What to Wear for Engagement Photos: The Best Engagement Photo Outfits for Southern California Sessions
Listen. As a SoCal engagement photographer, I see a LOT of engagement photo outfits. And as someone who’s been capturing couples for over 10 years… I know what works and what doesn't!! So, if you’re looking for what to wear for engagement photos for your SoCal session, I’ve compiled literally everything you need to know to look more like you stepped onto the beach right out of Pinterest, and less like you walked into your closet blindfolded and picked random pieces.
What to Wear for Engagement Photos: The Top Rules to Follow
Wear What Feels Like You
Take it from me: you’re never going to get pictures that actually feel like you if you’re not comfortable in what you’re wearing. And yes, I mean that both physically AND self-expression-wise. Because itchy, stuffy clothes that don’t feel like something you’d wear day-to-day?? Not the vibe, especially when we’re in Southern California.
What Color Palettes Work Well for Engagement Photo Outfits?
My rule of thumb as a SoCal engagement photographer: keep it neutral. Colors that feel natural always photograph better!! And this doesn’t mean your outfit has to be boring. I mean, look at Ciana’s polka dot dress! It had the perfect amount of dressiness and personality, and still looked AMAZING with Austin’s super earthy, muted color palette.
Tips for Coordinating Outfits For Engagement Photos
That being said, let’s talk coordinating with your lover. Because coordinating does NOT mean matching. Like, ever. The best outfits will always complement each other. Again, reference Ciana and Austin’s outfits for this: just one of them in a pattern, colors that didn’t clash, and them looking like they were going to the same place. The kind of outfits that check every single box.
Dressing to What Fits Your Location: The Guide for SoCal Engagement Photos
Because heels and a full suit on the beach is just not gonna work. Unless you want pictures where you’re like, basically in tears, and it’s apparent that you’re super uncomfy.
When you’re figuring out what to wear for engagement photos, think about where you’ll be and work with that!! More deets on that soon, though.
Engagement Photo Outfit Ideas for SoCal Engagement Photos
Okay, so you already know that SoCal is filled with some of the best spots for engagement photos. And if I’m honest… Outfits just hit different here!! You have to think about the warm weather, the wind from the coast, the time of year, and, of course, your location when deciding on what to wear. Here’s your ultimate breakdown of what to wear for engagement photos at almost every location I see couples plan their SoCal engagement sessions at:
Engagement Photo Outfits for Beach Engagement Photos
If you’re heading to Newport Beach like Christina and Garrett or Venice Beach like Summer and Alex, let’s chat engagement photo outfits.
Beach engagement photos call for flowy fabrics that are comfortable to run (and dance, of course) in, bare feet, and colors that complement the sand and the water. Heels and formal dresses aren’t for the beach, and chances are, you’ll end up playing in the water at the end of the night anyway!! Think less formal night out and more running on the beach to Cruel Summer by Taylor Swift vibes.
Here are a few of my absolute FAVORITE beach engagement photo outfits:
These Levi’s overalls over a white shirt? Chef’s kiss. We love the cute-casual vibes!!
This matching set from Altar’d State that’s giving effortlessly cool gal.
Engagement Photo Outfits for Nature Engagement Photos
Nature-loving couples who wanna go hiking for their SoCal engagement photos at somewhere like The Bridge to Nowhere or Channel Islands National Park need some fairly comfy engagement photo outfits that scream, “Yeah, we’re one with nature.” And also to book me as their SoCal engagement photographer, like, immediately.
Here are some outfits for my girlies going hiking:
These Free People jean shorts paired with a crop top + a cute pair of sunnies
Engagement Photo Outfits for Indoor Engagement Photos
If you’re the opposite of my nature-loving couples… You probably want to be inside for your SoCal engagement pictures. And, I mean, there are PLENTY of gorgeous spots to do it. The Pasadena City Hall??? I cannot. Like, actually cannot.
Whether it’s a bar, hotel lobby, or a courthouse, these engagement photo outfits work REALLY well for an indoor session:
Pamela by Jenny Yoo, which is SO classy + absolutely stunning
Engagement Photo Outfits for At-Home Engagement Photos
At-home engagement photos are growing in popularity, and I’m SO here for it. What place is more comfortable than your own home?? The outfits I always love to see for this are:
A white t-shirt + jeans combo, because it’s classic AND comfy
Some sort of cute matching set in a comfortable material, like this sweater set from Free People!!
Engagement Photo Outfits for City Engagement Photos
Last but absolutely not least, we have city engagement photos. And these? They’re some of my faves. Because whether we’re in DTLA (like Hannah and Jake’s epic session) or in the Bay Area (see Devin and Carter’s shoot for the inspo of actual DREAMS), they’re always elevated and super chic!!
My favorite part about a city engagement photoshoot is that when you’re choosing what to wear, you can go so many different routes. Whatever feels like you is ALWAYS key, but here are a few extra ideas!!
A white dress like this shift dress from Aritzia with a shoe that adds a pop of color (I love these Vince Camuto’s!)
A leather jacket paired with a casual outfit for a little bit of an edgier look
Still Wondering What to Wear for Engagement Photos? Here’s Where to Find Stylish Engagement Photo Outfits
If you’re still looking for something that makes you feel like a model, here are a few places that I always recommend my couples shop at for SoCal engagement photos:
Free People – for the boho, effortless gal who lovvves that flowy feel.
Nuuly – for the indecisive one who doesn’t want to buy a whole new outfit for engagement photos (I feel you, deep in my soul).
Reformation – because they have everything here, especially for the classy, elevated babes!!
Madewell – if you want that vibe that’s like, “Yeah, I just rolled out of bed and put this on and look like a literal angel on Earth.”
Cambria Shelley | SoCal Engagement Photographer
Just know this: as your SoCal engagement photographer, I’ll always help you figure out what to wear for engagement photos. I’m the type of girl who’s gonna give you my honest opinion, tell you what works and what doesn’t. And then we’ll have the most fun shoot ever, with you feeling suuuper comfortable and confident and me snapping pics like the silly little third wheel I am.
Love the vibes? Inquire here about booking me today!!
