What to Wear for Engagement Photos in West Michigan
A Photographer’s Guide
If you’ve found yourself standing in front of your closet thinking, “Wait… what are we supposed to wear for this?” you are definitely not alone.
“What should we wear?” is one of the biggest questions couples ask before their engagement session.
And honestly? What you wear does matter.
Not because your outfits need to be trendy or perfectly curated. And not because you need to go buy an entirely new wardrobe.
What you wear matters because it changes how your photos feel.
The right outfits help you feel comfortable, confident, and like yourselves, which naturally creates photos that feel honest, connected, and effortless.
The way I always explain it is this:
Your location is like a painting that already exists, and now we’re choosing what to wear to step into that scene together.
So instead of focusing on creating “perfect” outfits, focus on creating outfits that feel natural within the environment and true to who you are.
If you’re overthinking your outfits… read this first
“What should we wear?” is one of the biggest questions couples ask.
And the truth is—what you wear matters.
Not because it needs to be perfect.
But because it affects how your photos feel.
The way I explain it is this:
Your location is like a painting that’s already been created—and now we’re choosing what to wear to step into that scene.
Start With Your Location
Before choosing outfits, choose your location.
Your environment sets the tone for everything.
A downtown Grand Rapids session is going to feel completely different than a Lake Michigan beach session, a greenhouse session, or running around in a field during golden hour.
Your outfits should support the atmosphere, not compete with it.
Think about the overall vibe you want your photos to have:
• Cozy and intimate
• Editorial and modern
• Playful and carefree
• Romantic and timeless
• Outdoorsy and adventurous
• Quiet and nostalgic
The location helps shape all of that.
If you’re still deciding where to take your engagement photos, start here:
7 Best Engagement Photo Locations in West Michigan
Wear Something That Feels Like You
This is probably the biggest piece of advice I can give you.
Wear something that feels like you.
Not the overly dressed up version of you.
Not the Pinterest version of you.
Not something you saw an influencer wear once and panic bought online three days before your session.
You deserve to look back at your engagement photos years from now and still recognize yourselves in them.
Start with pieces you already own and genuinely love wearing. Something you feel confident and comfortable in.
And if you do buy something new, wear it around the house a few times beforehand. Sit in it. Walk in it. Move in it. Make sure it still feels natural and fits your style.
Because when you feel comfortable, you naturally relax in front of the camera, and that’s when the real moments happen.
Movement Matters More Than You Think
My sessions are very movement based.
I’m not going to stiffly pose you for an hour straight and tell you exactly where to put your hands the entire time.
Instead, I guide you with prompts, movement, and interaction so your photos actually feel like you.
That means your outfits need to move well too.
Look for:
• Flowy fabrics
• Soft textures
• Layers with movement
• Dresses with motion
• Relaxed fits
• Pieces you can comfortably walk, sit, spin, or cuddle in
Movement creates life in photos. Wind catching a dress, jackets shifting as you walk, hands tucked into sweaters, hair moving in the breeze, those little in between moments make images feel emotional and real.
Avoid anything super stiff, restrictive, or uncomfortable. If you constantly need to adjust it, pull it down, or tug it back into place, you’ll feel distracted during your session.
We want the relaxed, comfortable version of you.
Aim for Timeless Over Trendy
Trends come and go really fast.
Your photos shouldn’t feel tied to one very specific internet trend that disappears in six months.
A good rule of thumb:
If you could’ve worn it five years ago and would still wear it five years from now, you’re probably in a really good place.
Timeless doesn’t mean boring.
It just means choosing pieces that feel classic, natural, and authentic to your personal style instead of overly trendy.
Simple outfits almost always photograph the best because they keep the focus on your connection instead of pulling attention away from it.
Keep Colors Simple and Natural
When it comes to colors, simpler is usually better.
I always recommend sticking with:
• Neutrals
• Earth tones
• Soft muted colors
• Warm tones
• Natural textures
These tones photograph beautifully in West Michigan landscapes and help create images that feel cohesive and timeless.
Colors inspired by nature almost always work well because they naturally complement your surroundings instead of fighting against them.
Try avoiding:
• Neon colors
• Super bright tones
• Heavy logos
• Busy graphics
• Extremely loud patternsYou want people looking at you first, not your shirt.
Coordinate, Don’t Match
You absolutely do not need matching white shirts and jeans.
The goal is balance, not duplication.
Instead of trying to wear identical colors, focus on choosing tones and textures that complement each other.
For example:
• One person in soft neutrals while the other adds a richer earthy tone
• One outfit with texture while the other stays simpler
• Mixing knits, linen, denim, cotton, or layered fabrics for dimension
Your outfits should feel connected without looking copy and pasted.
And honestly? Slight variation photographs so much more naturally.
Dress for the Season
Michigan seasons completely change the feeling of a session.
And your outfits should work with the season, not against it.
Summer
Summer sessions usually photograph beautifully with:
• Light neutrals
• Linen
• Flowy dresses
• Soft breathable fabrics
• Barefoot beach energy
Fall
Fall naturally adds:
• Warm earthy tones
• Texture
• Layers
• Knits
• Richer colors
Winter
Winter sessions benefit from:
• Added contrast
• Longer coats
• Texture layering
• Deeper tones
• Warm neutrals
The biggest thing is making sure you stand out from your environment while still fitting naturally into it.
You want to complement the location, not blend into it completely and disappear into the background.
Don’t Forget About Timing
Lighting changes everything, including how your outfits look in photos.
This is one of the reasons photographers are constantly talking about golden hour.
Golden hour adds warmth, softness, and dimension to your images. Colors feel richer, skin tones look beautiful, and everything feels a little dreamier.
Blue hour creates softer pastel tones and a moodier, more cinematic feel.
And harsh midday light? It tends to create stronger shadows and brighter contrast.
The timing of your session genuinely affects the overall feel of your gallery, which is why I help guide my couples through choosing the best timing based on location, season, and overall vision.
If you’re unsure when to schedule your session: Best Time of Day for Engagement Photos in Michigan
You Don’t Need to Have Everything Figured Out
I know outfit planning can feel weirdly overwhelming.
But you don’t have to figure it all out on your own.
When my couples book with me, I help guide them through all of this, from location ideas to outfit planning to timeline recommendations, so your session feels easy, intentional, and relaxed instead of stressful.
My goal is never to make you feel overly posed or curated.
I want your photos to feel honest. Connected. Natural. Like a snapshot of this season of your life exactly as it felt.
Let’s Plan Your Session
If you want engagement photos that feel effortless, emotional, and genuinely true to who you are, I’d love to help you plan something intentional together.
Whether that looks like running around the Lake Michigan shoreline at sunset, wandering downtown Grand Rapids, or documenting a slower evening that feels completely like you, I’m here for all of it.
Let’s document your story.
