How to Choose the Perfect Proposal Outfit

Be prepared before you pop the question.
Man proposing to woman on NYC street
Photo: The Knot Original Photography by Gieves Anderson
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by
Carli Brennan
carli brennan headshot
Carli Brennan
The Knot Fashion Contributor
  • Carli writes freelance fashion articles for The Knot.
  • Prior to The Knot, she was the style section editor at Her Campus Media and launched the Fashion Institute of Technology chapter of Her Campus.
  • Carli’s passion for the wedding industry stems from her time as a bridal consultant and her previous internship in a bridal showroom.
Updated Jan 23, 2025
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So many details go into crafting the perfect proposal, including choosing the perfect proposal outfit. Whether you are planning a proposal or have an inkling you are about to get proposed to, it's important to plan a proposal outfit that makes you feel your best. Especially if an engagement photographer is going to be involved, it's important to rock a proposal outfit that you'll be happy to have captured on camera in your special moment.

Depending on the proposal location and weather, you'll want to select an appropriate outfit that makes you feel confident. From laid-back beach proposals to chic metropolitan vibes, there's a special set of protocols that applies to each proposal. If you're unsure where to start, we've compiled our favorite editor-approved proposal outfits for every location and style.

In this article:

What to Wear When Proposing

The one proposing has the important task of dressing for the occasion without raising any suspicions if you want to keep the proposal a surprise. You'll want to look like yourself, only a slightly more elevated version for this special milestone.

Choose Comfort

If you are the one proposing, it's likely that you'll feel some jitters leading up to the proposal. Be sure to dress in something comfortable to make you feel at ease. If you opt for a brand new proposal outfit, be sure to try it on with ample time beforehand to ensure it fits comfortably and leave time to find a backup option if needed.

Think About Where to Hide the Ring

Make sure your outfit allows for an easily accessible place to hide the ring box leading up to the proposal. Whether that means large pockets or tucking the ring box away in a bag, be sure to consider this important step when choosing your proposal outfit.

Opt for Solids

Chances are there will be a frenzy of photos and videos after the proposal. As a general rule of thumb, solid colors tend to look best on camera as opposed to a busy pattern. Neutral colors are always a safe bet if you're unsure what to wear. A minimal, subtle print is also a great option if you want something with a bit more visual interest.

What to Wear to Get Engaged

If you have a suspicion that you are going to be proposed too soon, it's a good idea to have your ideal proposal outfit ready to go. While a complete surprise proposal doesn't allow for a planned-out outfit, if your partner has been dropping hints at an engagement, you'll be able to sneakily plan an engagement outfit.

Semi Formal Attire

Many couples choose to go with dressy casual or semi-formal attire for an engagement. After all, a proposal is a huge milestone and deserves to be treated as such! Opting for a special outfit that differs from our everyday attire is a small way to make this momentous moment feel even more special.

Choose What Makes You Feel Confident

Above all, you want to feel like the most confident version of yourself in your proposal. Whether that means your favorite blue jeans or high heels and a gown, each person is different and will feel their best in different things. While you want to choose something special, make sure it still feels true to you and your style.

Nails Are the Ultimate Accessory

It comes as no surprise that you'll want to make sure your nails are in tip-top shape for your proposal. After all, you'll want to snap lots of ring pictures for Instagram after your partner pops the question. If you suspect an incoming proposal, keep your nails engagement ready just in case. Don't want to ruin the surprise, but want to ensure your S.O. has engagement-ready nails? Consider bringing a set of press-on nails to ensure the perfect ring selfie. You never know when that romantic beach walk or special vacation can turn into a proposal!

Proposal Outfits for Him

Men's proposal outfits differ from your everyday attire. Opt for elevated versions of your favorite pieces to create an effortless, stylish proposal outfit. While you can never go wrong with a classic Oxford shirt, the pieces you choose to style it with will inform the overall aesthetic of your proposal outfit. Below, we've compiled our favorite picks for proposal outfit ideas for him.

Casual Proposal Outfit for Him

Even a more casual proposal comes with a certain level of formality for the occasion. We recommend pairing a classic button-down with either slacks or jeans. A crisp blue button-down is a universally flattering pick, especially when paired with fashion-forward Chelsea boots. Plus, you can layer it with a jacket and it can work for a variety of weather conditions and locations. This classic outfit is a foolproof pick for a proposal outfit.

Untuckit shirt for casual proposal outfit
Photo: Untuckit
Bonobos khaki chinos for casual proposal outfit
Photo: Bonobos
DSW brown Chelsea boots for casual proposal outfit
Photo: DSW

Formal Proposal Outfit

A formal proposal calls for an outfit that fits the occasion. Whether you're planning a swanky dinner or a romantic rooftop proposal, a classic button-down paired with dress pants and a blazer is always a good idea. Depending on how formal you want to get, you could also opt for a well-tailored suit and tie.

Men's Wearhouse grey jacket for formal proposal outfit
Photo: Men's Wearhouse
Old Navy white shirt for formal proposal outfit
Photo: Old Navy
Zara black pants for formal proposal outfit
Photo: Zara

Beach Proposal Outfit

If you're planning a beach proposal, a breezy button-down and chino shorts combination is your best bet. Boat shoes keep the look feeling beachy while a tiger's eye bracelet adds a trend-forward touch.

J. Crew blue shirt for beach proposal outfit
Photo: J. Crew
Land's End chino shorts for beach proposal outfit
Photo: Land's End
Sperry brown boat shoe for beach proposal outfit
Photo: Sperry

Spring Proposal Outfit

A bomber jacket is always a fashion-forward pick for men's engagement clothes ideas, especially as a light layering piece for a spring proposal. Spring weather can be unpredictable, so it's helpful to have a light jacket on hand. Pair yours with a crisp oxford shirt, chinos and oxford shoes for a proposal outfit that's sure to wow.

Bonobos black bomber jacket for spring proposal outfit
Photo: Bonobos
Abercrombie white shirt for spring proposal outfit
Photo: Abercrombie
J. Crew Factory grey chinos for spring proposal outfit
Photo: J. Crew Factory

Summer Proposal Outfit

Linen is a great lightweight fabric to keep you cool against the summer heat, and it works for both pants and shirts. You can keep it classic in light-colored neutrals (which are great for keeping cool) or opt for a fun pop of color.

Charles Tyrwhitt green linen shirt for summer proposal outfit
Photo: Charles Tyrwhitt
Tommy Bahama linen pants for summer proposal outfit
Photo: Tommy Bahama
Banana Republic Factory brown sneakers for summer proposal outfit
Photo: Banana Republic Factory

Fall Proposal Outfit

A knit sweater jacket or plaid shacket over a crisp white T-shirt and paired with matching suede Chelsea boots is a winning proposal outfit that's equal parts casual and chic. This stylish outfit is perfect for a more low-key fall proposal.

Abercrombie jacket for fall proposal outfit
Photo: Abercrombie
Quince knit shirt for fall proposal outfit
Photo: Quince
Thursday Boots Co. Chelsea boots for fall proposal outfit
Photo: Thursday Boots Co.

Winter Proposal Outfit

A winter proposal is a perfect time to break out a cozy cable knit sweater a la Chris Evans. Pair it with a subtle printed coat for some texture and an elevated white sneaker to keep the outfit feeling fresh.

L.L. Bean cable knit sweater for winter proposal outfit
Photo: L.L. Bean
Lululemon brown men's trousers for winter proposal outfit
Photo: Lululemon
Old Navy coat for winter proposal outfit
Photo: Old Navy

Proposal Outfits for Her

Picking a proposal outfit is no small feat. Whether you want a proposal dress or something more casual, the options for women's proposal outfits are endless. Lucky for you, we've styled some of our favorite proposal outfit ideas to help you gather inspiration for your engagement clothes, no matter your style.

Casual Proposal Outfit

While casual means different things to everyone, we recommend opting for a casual dress or jeans and a nice top for a casual proposal outfit. You'll want to look and feel like yourself, just slightly more polished and elevated. An easy dress paired with a denim jacket and white sneakers is easy and comfortable while still looking stylish.

Z Supply floral midi dress for her casual proposal outfit
Photo: Z Supply
Old Navy denim jacket for her proposal outfit
Photo: Old Navy
White Converse sneakers for her casual proposal outfit
Photo: Converse

Formal Proposal Outfit

For a formal proposal, we recommend wearing a dress and heels. You can opt for a gown or a cocktail-length dress, depending on the level of formality. Dress it up with your favorite sparkly jewelry and a matching bag.

Dress the Population floral dress formal proposal outfit for her
Photo: Dress the Population
Abercrombie black mini dress formal proposal outfit for her
Photo: Abercrombie
Elliatt red frilly dress formal proposal outfit for her
Photo: Elliatt

Beach Proposal Outfit

If a beach proposal is in your future, a crochet mini dress is a fitting outfit to get engaged in. It's the perfect comfortable yet stylish choice for a proposal. Dress it up with a metallic gold sandal and some pearl jewelry and add a straw bag as the finishing touch.

Abercrombie crochet maxi dress beach proposal outfit for her
Photo: Abercrombie
Blue mini dress for beach proposal
Photo: Revolve
Bloomingdale's gold sandal for beach proposal outfit
Photo: Bloomingdale's

Spring Proposal Outfit

While Miranda Priestly might think otherwise, florals are always a good idea for spring. Lean into the season with a floral dress in soft, pastel colors. If florals aren't your thing, opt for a simple solid-colored dress or top. As the weather can be unpredictable in spring, it's a good idea to bring along a light jacket. For shoes, a pair of sandals, espadrilles or wedges are the perfect finishing touch.

Showpo floral midi dress for spring proposal outfit
Photo: Showpo
Petal & Pup blue mini dress for spring proposal outfit
Photo: Petal & Pup
Target taupe maxi dress for spring proposal outfit
Photo: Target

Summer Proposal Outfit

You can't go wrong with a colorful dress or matching set for a summer proposal. Not only are they great for beating the summer heat, they look amazing on camera. Keep your accessories minimal with simple jewelry and tousled beachy waves.

Saylor blue two-piece summer proposal outfit
Photo: Saylor
Chakeris check pattern summer dress for summer proposal outfit
Photo: Chakeris
Petal & Pup mini dress for summer proposal outfit
Photo: Petal & Pup

Fall Proposal Outfit

As the temperatures get cooler, layer up in cozy knits and rich colors. Whether you choose a warm sweater dress or a breezy midi, our fall outfit engagement looks are just as chic at an apple orchard as they are cozied up by a fall bonfire.

Petal & Pup maxi dress for fall proposal outfit
Photo: Petal & Pup
Lulus midi dark blue dress for fall proposal outfit
Photo: Lulus
Mini sweater dress for winter proposal outfit
Photo: Revolve

Winter Proposal Outfit

Going on a romantic ski weekend or staying in a cozy cabin with your partner? Opt for a cozy proposal outfit of a cozy cardigan paired with sleek leather pants and a camel-colored wool coat. You'll look like the main character in a Hallmark movie!

Abercrombie cardigan for winter proposal outfit
Photo: Abercrombie
White House Black Market coated bootcut jeans for winter proposal outfit
Photo: White House Black Market
Calvin Klein camel coat for winter proposal outfit
Photo: Macy's
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