The number one question I get before every engagement session: “What should we wear?”

It’s a fair question. What you wear affects how you feel, how you move, and ultimately how your photos look. Get it right and your photos feel effortless. Get it wrong and you’ll spend the whole session tugging at your outfit.

After photographing hundreds of engagement sessions across Utah, here’s my honest guide to what actually works.

---

The Golden Rule

Wear something you feel amazing in.

Not something you think you should wear for photos. Not something you bought specifically for this session that you’ve never worn before. Something that makes you feel like the best version of yourself.

Confidence shows up in photos. Discomfort does too.

---

What Works Well

Solid Colors and Simple Textures

Solid colors photograph beautifully. They keep the focus on your faces and your connection—not your outfit.

Great choices:

• Earthy tones (terracotta, sage, cream, rust, olive)
• Soft neutrals (white, ivory, beige, tan)
• Rich jewel tones (burgundy, navy, forest green)
• Classic black and white

Why these work: They’re timeless. They don’t compete with the scenery. They look great in both color and black-and-white edits.

Textures That Photograph Well

Texture adds visual interest without being distracting:

• Linen and lace
• Knit and cable-knit
• Denim
• Velvet
• Flowy fabrics that move in the wind

Outfits That Move

Utah engagement sessions often involve walking, sitting on rocks, spinning, and generally being in motion. Wear something you can actually move in.

For her: Flowy dresses and skirts photograph beautifully in motion. Jumpsuits and coordinated sets also work great.

For him: Well-fitted pants and a button-down or casual blazer. Jeans and a nice shirt. Whatever feels like you.

---

What to Avoid

Busy Patterns and Logos

Stripes, plaids, and busy prints can be distracting in photos. Logos and graphics date your photos quickly.

Exception: A subtle pattern (like a small floral or a simple plaid) can work if it’s not too busy.

Matching Outfits

Wearing the exact same color or identical outfits can look forced. Coordinate instead—choose a color palette and let each person express their own style within it.

Uncomfortable Shoes

If you’re hiking to a location or walking on uneven terrain, heels are not your friend. Bring them for a few shots if you want, but have comfortable shoes for the rest of the session.

Anything Brand New

New clothes that you haven’t worn before can feel stiff and unfamiliar. If you buy something new for the session, wear it around the house first.

---

How to Coordinate as a Couple

You don’t need to match—you need to complement.

The easiest approach: Choose a color palette (2-3 colors) and each pick outfits within that palette.

Example palettes:

• Earthy: Rust + cream + olive
• Classic: Navy + white + tan
• Romantic: Blush + burgundy + ivory
• Moody: Forest green + black + camel

The goal: When you stand next to each other, your outfits should look intentional—like you planned them together without being identical.

---

Outfit Ideas by Location

Mountain / Outdoor Utah Sessions

Her: Flowy boho dress in earthy tones, denim jacket, ankle boots

Him: Dark jeans, flannel or chambray shirt, boots

Or: Coordinated casual—matching earth tones, comfortable and relaxed

Downtown Salt Lake / Urban Sessions

Her: Midi dress or tailored jumpsuit, heels or ankle boots

Him: Chinos or dark jeans, button-down, loafers or clean sneakers

Or: Elevated casual—polished but not overdressed

Garden / Botanical Sessions

Her: Floral or solid flowy dress, sandals or wedges

Him: Light-colored chinos, linen shirt, loafers

Or: Soft and romantic—pastels and neutrals

Salt Flats / Desert Sessions

Her: White or cream dress (it pops against the white salt), sandals

Him: White or light linen shirt, neutral pants

Or: Minimalist—clean, simple, let the landscape be the star

---

The Two-Outfit Strategy

If you want variety in your gallery, bring a second outfit for a quick change mid-session.

How to do it:

• Outfit 1: More dressed up (for the “wow” shots)
• Outfit 2: More casual (for the relaxed, candid shots)

Timing: We usually change about halfway through the session.

Logistics: Bring a bag with your second outfit, touch-up makeup, and a brush. We’ll find a private spot to change.

---

Hair and Makeup

My advice: Do what makes you feel like yourself.

If you normally wear full makeup, wear full makeup. If you normally wear minimal makeup, don’t feel pressured to go full glam.

One tip: Go slightly more polished than your everyday look. The camera can wash out features, so a little extra definition helps.

For outdoor sessions: Bring a brush or hair tie. Wind is real in Utah, and having a way to manage your hair gives you options.

---

Accessories

Accessories add personality and visual interest:

• Hats: Great for outdoor sessions, adds a casual, adventurous vibe
• Jewelry: Keep it simple—statement earrings or a delicate necklace
• Scarves: Great for fall sessions
• Sunglasses: Fun for a few shots, but take them off for most

---

Final Thoughts

The best outfit for your engagement session is the one that makes you feel like yourself. Comfortable, confident, and ready to have fun.

Don’t overthink it. Don’t buy something you’ll never wear again. Don’t stress about being perfect.

Just show up as you are—and let me do the rest.

---

Ready to Book Your Engagement Session?

Every Memoria photography collection includes an engagement session. It’s one of my favorite parts of the process.

Inquire here to learn more about our wedding photography packages.

---

Memoria Photo + Film is a Utah wedding photography team specializing in warm, timeless imagery. We photograph engagement sessions throughout Salt Lake County, Utah County, and beyond.

Related Posts:

• [Why Your Engagement Session Is More Important Than You Think]
• [How to Look Natural in Your Wedding Photos]
• [The Wedding Timeline That Actually Works]