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Updated Oct 14, 202428 Standout Engagement Photo Outfits for Summer 2023
Shop summery ideas for every couple.
Photos, left to right: Banana Republic, Lulus, Hill House
The period of your engagement is a fun and special time that deserves to be documented, and a formal engagement shoot is a wonderful way to preserve those memories with your partner. Taking professional portraits ahead of the wedding has benefits beyond simply gorgeous photos: It can act as a test run for a wedding photographer, potential wedding photo poses, hairstyles and much more.
"I'd like to encourage all couples to have an engagement session," says wedding photographer Bo Shim. "From the day you get engaged leading up to your wedding day is such a special time; you get to envision and plan your wedding together as a couple and all the memories you build during that time are really unforgettable," she adds. The pictures can also be repurposed for your wedding website, printed on save-the-dates or embedded in the wedding guest book—so basically, you'll use them in a lot of different ways.
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Attire is an equally important part of the photo session—and if you're planning to take summer engagement photos, we're here to help you prepare. Below, we're breaking down the ins and outs of summer engagement photo outfits, including how to choose the best styles for you and your partner. Then, we're sharing our favorite summer engagement photo looks to shop now.
In this article:
- Summer Engagement Photo Outfits for Women
- Summer Engagement Photo Outfits for Men
- What to Wear for Summer Engagement Photos
Summer Engagement Photo Outfits for Women
From flowy maxi dresses to ruffled blouses, we've gathered our favorite summer engagement photo outfit ideas for women—and they're all available to shop now.
Cutout Ruffle Dress
We're swooning over our first summer engagement photo dress: a dreamy ruffle maxi dress. The V-neckline, smocked bodice, and back cutout are comfortably casual but stylishly romantic. For accessories, add a cute headband, gold earrings, and neutral shoes.
Tropical Off-the-Shoulder Dress
This rental dress is a fun option for your summer engagement photo outfit. The colorful design has an off-the-shoulder neckline, functional side pockets and a lovely tropical print. Most importantly, the light and airy fabric will keep you comfortable in the summer heat.
Floral Maxi Skirt
This pink and ivory floral maxi is a dreamy choice for a garden engagement photo shoot. The whimsical silhouette has a high elasticized waist and flowy tiered design that will move beautifully in photos. Pair it with a cute crop top, silver or gold jewelry and sandals for a complete engagement photo outfit.
Sweetheart Ruffle Jersey Dress
You'll feel like a million bucks in this floral plus-size summer engagement dress. The fit-and-flare design has so many elements we love: an elegant sweetheart neckline, flutter sleeves, and a multi-colored botanical print. Best of all, it's made with lightweight, stretchy jersey fabric—an ideal material to wear for your summer engagement shoot.
White Lace Blouse
This romantic over-the-shoulder blouse is available in a wide range of sizes. We have to call out the ruffled neckline, wide sleeves, and intricate lace detailing. Complete the look with gold jewelry and denim jeans for a casual summer engagement photo outfit.
Pink A-Line Dress
We just can't get enough of Hill House Home's signature Nap Dress, and this bright pink color would pop beautifully in your engagement photos. The A-line dress, which comes in extended sizing, has a chic-smocked bodice that flows into a tiered midi skirt. The ruffled shoulders and functional pockets add to this standout summer engagement photo dress.
One-Shoulder Maxi Dress
What about a simple-but-elegant option, like this timeless one-shoulder dress? This warm and passionate piece also comes in summery honeydew and classic black and a range of standard, petite, and plus sizes—making it one of our favorite summer engagement photo dresses to shop right now.
Bow Statement Top
This stunning blush bandeau is a classic choice for your summer engagement photos. The bold bow detail perfectly accents the minimalist fitted silhouette, and there are so many fun ways to accessorize too: flowy pants, sparkly statement earrings, and comfy heels would look so, so good.
Blue and White Midi Dress
This flowery frock is stylish, lightweight and will look gorgeous in your summer beach engagement photos. We adore the V-neckline, flowy skirt hem, and blue and white pattern. Plus, you'll love having this trendy piece in your closet rotation after your shoot.
Linen Wide-Leg Pants
Linen pants will not only keep you cool in the summer heat, but they'll pair nicely with any cropped or fitted top. These high-rise pants have an elasticated waist and breezy wide legs for ultimate comfort. You can also choose from three different lengths: Short, Regular, and Long. Get ready to take lots of fun engagement photos in these flowy, beachy pants.
Floral Ruffle Tank
Simple yet sophisticated, this versatile tank top will look good in your summer engagement photos (and remain a staple in your wardrobe long after). The ruffled neckline adds a touch of formality, while the sleeveless design will keep you cool in the summertime. Wear it with cute blue or white jeans and stylish pumps.
Orange Flutter Dress
Here's a versatile summer engagement photo outfit that can be dressed up or down depending on your style. We're loving the cute flutter sleeves and simple tie waist, plus the vibrant orange color screams summertime. Style your outfit with sparkly earrings and cute heeled sandals.
Floral Mini Dress
How trendy is this green and white floral mini dress? The sweetheart neckline, puff sleeves, and open back make this summer engagement photo outfit a cute option for a beach or garden session. And it's cut from breathable and soft rayon-crepe fabric, so you'll stay cool throughout your engagement shoot. This dress is available in sizes XS to XXL.
Green Satin Dress
This sultry satin slip is a classy summer engagement photo dress you'll definitely want to rewear. The delicate straps, high split hem, and unique shade of green are just a few of the things we love (and we know your partner will too). Add a sparkly hairpiece, dangly earrings and nude sandals or mules.
Square-Neck Mini Dress
Brides-to-be, check out this dreamy ruffle mini dress for a casual summer engagement photo outfit. The square neckline and flared sleeves aren't even the best parts—the white dress is covered in beautiful floral embroidery for an ethereal look.
Summer Engagement Photo Outfits for Men
When it comes to summer engagement photo outfits for men, finding practical and comfortable pieces that can withstand the summer heat is the goal. We've pulled casual and dressy outfit options for all styles and venues—some of our picks are even wrinkle- and sweat-proof!
Floral Printed Shirt
We're starting off our men's picks with this fun printed short-sleeve shirt. First, select your favorite print (we really like the red, pink, and blue floral design for summer), then choose the fit (Tailored, Slim, Standard or Athletic) and your preferred length. For pants, try neutral chinos or shorts to draw attention to the refreshing pattern.
Khaki Shorts
If you're taking your summer engagement photos on the beach, look no further than these comfortable khakis. These versatile shorts work with so many different tops, including colorful, printed and plain button-down shirts. Bonus: They're made with a comfortable cotton blend that has a bit of stretch.
Short-Sleeve Linen Shirt
Linen is one of our preferred fabrics for the summertime because of its breathability, which is essential for an outdoor engagement photo shoot. This button-down comes in a few nice summery shades, including blue, pink and classic white, so pick whatever coordinates best with your partner's outfit.
Plaid Sport Shirt
You'll look dapper in this blue and pink plaid sport shirt for your summer engagement photo outfit. The 100% cotton material is not only soft and breathable, but it's also wrinkle-resistant. The fancy button-down collar, chest pocket and adjustable cuffs give this good-looking shirt a formal edge. Sizes range from 2XL to 6XL, including tall sizes.
Lightweight Moss Shorts
Now here's something cool: Banana Republic Factory's Core Temp fabric will help you regulate your body heat—cooling you down (or warming you up) as needed—which makes this stylish short a must-have for your summer engagement shoot. Choose between the 7-inch and 9-inch styles.
White Linen Dress Shirt
We just had to include another linen option on our list (comfort is key, after all). This dress shirt boasts a simple design for your summer engagement shoot. The long sleeves will keep you covered from the sun, but you can still roll them up easily. And with the versatile white color, you should have no problem coordinating with your partner.
Wrinkle-Resistant Pants
Rhone's Commuter Pant will become an everyday staple after your summer engagement photo shoot. The fit is sleek and sophisticated, but way more comfortable than regular chinos. The unique Flex-Knit fabric is breathable, stretchy and wrinkle-resistant—and did you see all those colorways? Plus, the pants have a handy side pocket to hold your wallet and keys, so it's easy to tuck those away during your shoot.
Purple Polo Shirt
We'll always encourage pops of color in the summertime. This handsome purple polo is made with soft and stretchy pique-knit fabric containing moisture-wicking properties for extra comfort. Paired with comfy dark-wash pants, this summer engagement photo outfit idea is the definition of dressy casual.
Long Khaki Pants
If you'd prefer to wear long pants instead of shorts, these khaki pants are a real winner (and no one will know just how comfortable they are). The modern fit sits below the waist and is tapered through the hip, thigh and leg for a well-dressed look.
Tropical Button-Down Shirt
A printed button-down is one of our favorite beach engagement photo outfit ideas. This one has a dressy collar, comfortable short sleeves, and a tropical leaf design that's on theme for an oceanside shoot. The shirt also comes in some other fun patterns, including Yellow Floral and Geo Green. And did you take a look at that price tag? We're impressed.
Dressy Long-Sleeve Shirt
For a more formal option, what about this handsome button-down covered in small geometric florals? The classic design features a semi-spread collar and a chic French placket. Most importantly, the fabric is quick-drying, wrinkle-resistant, and will absorb moisture during your summer shoot.
Light Blue Shorts
You'll be able to move freely and comfortably in these classic-fit shorts inspired by chinos. The sweat-wicking fabric is designed for those scorching summer days—and if your engagement photoshoot happens to fall on one of them, you'll be glad you wore these quick-drying shorts.
White Performance Polo
The closest thing to a comfy T-shirt is this sleek white polo for your summer engagement photoshoot. The pique fabric is quick-drying, moisture-wicking, and has anti-order properties. We have a feeling it'll become your new favorite shirt in no time.
What to Wear for Summer Engagement Photos
Summer is an exceptionally beautiful time of year to have an engagement shoot. "Summer is great to capture these moments because you're just more carefree, and you have many options to choose from in terms of the locations," Shim says. But what do you wear for engagement photos in the summer?
How to Select Your Summer Outfit
There are a few factors to consider when planning your summer outfit, including the location, venue and climate of your photo shoot. For instance, if you're posing for pictures on the beach, flowy and loose-fitted clothing will feel comfortable and complement the ocean breeze—which will in turn create great movement in your photos. For the warmer weather, aim for clothes made from lightweight and breathable fabrics, especially if you'll be outdoors throughout the engagement session. (Linen and cotton are two classic choices.)
As for the dress code, Shim suggests dressy casual—or somewhere between formal and casual. "I personally love neutrals or pops of colors for the ladies and khakis or light colors for the guys—and avoid the color black, especially in the summer. I'd recommend colors that complement each other or stay in the same color palette," explains Shim. She offers some great examples, like "a light summer dress with a pair of heels" for women and "a pair of khakis with a light button-down" for men.
Ultimately, the choice of what to wear for your summer engagement photos is up to you and your partner. Whether you decide to go more casual or fancy depends on your personal style and what you're comfortable wearing, so find pieces that you both truly love.
Preparing for Your Shoot
Adding accessories is another way to make the photos more special, says Shim. "A pair of statement earrings or a necklace would be some fun accessories for the brides," she suggests, noting that the accessories you choose should go with your overall outfit. Other examples of summery accessories include hairpieces, like a headband or hair clip, a sun hat, a nice watch and a colorful bow tie for extra pizazz. "Other than that, I don't think you necessarily need to bring anything," adds Shim. "I believe engagement sessions should feel natural and fun!"
