Engagement photos are such a great way to celebrate the next chapter in you and your partner’s lives, but you’re also probably starting to wonder what you should actually wear. Picking the right engagement outfit can feel hard, but don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.
As an engagement photographer myself, I have the inside scoop on what you should or shouldn’t wear for your engagement session, especially in the warmer months. After all, we all know how hot it can get, especially here in Syndey, so let’s make sure you look great and stay cool.
Here are some of my top tips when it comes to what to wear for engagement photos in the summer.
What to Wear for Engagement Photos: Summer
Think about loose clothes
The best advice that I can give for engagement outfit ideas in warmer weather is to pick loose-fitting clothes that are more breathable. Especially as we start to get into the hotter months, having outfits that are a bit more flowy, and less constricting are going to help you and your partner stay significantly cooler.
Now, for what this could actually look like, you can think about clothes like sun dresses or maxi dresses. These will look great, but will still be loose enough that you can move around and stay cool.
You could also go with linen or loose button-ups to still have a layered effect without having to suffer in heaving clothes. Even a nice tank top can look great in engagement photos and will help you stay cool so you can enjoy every minute of the session.
Some things you want to try to avoid are going to be any really tight fitting material that doesn’t breathe well or any thick material. When it comes to the warmer weather, you don’t only want to think about what is going to look good in the photos, but what you are also going to be comfortable in.
If you are suffering in the heat, even the best outfit in the world isn’t going to cover up how uncomfortable you are in your photos.

Shorts are okay, but make sure you pick them out thoughtfully
I know this may be a bit controversial, but shorts are totally okay for your engagement session if you are picking your shorts out thoughtfully. This means not just grabbing your favorite everyday pair that is worn down and throwing them on for the session.
However, even a nice pair of khaki shorts with a linen button-up can look amazing for the session and keep you cool. Plus, it gives you a very neutral option to match with your partner to make sure that you are coordinating.
If you do want to wear pants, there are a few different things to keep in mind. Again, make sure you are not wearing a super thick material. This is going to get uncomfortable as the session goes on and you want to feel your best throughout the entire day.
Again, a looser-fitting khaki pant can be a great option or even linen pants that are very thin and breathable can look perfect for your photos!
Sometimes casual is best in the summer
You also want to think about the vibe that you want for your session and how casual or dressed up you want to get. Whatever option you choose, you want to make sure you and your partner are on the same page so you look coordinated in the photos.
But, summertime is the perfect time to go a bit more casual in your outfits. This can mean maybe going with a sundress or even a two-piece set for your outfit. You can also go with a more casual short-sleeved button-up with a plain black or white shirt underneath.
Keep in mind that casual doesn’t have to mean plain or average. You can still have a lot of fun with your outfits and find options that still look really nice and put together but aren’t a formal suit or nice dress.
Your shoes are also going to be a part of your outfit that you want to make sure you are paying attention to. Good shoes will blend in with the photos while not so great shoes will definitely stand out.
For a more casual look, you can opt for something like a nice pair of sandals or even a pair of sneakers. Again, just like the rest of the outfit, you want to make sure they look nice. So, try to avoid any shoes that are heavily worn or have lots of noticeable stains on them!

Be mindful of the colors you are wearing, especially for outdoor sessions
When it comes to what to wear for engagement photos, it’s not just about the actual clothes that you are wearing, it’s also about the colors that you choose. This is going to play a big role in how your overall photos look in the end.
If you are planning an outdoor session, it is so important to make sure you take into account the environment that you are going to be in. For example, if you are going to be surrounded by trees and greenery, you want to avoid greens or browns as you can start to blend into the background.
Similarly, if you are going to a garden for your session, you want to avoid wearing any floral prints.
The same can be said for indoor sessions as well. Take some time to look at what your backdrop is going to be and what the space around you looks like. If you are somewhere where there is more going on or it is a bit busier, you may want to opt for a more neutral-colored outfit so that it doesn’t clash with the environment.
But, if you are somewhere that has a more plain and neutral background, you can have a bit more fun with your outfit and bring in some more colors or patterns in your outfits.
If you do plan to wear something with a pattern on it, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, make sure the pattern isn’t too small. If the pattern is really small or detailed, it can start to get jumbled in the photo and not turn out the way you hoped it would.
You also want to be careful with any stripes. In general, thicker stripes are going to be a much better option than fine, thin stripes and are going to show up way better in the photos.
Finally, make sure you and your partner are not clashing. With patterns, this is most likely going to mean that one of you can wear a pattern and the other can wear something that is a bit more neutral and solid.
Whatever you choose, make sure you are confident in it
I could go on and on about what you should or shouldn’t wear to your engagement session, but at the end of the day, one of the most important factors of your outfit is how confident you feel in it.
This is a special time for you and your partner and we are here to celebrate the life that you are building together so you should be able to have fun and love how you look. So, when you thinking about your engagement outfit ideas, think about what you are most confident and comfortable in.
If you rarely ever dress up in your real life and feel a bit awkward when you do, don’t feel like you have to dress up for your photos. Go the more casual route and wear something that you love wearing.
There are no right or wrong ways to dress for your engagement photos and these photos are truly meant to capture you and your partner as you are at this point in your life so show that off through your style!
Final Thoughts on Summer Engagement Outfit Ideas
Hopefully, this helps you as you decide what to wear for engagement photos in the summer. At the end of the day, you really just want to make sure that you are able to stay cool and that you feel great! And, if you are still looking for the perfect photographer to take your engagement photos, I’d love to chat! You can click here to learn more about my photography services or head over here to get in touch!
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