Yahoo Lifestyle The 19 Best Outfits to Wear for Spring Engagement Photos
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Brides / Kristin Kempa
With the snow melting and flowers blooming, spring provides a stunning backdrop for engagement photos. Whether you’re planning to take shots in a beautiful park, a botanical garden, or at your favorite hiking spot, there’s a lot to think about when it comes to planning your photo shoot wardrobe.
If you're taking engagement photos in the spring, it’s especially important to consider what you’ll wear. The weather tends to fluctuate between warm and cool temperatures, so you'll definitely want to have layers available. You'll also want to consider how your outfits will look with the various spring backdrops—you can even tie in your wedding color theme (and then use the photos for save the dates and thank you cards!).
From floral prints to denim fabrics, the seasonal style options are endless. If you’re looking for outfit inspiration or need help knowing where to start, we've rounded up top picks for the best spring engagement photo outfits—including several options you can re-wear at other wedding events like the bridal shower or rehearsal dinner.
Read on for the best spring engagement photo outfits.
Best for the Beach: LSPACE Hanna V-Neck Dress
This chic V-neck design is perfect for an engagement photo session on the beach. This maxi dress features a whimsical and romantic silhouette with a high slit, flowy puff sleeves, and plenty of movement for breezy beach photos. The dress also comes in the perfect bridal white color, as well as a spring lilac hue.
Price at Time of Publish: $176
Material: Viscose | Size Range: XS-XL | Colors: Cream, lily
Best for a Park: Everlane The Canvas Overalls
If you're taking photos in the park, it's nice to have some casual outfit options on hand.For an elevated twist on overalls, consider this white style from Everlane. Pair with a feminine blouse in either matching white for a monochrome bridal look or colorful florals for a play on spring. The overalls are made from 100 percent durable cotton and feature a relaxed, comfortable fit. Plus, you can get lots of wear out of them long after the photos are snapped.
Price at Time of Publish: $118
Material: Cotton | Size Range: 00-16 | Colors: White
Best for a City Setting: Dynamite Asher Blazer Romper
For a city engagement shoot, consider a fashion-forward romper. We love this option because it creates the illusion of a mini dress and has clean lines that will blend in perfectly with a skyscraper backdrop. It’s something you could easily wear again in your bridal wardrobe, especially for bachelorette weekends or even the rehearsal dinner.
Price at Time of Publish: $90
Material: Polyester, spandex | Size Range: 2XS-XL | Colors: Black, white, peridot green
Related:The 19 Best Rehearsal Dinner Dresses of 2023
Best for a Garden: Hill House The Ellie Nap Dress
A garden setting calls for an ensemble that feels elegant, yet soft, much like the coveted Hill House Nap Dress. This cult-favorite dress is a fantastic option for those looking to add a romantic floral print to their engagement shoot wardrobe—and we especially love it as a way of adding something blue to your look. In addition to blue floral, the dress also comes in several other colorful prints and solids. Plus, it’s made from a lightweight and breathable cotton material so it will keep you cool and refreshed, even in warm spring weather.
Price at Time of Publish: $150
Material: Cotton | Size Range: 2XS-2XL | Colors: Blue ditsy, spring chintz, pink vine stripe, green vine stripe, blue botanical, victorian red, black, navy, lilac tonal floral, ballerina pink, botanical garden, lilac clip dot check, sheer white
Related:The 18 Best Engagement Photo Dresses for Every Budget and Style
Best for a Wildflower Field: Free People Sundrenched Solid Maxi Dress
An engagement photo session in a wildflower field calls for something with a lot of flow. This gorgeous bohemian option features just enough detail to make it feel elevated without overshadowing the beauty of the nature around you. It comes in several colors, including bridal white, and is made from 100 percent cotton with a viscose lining, providing lots of breathability. Pair this with a denim jacket and an oversized rancher hat and you'll have a pulled together, yet laid-back look.
Price at Time of Publish: $148
Material: Cotton, viscose | Size Range: XS-XL | Colors: Ivory, bitter oil, canyon clay
Best for a Hike: Blooming Jelly Women's Button Down Flannel Shirt
There are so many different ways you can go with hiking engagement photos—we definitely recommend adding a flannel shirt to whatever ensemble you choose. After all, flannels are the ultimate outdoorsy garments! This shirt could easily be worn buttoned up, open with a tank top underneath, or tied at the waist for a blouse-like feel. The flannel also comes in dozens of colors, giving you plenty of options to choose something that matches your personal style, the season, or your wedding colors.
Price at Time of Publish: $36
Material: Polyester | Size Range: XS-3XL | Colors: Black, blue, khaki, brown, purple, and 30 other colors
Most Bridal: Lulus Love Swept White Lace Midi Skater Dress
For a look that feels ultra-bridal, this pretty dress from Lulus is a must. It features a timeless silhouette that would look amazing in virtually any setting, and the lacey material makes it feel both romantic and elegant. It’s a dress you can get a lot of use out of, too, as it can be worn again at an engagement party, bridal shower, rehearsal dinner, or even out to dinner during a bachelorette party.
Price at Time of Publish: $96
Material: Cotton, nylon, polyester | Size Range: 2XS-XL | Colors: White
Most Casual: Franhais Wide Leg Pants Sets
If you want something that looks casual, but still feels dressed up, we recommend this two-piece set from Amazon. It's constructed from a linen-blend material and features flowy pants with a slightly oversized button-down shirt. It comes in lot of colors—including bridal white— and is another option that will get plenty of wear after your photoshoot wraps (it would make for an amazing honeymoon beach coverup!). The set also boasts lots of value as it costs less than $50 for the two pieces combined.
Price at Time of Publish: $43
Material: Linen blend | Size Range: S-L | Colors: Green, black, lake blue, light blue, light pink, orange, purple, white
Best Blouse: Caslon Split Neck Blouse
Finding the best blouse for spring engagement shoots can be a challenge, but we love the versatility of this one from Caslon. The Split Neck Blouse comes in lots of different colors and prints and is made from breathable and lightweight cotton material. It's also a top that pairs well with anything from jeans (for a more casual look) to skirts for something more dressed up.
Price at Time of Publish: $59
Material: Rayon | Size Range: 2XS-2XL | Colors: Green dune, blue cornflower, green menthol, ivory, pink, white
Best Denim Dress: Free People Hannah Denim Mini Dress
This denim dress comes in several different washes and features lots of romantic details, including ruffles at the wrists. We love it buttoned up with a pair of ankle boots, but you could also wear it as a denim jacket alternative over a dress and some knee-high boots, too.
Price at Time of Publish: $128
Material: Cotton | Size Range: XS-XL | Colors: Workwear blue, tried and true blue, spring white, marine blue
Best Slip Dress: Quince 100% Washable Silk Slip Dress
This minimalist dress is made from 100 percent silk and comes in several different colors, including some bridal-friendly hues that could be worn multiple times for various engagement and wedding celebrations. It's also under $100, making it a total steal for a silk dress. On top of that, it's completely washable, so if it gets dirty during your photo shoot, it doesn't have to be dry cleaned.
Price at Time of Publish: $80
Material: Silk | Size Range: XS-XL | Colors: Champagne, navy, aubergine, copper brown, forest green, burgundy, black, gray
Best Hat: Lack of Color Ivory Rancher
Hats are a fun way to accessorize an engagement shoot wardrobe, especially when it comes to spring engagement outfits. This style is our top pick because it boasts a stylish, yet timeless shape and is made from a high-quality wool material. It also comes in lots of gorgeous colors, including bridal white as well as spring tones like light pink and cactus green. Unlike many hats, it's available in different sizes, so it's easy to find one that fits your head circumference perfectly.
Price at Time of Publish: $149
Material: Wool | Size Range: S-2XL | Colors: Ivory, green, burnt orange, brown, black, blue, sand, light blue, chocolate brown, cactus green, red, pink, light brown, forest green
Best for a Home Shoot : Fixmatti Women 2 Piece Knit Set
Shooting engagement photos at home is a nice way to mix up your backdrops and get some snapshots of your everyday life together. If you’re taking photos at home in the spring, a cozy knit set is a must. We love this set—it's constructed from breathable, lightweight yarn and features a classic wide-leg pant silhouette paired with a chic V-neck sweater. It also comes in a wide range of beautiful colors that tie in to both bridal style and the spring season.
Price at Time of Publish: $52
Material: Viscose, nylon | Size Range: S-XL | Colors: White, pink, orange, light gray, light blue, khaki, brown, blue, black, apricot
Best Denim Jacket: LEVI'S '90s Denim Trucker Jacket
A denim jacket is the ultimate spring layering piece, and it's a must-have for a spring engagement outfit, too. With its vintage feel and timeless style, the best denim jacket in our opinion is the Levis 90s Trucker Jacket. It comes several denim washes, including a medium and light version that would work especially well in the spring season. We love that it can be worn over anything from a floral sundress to a flowy blouse. After your engagement shoot, you could even get it customized on the back and wear it again at your bachelorette party or over your wedding dress for a late-night outfit change.
Price at Time of Publish: $98
Material: Cotton, Tencel lyocell | Size Range: XS-XL | Colors: Medium wash, light wash, dark wash, black
Related:14 Cool and Custom Wedding Jackets for Every Bridal Style of 2023
Best Floral Dress: Reformation Lacey Dress
It wouldn’t be a spring outfit without florals. This white floral dress features a square neckline with puffed short sleeves, and a midi-length skirt with a high slit. We love it because it feels whimsical and romantic, plus it comes in a beautiful bridal white floral print. The dress is also super versatile and could easily be worn again for a bridal shower.
Price at Time of Publish: $248
Material: Viscose, rayon | Size Range: 0-12 | Colors: White floral print
Related:The 17 Best Bridal Shower Dresses of 2023 for Brides-to-Be
Best Boots: TOMS Everly Cutout Boot
If you plan to wear boots, a classic ankle bootie is ideal for the season. We love this style because it can be easily dressed up or down, depending on your ensemble. The boots are also made from high-quality leather material, come in several neutral tones that go well with everything, and feature a comfortable low heel. For added support, these boots are also designed with an OrthoLite® Eco™ X-40 footbed, which is breathable and sweat-wicking, and provides long-lasting comfort (even if you have to hike in them to get that shot).
Price at Time of Publish: $120
Material: Leather | Size Range: 5-11 | Colors: Black, brown, natural
Best Cardigan: Madewell Sophee Patch Pocket Cardigan Sweater
Cardigans are on trend this year, and they’re also an excellent layering piece for the spring season. If you want to add a cozy knit to your spring engagement photos, this Madewell cardigan will do the trick. It's made from 100 percent cotton yarn and features a crochet-inspired stitch with a retro, 70s silhouette. We love it for its exaggerated and statement-making buttons, the front pockets, and the collar detail (which you don’t always see on a cardigan sweater). It’s a look you can wear buttoned up with a pair of jeans or open with a cami tank underneath.
Price at Time of Publish: $168
Material: Cotton | Size Range: 2XS-XL | Colors: White
Best Jumpsuit: Lulus Power of Love Magenta Strapless Jumpsuit
Jumpsuits are a fun addition to a spring engagement photoshoot wardrobe because they require little styling and make a bold statement. This design from Lulus comes in classic bridal white, as well as spring hues like magenta pink and orange-red (along with other color options). The peplum-inspired bodice has a spring feel that boasts a romantic silhouette and the wide-leg pants pair well with some heels or wedges.
Price at Time of Publish: $69
Material: Polyester, spandex | Size Range: XS-XL | Colors: Magenta, black, navy, red, emerald green, white, red orange
Best Heels: Dolce Vita Noles Heels
No engagement photoshoot wardrobe is complete without a pair of versatile heels. The Dolce Vita Noles Heels work well for the occasion because they feature a low and comfortable heel height, come in lots of colors — including bridal-inspired tones—and have a durable construction to last through many wears. On top of that, these heels have an inclusive size range, including size 4 through 15 and wide options, too.
Price at Time of Publish: $100
Material: Synthetic | Size Range: 4-15 (wide sizes also available) | Colors: Blush, cafe croco print, cafe multi, cream, dark gold, dune, electric blue, electric pink, espresso, gold metallic, ivory, light blue, lilac
What to Look for in Spring Engagement Outfits
Color
White isn’t just the go-to bridal color — it’s a must-have for spring wardrobes. With this in mind, you’ll have no problem finding plenty of options in crisp whites and ivories. However, Abby Young, a professional fashion stylist, says not to shy away from color. “Wear brighter and lighter colors for spring,” she recommends, noting that bright and bold colors pop on camera.
Layering
One thing to keep in mind while hunting for your perfect spring engagement outfits is layering, which adds more options to your wardrobe. “I am a strong believer that you do not need multiple engagement photo outfits,” says wedding planner and designer Codey Erin. Instead, Erin recommends layering pieces for more versatility. “Layers are such a fun way to keep warm or cool while offering some depth to your outfit,” she explains.
Fit and Tailoring
Since your spring outfits will be photographed, Young says the fit is key to a polished on-camera look. If your dress, pants, or jacket don’t fit well, she recommends utilizing a tailor for a more custom fit. “Make sure all pants, jackets, waistlines, and shoulders are comfortable and perfectly tailored to you,” she explains.
Versatility
When shopping for spring engagement outfits, wedding planner Elizabeth Wexler says to buy something you’ll wear again. “You have a lot of shopping and spending related to your wedding—not everything should have a one-time use,” she explains. Purchasing layering pieces like a denim jacket or knit cardigan are an easy way to add versatility to your wedding wardrobe, however, you can also re-wear things like white dresses, jumpsuits, and even hats (the Lack of Color Rancher in white would look amazing with a bachelorette outfit).
Frequently Asked Questions
What colors look best in engagement photos?
According to Bridget Bellucci, a wedding and engagement photographer, the best colors to wear in engagement photos depends on a couple of things, including what colors you feel best in and what colors compliment the background of your photos. “I usually advise for neutrals and earth tones as they are clean, timeless, and fit the majority of environments you’ll be in,” she explains.
That being said, spring is the time of florals and you could also draw inspiration from seasonal blooms to pull in pops of color, which Young says adds a nice touch to photos. A few bright colors, in addition to pastel hues, are a nice addition to spring engagement outfits. And, of course, you can’t go wrong with a classic bridal white, which is a popular color for the occasion and the season.
What should I avoid in engagement photos?
When planning spring engagement outfits, Wexler says there aren’t many rules on what not to wear and that the key is to feel comfortable in something that feels like an extension of yourself and your style. That being said, Young recommends limiting distracting details or patterns, including plunging necklines, herringbone, or too many clashing prints.
Elizabeth Wexler is a wedding planner and founder of Emlan Events.
Abby Young is a Silicon Valley-based professional fashion stylist.
Codey Erin is WPIC-certified wedding planner and designer based in Toronto.
Bridget Bellucci is a wedding and engagement photographer.
Why Trust Brides
Contributing writer Jessie Quinn has a bachelor’s degree in fashion journalism. From working in the fashion closet and interviewing designers at NYLON Magazine to now writing about the best style trends for various publications, Jessie researches and sources the best fashion finds. When researching the best spring engagement outfits, she considered everything from seasonal fabrics to colors to silhouettes. She also reached out to top engagement photo and bridal style experts to learn more about what types of outfits look best photographed during this transitional season.
Related:The 8 Best Photo Props for Engagement Pictures in 2023, According to a Wedding Photographer
