What to Wear for Your Engagement Session (Nashville Engagement Photographer Guide)
What to Wear for Your Engagement Session (Nashville Engagement Photographer Guide)
Your engagement session is one of the most fun parts of the wedding planning process — it’s relaxed, personal, and gives you the chance to capture photos that feel like “you.” And if you’re anything like most couples I work with, one of the very first questions you’ll ask is:
“What do we wear?”
Don’t worry — I’ve got you.
As a Nashville engagement photographer, I’ve photographed hundreds of couples, and I’ve learned exactly what looks good on camera, what photographs best in our Tennessee light, and what outfits help you feel confident, comfortable, and connected.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know to choose the perfect outfits for your session — whether your style is dressy, casual, modern, classic, or a mix of everything.
Let’s make this easy (and fun!).
How Many Outfits Should You Bring?
Most couples choose two outfits:
💛 One dressy
Something elevated — a long dress, a jumpsuit, a button-down with slacks, a blazer, etc.
💛 One casual
Jeans + a nice top, a cozy sweater, boots, a flowy blouse — something that feels like the best version of your everyday style.
Two outfits give you variety, let you switch up locations, and create a gallery that feels dynamic and personal.
If you prefer to keep things simple? One outfit is totally fine — choose something you LOVE.
Choose Outfits That Make You Feel Like You
Here’s the truth:
If you don’t feel comfortable in an outfit, it will show on camera.
So instead of asking “What SHOULD we wear?” start with:
What outfits do we feel great in?
What colors make us feel confident?
Which outfits feel the most like our personalities?
Are we more dressy or casual as a couple?
The best engagement photos happen when you’re relaxed, laughing, and moving naturally — so wear something that lets you do exactly that.
Colors That Photograph Best
Nashville has a lot of natural backdrops — greenery, stone, city textures, warm light — and certain colors really shine on camera.
🌿 Neutrals (always a win):
Cream, ivory, tan, camel, black, gray, soft white.
🎨 Earthy tones:
Olive, sage, terracotta, rust, mustard, warm browns.
🌸 Soft pastels:
Blush, dusty blue, muted lavender, champagne.
🌙 Rich jewel tones:
Emerald, navy, burgundy — especially gorgeous in fall.
⚠️ Avoid bright neon colors
They tend to reflect onto your skin and can be distracting in photos.
Patterns, Textures & Fabrics
Yes to:
✔ Soft floral prints
✔ Small, subtle patterns
✔ Linen, silk, chiffon, lace
✔ Sweaters, knits, ribbed fabrics
Avoid:
❌ Loud patterns
❌ Large stripes
❌ Logo-heavy clothing
❌ Super thin or clingy fabrics
These can distort on camera or distract from you.
Coordinating vs. Matching
You don’t need to match — in fact, it usually looks better if you don’t.
Instead, focus on coordinating, meaning:
Similar tones
Complementary colors
Outfits that look like they belong in the same aesthetic
For example:
Earthy color palette: rust + cream
Neutral palette: black + tan
Soft palette: blush + gray
Think: “We look pulled together” — not “We look like we’re wearing uniforms.”
What to Wear by Season (Nashville Edition)
Spring Engagement Outfits
Spring is all about soft colors and light fabrics.
Try:
Midi dresses
Linen button-downs
Light sweaters
Blush, sage, cream, sky blue
Spring sun is soft, flattering, and perfect for flowy fabrics.
Summer Engagement Outfits
Choose breathable, lightweight fabrics and avoid anything super heavy.
Try:
Light maxi dresses
Linen sets
Sleeveless tops
Open-toed shoes
White, tan, olive, navy
For guys: linen and rolled sleeves are your best friend.
Fall Engagement Outfits
Fall is the MOST popular season for photos in Nashville — and outfits always look incredible.
Try:
Sweaters
Boots
Long dresses
Layers: jackets, cardigans, hats
Rich tones like rust, burgundy, olive, mustard
Fall is cozy, textured, warm — embrace it.
Winter Engagement Outfits
Winter sessions are underrated and so chic.
Try:
Long coats
Turtlenecks
Dark denim
Sweater dresses
Boots
Aim for neutrals or moody tones for an elevated look.
Footwear: What Works Best
Choose shoes you can walk and move naturally in.
You’ll be dancing, walking, spinning, exploring — so comfort matters.
Good options:
Low heels
Boots
Dressy sandals
Clean sneakers for casual looks
Avoid:
Super tall stilettos
Flip-flops
Anything you can’t walk on grass/gravel in
Hair, Makeup & Grooming Tips
💄 Professional hair & makeup photographs beautifully
And it boosts your confidence.
💅 Bring powder, lipstick, and a brush
Small touch-ups go a long way.
👔 For guys:
Clean shoes, trimmed beard, wrinkle-free clothing.
🌬 If it’s windy:
Flowy hair and dresses look incredible — embrace it!
Props or No Props?
Props are optional but can be meaningful.
Popular ideas:
Champagne pop
Your dog
Hats
Coffee
A blanket
Flowers
Only bring props if they feel like YOU.
What NOT to Wear
❌ Neon colors
❌ Busy patterns
❌ Clothes you keep adjusting
❌ Anything too tight or uncomfortable
❌ Mismatched levels of dressiness
(Example: one person in jeans, the other in a formal gown)
Final Tips for Perfect Engagement Outfits
Bring lint rollers & wrinkle spray
Try on outfits ahead of time
Sit, walk, and spin in them to make sure they move well
Keep pockets empty (phones create lumps!)
Steer clear of super reflective jewelry
If you're unsure, send me photos of your options — I LOVE helping couples pick their looks.
And if you are looking for the perfect place for a session, check out this blog with all of my favorite places in Nashville!
⭐ Ready for your engagement session?
You’re going to look amazing — and your photos will feel like you.
If you need help choosing outfits, locations, or color palettes, just reach out!
