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This year may not be jam-packed with extravagant parties and exotic travel, but it’s become about spending quality time with loved ones, and getting creative at home. And if you’re engaged, you’re most likely quarantined at home with the person you love—with ample of extra time to focus on the parts of the planning process that at your busiest, likely wouldn’t get the attention they deserve.
Enter your engagement photos. You may be looking forward to them, while your partner might be dreading the thought. No matter your take, that pre-wedding photo session is the time to get comfortable in front of the camera. It can also be an opportunity to possibly test the waters with your chosen wedding photographer, and get a feel for his or her vibe, art direction, and working style. While this session may need to happen at a distance and with your photographer wearing a mask, what better time to meet up outdoors for a gathering of three, to capture photos you can keep for a lifetime and use to art your wedding website, possible postponement announcements, and frame in your home.
And as for your wardrobe for this not-so-impromptu shoot, we’ve got you covered. Whether your style is fashion-forward and trendy, laidback with a side of sexy, or traditional all the way, here are 10 engagement photo fashion ideas we're loving—and that you can shop right now. While you’re at it, you might as well get inspired for the shoot with our expert guide for taking chic engagement photos.
Calling all 2020, 2021, and 2022 brides: This is the engagement photo outfit edit you've been waiting for.
Back to Basics
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
Lounge Around
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
Dressed Up Day
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
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Do Not Disturb
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
Suit Up
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
Civil Ceremony
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
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co*cktail Casual
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
Garden Party
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
Take a Dip
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
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Black Tie [At Home]
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
Heather Hall
Contributing Weddings Writer
Heather Hall is a weddings, fashion, and lifestyle writer and editor. Her career in weddings began at The Knot, where she worked as a bridal fashion editor. She then worked as a PR Manager at Amsale, a bridal design house, before starting her ownevents and digital marketing business. She has been featured on Today.com, MSN.com, Yahoo.com, Racked.com,Huffington Post, Verily Magazine, andStyle Me Pretty. Heather loves music, travel, and practicing yoga. In her spare time she's typicallyresearching the next fun workout class to try, orfinding a new concert to attend. Her latest goal: become a DJ.
Carrie Goldberg
Weddings & Travel Director
Carrie Goldberg is HarpersBAZAAR.com’s Weddings & Travel Director. She oversees the site’s BAZAAR Bride channel, travel & dining content, and styles fashion and bridal editorials for BAZAAR.com. When she’s not traveling, she spends her free time in her hometown–New York City–where there is no shortage of new places to shop, eat, drink, see and explore.