<p><strong>All the Looks to Shop When Planning Your Engagement Photos</strong></p> (2024)

There’s zero shame in keeping your look classic. With engagement parties, showers, and more on hold, it’s not like you’ve had loads of opportunity to feel like a bride the past few months. Take advantage of this shoot to go all-in on ivory, and invest in a piece that will likely come in handy at some point in the future, be it for your wedding weekend or in the celebrations leading up to it. Whether you are shooting (from a distance) at home or on the street, a simple, sleek slip dress is foolproof—especially when paired with equally-chic accessories. If you’re opting for a simple shape, stick to simple add-ons with clean lines, like a pair of cateye sunglasses and pearl drop earrings. Midi lengths work best when you skip an ankle strap, and lightweight fabrics, like satin, call for a strappy sandal rather than a pump. Expert tip: Don’t be afraid to reuse any or all of these pieces for your rehearsal dinner down the road, or an evening out on your honeymoon.

Cushnie dress, $1,595

Celine eyewear,

Jill Sander earrings, $330

Studio Amelia sandals, $340

Make the most of your time at home by keeping your engagement shoot indoors—and do as you’ve done throughout quarantine: get comfortable. Invite your photographer over to safely snap shots of you and your partner in your element. In this scenario, avoid wardrobe options that feel like they’re trying too hard; you’re lounging at home, after all. Invest in a set you’ve had your eye on, and layer on sentimental, stackable pieces rather than statement jewelry. Shop your jewelry box; and if you want to invest in something new, we suggest layering delicate rings and earrings for a chic, yet casual, look that allows you to stay present as your photographer captures the moment.

I.D. Sarrieri top, $395

I.D. Sarrieri shorts, $260

ByChari stud earring, $95

ByChari chain earring, $255

ByChari hoop earrings, $280

Catbird NYC ring, $74

Johanna Ortiz flats, $495

Dress up for a day out on the town, but don’t feel pressured to go out. Hint to your bridal style with touches of white and accents of pearl embellishments for a look that feels like you, with a nod to your soon-to-be status. Going for white denim or a white top ensures you’ll have loads of places to sport these pieces time and time again, but will still look more bridal in photos than other hues. As for shoes, opt for a silhouette that you can easily kick off; odds are, you’ll want to take some shots barefoot to drive home the easy, low-key feel these photos should always evoke.

Tove Studio top, $356

Frame jean, $240

Mateo New York earrings, $1,850

Bottega Veneta mules, $790

Odds are, you’re about to receive an enviable amount of white lingerie, so don’t invest in any on your own. Instead, shop for sexy sleepwear that you’ve always wanted. Rather than bring your photographer into your safe space, turn your engagement session into something that’s just for the two of you. A low-key engagement session that borders on boudoir photography is always an option, but this might be the moment to make it a partner project and take photos of each other alone. Odds are, photographing each other will result in photos far less posed, more intimate, and authentic to you individually and as a couple than a posed session would. Pro tip: Think of this idea as an add-on to a larger engagement session—you’ll still need a few photos for your wedding website that feel more celebratory than sultry.

Morgan Lane eye mask, $110

Cami NYC pajama set, $298

Fleur of England robe, $480

Miu Miu slides, $690

You heard it here first: When it comes to wedding dressing, dresses are optional. Opt for a chic blazer and matching pant or try an easy top and trouser. Your significant other can don their version of the same, which will feel coordinated without looking matchy-matchy. Keep your accessories fun and fashion-forward; make sure you invest in pieces that aren’t one-time-wears, but that you’ll incorporate into your wedding weekend wardrobe.

Octave Jewelry earrings, $405

Undra Celeste NY blazer, $325

Undra Celeste NY trouser, $159

SHRIMPS bag, $725

Malone Souliers slides, $57

If you’re having a civil ceremony to make things official, this is your opportunity to dress for the aisle—and tap into a facet of your personal style you won’t be showcasing on your actual wedding day. Use your civil ceremony as a chance to capture some photos of just the two of you. When planning your look, opt for one of the season’s boldest trends, like Victorian opulence. Dare to wear something to the floor, and a silhouette you might normally shy away from for the aisle, like a drop waist. Opt for feminine extras, like cameo earrings, a vintage hairpin, and a lace mule that feels elegant—per usual, make it fashion.

Erdem dress, $9,075

Jennifer Behr earrings, $425

Nadia Shelbaya hair pin, $414

Wandler mules, $530

The goal here is to not take yourself too seriously. Think: retro bombshells, like Dolly Parton and Marilyn Monroe, with a hint of saloon. Whether it’s this look or another you’ve dreamed up in quarantine, opt for a mood that’s fun, cheeky, and classic with a co*cktail twist. Go for a dress that could double as your after-party look, but dress it down with extras that wouldn’t typically appear at your wedding, like a western boot and a denim topper, to make the look more casual for a pre-wedding photo session.

Alessandra Rich gown, $1,960

JW Anderson jacket, $790

OMA the Label earrings, $89

Ganni boots, $495

Dress for the garden party you want, not the one you have. If you’re at home with family during quarantine, invite your photographer over to capture you both in the yard with your loved ones, perhaps enjoying a garden party lunch. Rather than posed photos, you’ll cherish these photos so much more. The tricks to this look: Plan to entertain at home in your element, keep it outdoors and vibrant, make it safe and socially distant, and, above all, dress for the setting. If you want to take this idea to the next level, accent the whole shoot with flowers—loads of them.

Dundas dress, $4,305

Of Rare Origin earrings, $1,200

Olympia Le-Tan clutch, $1,330

Brother Vellies sandal, $495

Have access to a pool? Try a Slim Arons poolside photo session complete with cabana vibes and tropical motifs. Have fun with it, but make sure the look doesn’t go too costume. Shop for accessories you’ll use all summer long and on your future honeymoon. Steer clear from choosing items that feel too matchy, you’ll want these shots to feel candid and natural.

Missoni Mare kaftan, $1,455

Balmain x Akoni sunglasses, $544

Orit Elhanati earring, $1,291

Agua by Agua Bendita swimsuit, $490

Altuzarra tote, $695

For the duo who misses dressing up, nights on the town, and wants to go all out, consider a more formal look—albeit at home—for your engagement photos. Use a look you purchased with wedding season in mind if you don’t want to go all-white, or if you want to have reasons to wear this ensemble long beyond your wedding planning days. With that in mind, keep it timeless. Try a black and white color palette and quintessentially evening accessories that are sure to become staples in your gala wardrobe, whenever those gatherings pick up again.

Carolina Herrera gown, $6,990

Colette Jewelry earrings, $13,995

Mented lipstick, $18

Aquazzura sandals, $995