiré effect.
Small, repetitive patterns: Tiny dots, small stripes, and fine patterns can appear distorted or create a strobing effect on camera.
Intricate designs: Houndstooth and certain other small-scale patterns can also be problematic.
Logos and Brands: Stay away from visible logos, graphics, or text, as they are distracting and can date your photos. Trends change quickly.
Here are a few of my favorite color palettes for each season:
Winter: Deep or teal blue, maroon, hunter green, dusty pink, red, gold, and mauve. These rich tones look stunning against snowy landscapes or bare trees.
Spring: Pastel shades of green, yellow, pink, or blue, cream, and white. Light, airy colors reflect the freshness of the season and pair beautifully with blooming florals.
Summer: Periwinkle, lavender, bright greens, pale blue, mauve, bright or blush pink, and shades of yellow. These colors are timeless and look beautiful in sunlit fields or by the water.
Fall: Beige, cream, brown, burnt orange, maroon, bright or mustard yellow, and deep greens. These cozy, earthy hues photograph perfectly with autumn foliage and warm evening light.
In-Home Sessions: Muted colors that complement your home’s decor, soft neutrals like cream, beige, or taupe and denim always work best. They keep the focus on your connection and emotion rather than your surroundings.
Ladies Hair, Makeup, and Outfit Tips for Your Engagement or Couples Session
First things first, let’s talk undergarments. Choosing the right foundation for your outfit is key, and it’s something that can make or break the look of your photos. I recommend nude-colored undergarments whenever possible, and strapless options if your outfit requires it. Since I cannot easily edit out visible straps or lines in your photos, planning ahead is the easiest way to ensure everything looks polished and seamless.
Now, let’s move on to the fun part: your hair and makeup! The best advice I can give you is to be yourself and to feel comfortable in your look, not just cozy, but radiant and confident. Think about how you would style yourself for a special occasion like a wedding, a holiday dinner, or an anniversary celebration. You want to feel like your absolute best self without experimenting with a brand-new hairstyle or makeup trend on session day.
Some helpful tips for hair and makeup:
Natural, neutral tones always photograph beautifully. Soft, subtle makeup enhances your features without overpowering your face.
Wearing your hair down typically looks best in photos, but choose a style that feels natural and reflects your personality.
Less is more. Simple, classic looks often age the best in photos and allow your expressions and connection to shine.
Don’t forget about your nails! A fresh manicure or simply removing chipped polish will keep the details in your photos looking clean and polished.
If your session takes place outdoors, remember that you’ll truly be in nature. There may be bugs, dirt, or even the occasional animal or goose - it’s all part of the adventure! We’ll be standing on grass, gravel, or uneven surfaces at times, so heels may be tricky at times. Choosing footwear that allows you to move comfortably is key while still feeling stylish. I suggest a cute boot or a shoe with a block heel.
Men’s Outfit and Styling Tips for Your Engagement or Couples Session
Think about fit and comfort first. Clothes that fit well will make you look sharp and feel confident, whereas items that are too tight or too loose can create distractions. A well-fitted button-up shirt, a crisp polo, or a lightweight sweater paired with nice pants or dark jeans is always a safe and stylish choice. If your session is outdoors, consider layering with a blazer, jacket, or vest as layers add depth and texture to your photos while keeping you comfortable in varying temperatures.
Make sure you choose colors that complement your partner’s outfit and coordinate with the sessions setting. Avoid overly bold patterns or logos.
Your clothes should be clean and wrinkle-free. Remove items from your pockets that may create awkward lines and consider swapping everyday accessories for your nicest watch and cufflinks
For grooming, make sure your facial hair is trimmed and your hair is styled in a way that feels natural to you. Your nails should be clean and tidy.
Finally, remember that comfort equals confidence. The more comfortable you feel in your outfit, the more relaxed and authentic you’ll appear in your photos. Engagement and couples sessions are all about celebrating your connection, and when you feel confident, it shows. Your personality and your love story will be the true stars of every frame.
Last-Minute Tips and Tricks
To ensure your session goes smoothly and you feel confident in front of the camera, here are a few extra reminders:
If you wear glasses, keep in mind there may be glare, especially if they are not anti-glare lenses.
Steam or iron your clothes ahead of time to avoid wrinkles. Try on the outfits you plan to wear beforehand so you can make sure you love the way you look in them and make adjustments as needed before your session.
Brush your teeth so your smile looks bright and fresh, and so your partner enjoys all of the dozens of kisses you’ll be exchanging all throughout your session.
Swap out everyday jewelry for your nicest pieces - think elegant watches, gold or silver rings, and subtle earrings. Remove casual items like rubber rings or your Apple Watch to keep your look polished.
Clear your pockets of anything that may create bulk or lines in your outfit. I generally have enough space in my camera bag to hold on to your phones and wallets.
Avoid wearing a hair tie on your wrist, as it can leave marks or be distracting in photos.
Be aware that your shoes will be seen. Wear shoes that coordinate with your outfits.
Following these tips will help you feel prepared, confident, and radiant during your session. When you feel good, it shows and that confidence makes all the difference in capturing natural, authentic, and truly beautiful engagement or couples photos.
Ready to tell your story? Please, get in touch!
cloverandpinephoto@gmail.com | 802-380-7657
