20 Picture-Perfect Proposal Dresses to Get Engaged In
If you suspect a proposal is coming in the near future, it's time to start thinking about dresses to get engaged in. While some brides prefer the proposal to be a complete surprise, others want to be clued in so they can plan their outfit accordingly. If you fall into the latter category, you've come to the right place. We've compiled our favorite 20 dresses that are perfect for a proposal.
A proposal is often accompanied by an engagement photographer, which means you'll want to look photo-ready for the occasion. We spoke to Joliette Lukats of Joliette Marie Photography, an engagement photographer based in NYC who specializes in weddings and proposals, for her insight on what to wear for the big day.
"While the proposer is in the know the day of the proposal, the other person is usually in the dark," she tells us. "With that said, it can be helpful to come up with an excuse to get dressed up nicely to make sure that your partner looks their best on the big day!"
Whether you want to rock a not-so-subtle shade of bridal white or opt for another favorite color of yours, there are plenty of gorgeous dresses on the market to cater to a wide range of personal styles. Make sure you bookmark this page, because you're going to want to save these dresses for your engagement dress inspiration.
In this article:
- How to Choose a Proposal Dress
- Where to Shop for Proposal Dresses
- The Best Dresses to Get Engaged In
How to Choose a Proposal Dress
While it may not always be possible to plan the exact dress you're going to get engaged in, having some proposal outfits on hand is a good idea if you suspect a 2025 proposal is coming soon. Dresses are great for proposals because they are often a comfortable and stylish choice. "I recommend choosing long, flowy dresses or skirts because they're flattering on all body types, look amazing on camera and bring extra movement and dimension to your photos," Lukats shares. When selecting a proposal dress, there are a few key points you'll want to consider.
Comfort
You look your best when you feel comfortable in what you're wearing, so be sure to choose a dress that makes you feel good. That means both physical comfort and something that makes you feel confident. Your engagement is a moment you'll remember forever and you'll want to be in the best possible headspace when it happens. Nothing can kill a good mood faster than a too-tight dress or itchy material, so make sure you feel comfortable in your dress before making your final selection.
Color
When choosing a dress for a proposal you can go either the classic bridal white color route or opt for another color you love. Considering there will likely be a proposal photographer to capture the moment, it's not a bad idea to opt for colors that photograph well, such as blues, jewel tones or neutrals.
"When choosing colors for your outfits, I recommend selecting lighter, neutral tones and more muted shades," Lukats explains. "Bright, bold or neon colors can be distracting from your face and features."
These photos will likely be used in your save-the-dates and engagement announcement, so considering how your outfit will photograph is an important factor. When in doubt, reach for your tried and true favorite color. Pro tip: solid colors and large-scale patterns tend to look best on camera.
"You can never go wrong with light neutral colors like cream, taupe, camel or light gray," Lukats continues. "The camera loves shades of soft pinks and muted blues, mixed with sophisticated light-colored neutrals. That softer, more neutral color palette fits beautifully into almost all natural outdoor environments and keeps the focus right where it should be, on you!"
Dress Length
The length of your dress will largely inform the style and vibe of your proposal photos. While maxi dresses tend to add more drama and lean more formal, cocktail-length dresses are great for more casual proposals.
"Maxi (or floor length) skirts and dresses will give us the best 'twirl factor,' add more romance to your walking photos and look especially gorgeous when juxtaposed with the architecture of the city or forests, fields or beach," Lukats tells us. "Cute, shorter cocktail-length dresses or midi skirts photograph beautifully as well."
Let it Unfold Organically
While we all want to be in the perfect camera-ready proposal outfit when the time comes, it's important to keep in mind that some of the best proposals are complete surprises, meaning you won't be able to curate the perfect outfit ahead of time. It's okay to plan ahead for potential proposal outfits, but don't get disappointed if the moment happens when you're not in the exact outfit you had in mind. After all, this is a celebration of your love and your joy will radiate through no matter what you're wearing.
Where to Shop for Proposal Dresses
If you suspect a proposal coming, having a great proposal dress on hand is definitely a good idea. To make it easy, we've compiled our favorite dresses to get engaged in as well as our recommendations on where to shop for proposal dresses.
- Free People: Free People is one of our favorite places to shop for proposal dresses because they have a wide range of stylish, unique dresses at various price points. From whimsical boho maxi dresses to simple mini dresses, Free People has something for everyone.
- Lulus: Lulus is a great online retailer to shop for proposal and special occasion dresses. A budget-conscious choice, Lulus has plenty of gorgeous dresses under $50. And guess what? You can use our exclusive code THEKNOT20 for 20% off first-time purchases.
- Windsor: For stylish proposal dresses at an affordable price point, Windsor is our go-to. All of their dresses are under $200 and they carry a wide variety of styles, from floor-length gowns to flirty mini dresses and everything in between.
- Saylor: A woman-owned brand, Saylor has a great selection of dresses that are great for a proposal. Their occasion-ready styles can be dressed up or down for a range of events. We especially love their assortment of floral dresses for spring and summer. You can also shop their pre-loved collection for a sustainable option.
- Petal & Pup: Petal & Pup is an Australian brand that carries plenty of gorgeous proposal dresses. In addition to their own website, you can also shop Petal & Pup styles at Target, Nordstrom, Macy's and more.
The Best Dresses to Get Engaged In
Planning a proposal dress can be tricky if you don't know when your significant other is going to pop the question. These 20 proposal dresses are gorgeous options that deserve a spot in your closet if you suspect a proposal coming soon. From breezy sundresses for a beach proposal to cozy winter knits, we've covered all of the bases when it comes to planning your proposal dress.
1. Ramy Brook Shaina Tiered Mini Dress
You can't go wrong with a little white dress for your proposal. This one from Ramy Brook features a halter neckline and a flirty ruffled satin skirt. Pair it with a chic high ponytail and high heels for a glamorous and bridal-inspired proposal look.
Size range: XXS–XXL
2. Lulus Posh Promise Corduroy Long Sleeve Button-Up Mini Dress
This chic corduroy mini is perfect for a fall proposal dress. It can be dressed up or down, depending on your style, plus it comes in three colors.
Size range: XS–XXL
3. Saylor Kaitlyn Set
Turn up the heat with this printed set from Saylor that's perfect for a vacation proposal. Pair it with strappy sandals or go barefoot for a walk along the beach.
Size range: XS–XL
4. Celia B Blumen Dress
This pink tweed mini dress is giving major Elle Woods meets Cher Horowitz vibes. It's perfect for a romantic dinner date where you suspect a proposal is coming.
Size range: XS–XL
5. Petal & Pup Persia Satin Sheath
When in doubt, a satin slip dress is always a good idea. It's the perfect versatile closet staple that can be styled in countless ways. This one from Petal & Pup comes in three colors.
Size range: 0–16
Price at time of publication: $59
6. Windsor Chic Staple Ribbed Knit Skater Dress
A cozy off-the-shoulder sweater dress is perfect for a winter proposal dress. Paired with some knee-high boots and tights, this proposal look is straight out of a Hallmark movie.
Size range: XS–L
7. Reformation Woodson Dress
This stylish midi dress is equal parts fashionable and comfortable. You can't go wrong with classic black, and it also comes in ivory for a subtle nod to bridal style.
Size range: 0–12
8. Of Her Own Kind Mirabelle Dress
Bow tie sleeves and a sweeping ruffled hem add just enough drama to this midi dress. A romantic choice, pair it with nude heels and a swipe of red lipstick for a photo-ready proposal look.
Size range: XS–XXL
9. Elliatt Trompe Dress
3D florals make a statement on this chic mini dress. Whether you opt for vibrant Barbiecore pink, classic black or bridal white, this dress is a cute dress to get engaged in.
Size range: XXS–XXL
10. Petal & Pup Elke Maxi Dress
This retro-inspired polka dot midi is the perfect proposal dress that you can dress up or down. Plus, it's under $100, making it a great budget-friendly choice.
Size range: XS–XL
11. Cupshe Leaf Print One-Shoulder Belted Dress
Pack this leaf-printed mini dress in your carry-on if you suspect a vacation proposal in your future. The one-shoulder silhouette is perfect for showing off that glowing beachy tan.
Size range: XS–XL
12. Anthropologie The Fleur Strapless Satin Maxi Slip Dress
An abstract floral print adds intrigue to this otherwise simple satin slip dress. If florals aren't your thing, it also comes in seven colors and prints to suit every style.
Size range: XXS–XL
13. Elliatt Vida Dress
A little white dress is perfect for a proposal. This one from Elliatt has an off-the-shoulder neckline and structured silhouette. In addition to bridal white, it also comes in a daring bright red shade.
Size range: XXS–XXL
14. Abercrombie Crochet-Style Maxi Dress
This crochet maxi is an effortless beach proposal dress that's perfect for a suspected proposal. It's casual enough to wear with sandals on the beach, but would also fit in at a celebratory dinner.
Size range: XXS–XL
15. Saylor Alesta Dress
This charming floral wrap dress is perfect for a spring or summer proposal. It's easy to throw on with your favorite heels, ballet flats or sandals, but it looks put together and stylish.
Size range: XS–XL
16. Hill House The Ellie Nap Dress
As the name suggests, the fan-favorite Hill House Nap Dress is so comfortable you could take a nap in it. This one comes in 20 equally beautiful colors and prints, so there is truly something for everyone.
Size range: XXXS–XXXXL
17. Free People Bluebell Maxi Dress
Featuring a mix of beautiful floral prints, this striking maxi would look stunning in summer engagement photos. The pretty green shoulder ties add an extra touch of whimsy that we love. If blue isn't for you, there are six other color options to check out.
Size range: XS–XL
18. Flat White Turtleneck Sweater Dress
This cozy sweater dress is perfect for a lowkey winter proposal. It features a classic mock neckline and comes in three colors.
Size range: XXS–XL
19. A New Day Women's Bow Midi Dress
Bows were a top trend for 2024 and they aren't going anywhere for 2025. This midi features a bow detail on the bodice and comes in an extended size range. The best part: it's under $40.
Size range: 0–26
20. Lulus Compellingly Gorgeous Ivory Floral Tiered Tie-Strap Midi Dress
Lean into the bridal theme with this whimsical ruffled midi from Lulus. It features a corset bodice, bow tie sleeves and a moody gray floral print.
Size range: XS–XL