Engagement Style Guide
Hi Friends...
Choosing what to wear for your session doesn’t have to feel overwhelming, I’m here to help take the stress out of it! I’ve gathered some favorite tips to make finding your look fun and feel-good, so you can walk into your session feeling confident and camera-ready. If you’re ever unsure, shoot me a text or email, I’m always happy to help you decide!
You’re going to look incredible. Promise.
With joy,
Maddie 💛
“A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person.”
- Mignon McLaughlin
What to wear
a little planning now equals dreamy photos you will treasure for a lifetime
At a glance
what photographs best
- Solid colors
- Neutral + light tones
- Soft textures
- Minimal or no patterns
These choices give your photos a clean, timeless, and emotional feel, letting the love in the moment take center stage.
Light Neutrals
think soft, dreamy, and peaceful
Light neutrals reflect natural light beautifully, creating soft, ethereal images that feel peaceful, connected, and full of grace. These tones gently highlight your bump and bring attention to the emotion in every frame, anticipation, joy, and love. Whether we’re outdoors or in the comfort of your home, light neutrals blend effortlessly into any setting, giving your gallery a cohesive, timeless feel you’ll treasure forever.
Examples: Cream, Light gray, White, Blush, Beige, Dusty sage, and Pale blue
Dark Neutrals
think rich, cozy, and grounded
Dark neutrals add richness, depth, and a cozy sense of grounding to your images. These tones create beautiful contrast, helping the natural emotion and movement of your family shine through. Whether it’s a navy sweater, a deep green dress, or warm brown layers, darker shades bring a touch of elegance while still keeping the focus on your connection. They pair beautifully with lighter tones and photograph effortlessly in any season
Examples: Navy, Deep brown, Charcoal gray, Rich black, and Forest or dusty green
Neutrals are the unsung heroes of engagement photo styling — and for good reason! They complement every backdrop, from golden fields to downtown skylines, and make coordinating with your partner effortless. Whether you’re opting for a flowing dress, a cozy sweater, or something a little dressier, soft neutral tones bring a sense of calm and timelessness to your images. They mix and match with ease (without feeling too “matchy”), and let the emotion, and the two of you, take center stage. Want to weave in a little personality? A pop of color in your shoes, jewelry, or even a jacket can add just the right flair without stealing the spotlight. Think natural, romantic, and effortlessly you.
Vibe check!
Whether you’re dreaming of a soft, romantic look or something more casual and cozy, the key is choosing outfits that highlight your bump and feel like you.
For a soft, feminine vibe, I recommend a flowing, maxi-length dress or skirt. The movement in the fabric photographs like magic and adds a beautiful sense of grace to your images.
Prefer something more laid-back? A pair of well-fitting jeans, cute boots, and a cozy sweater with a scarf can still look amazing, relaxed and stylish.
When it comes to dresses, the most flattering options are:
• A form-fitting dress (like a sweater dress) to highlight your shape
• A fitted top with a flowy skirt to create a natural, elegant silhouette
Avoid fabrics that cling due to static or bunch in odd places, they can be tricky on camera. I also recommend bringing one dressy outfit and one casual option, so you have variety to choose from when you view your gallery later!
Dressy
Casual
What to avoid
A few helpful tips to keep your photos looking clean, cohesive, and timeless:
Avoid everyone wearing white tops. White is fine on one person, but when everyone’s in it, the image can look flat and washed out.
Skip tiny patterns (especially on men’s shirts), anything smaller than a dime can create strange effects on camera.
Say no to graphic tees or bold logos. These pull attention away from your faces and the emotion in the photo.
Avoid all-over prints for the whole group. If one person wears a subtle pattern, pair it with solids on everyone else.
Neons and super bright tones (red, orange, yellow, bright blue) tend to reflect color onto skin and can distract from your connection.
Ill-fitting clothes = uncomfortable photos. Avoid anything too baggy, too tight, or that rides up or slips down.
Wearing white for your engagement session? Yes, please! There’s just something about it that feels fresh, fun, and full of “we’re getting married!” energy, even if it’s just your favorite white sundress or a cute cream sweater. It’s an easy way to let these photos stand out as more than just another couple’s session. White pops beautifully against any backdrop, keeps things light and romantic, and gives a subtle nod to what’s ahead without feeling overly formal. Think effortless and elevated, like your everyday style, just with a little extra sparkle.
Plan to do some moving, walking, playing, and a little bit of dancing.
I'm so excited to photograph your maternity session! I hope you are getting excited too.