"What should we wear?" comes up with just about every couple once their engagement session is booked. It makes sense. You want to look like yourselves, just a little more dressed up, and Miami's heat, humidity and ocean breeze all play a part. Here's what to wear for engagement photos in Miami, based on what works in front of my camera.
What to Wear for Engagement Photos in Miami: Start With the Location
Your outfits should match where we're shooting. A black-tie look feels right at the Biltmore. A flowy dress feels right on the beach. Streetwear might be perfect downtown and look out of place in the gardens at Vizcaya.
So pick the location first, then plan your outfits around it. My guide to Miami engagement photo locations is a good place to start, and if you're thinking about Vizcaya, read my Vizcaya engagement photo guide for their permit rules. Your time of day matters too, and my guide to the best time for photos in Miami has sunrise and sunset times by month.
Dress Up a Little More Than You Think
My style leans editorial and vintage, and it really shines when couples dress up. Think of your engagement session as a chance to wear the outfit you'd wear to the best dinner of your life.
Rachel & Kenny went full black tie for their Biltmore Hotel engagement session: a white cape gown and a tuxedo, surrounded by candelabras and gilded mirrors. It fit the hotel perfectly. You don't have to go that formal, but leaning a step dressier than everyday clothes almost always photographs better.
Coordinate, Don't Match
You don't need matching colors. You want outfits that look like they belong in the same photo.
Pick a palette. Two or three colors that work together, like black and white, cream and tan, or soft greens and neutrals.
Let one person lead. Usually one outfit has more going on, like a colored dress or a pattern, and the other keeps it simple.
Match the level of dressiness. A gown next to shorts looks off. A suit next to a cocktail dress looks right.
Colors That Photograph Well
Neutrals, black, white, cream, earth tones and soft muted colors all look great with my editing style. Black and white outfits are always a win, especially if you love black and white photos as much as I do.
A few things to avoid:
Neon and very bright colors. They reflect color onto your skin.
Big logos and graphic tees. They pull the eye away from you.
Tiny tight patterns. Small stripes or checks can look strange on camera.
Fabrics for Miami Heat
Miami is warm almost all year and humid for a big part of it. Pick fabrics that breathe and move, like linen, silk, chiffon and light cotton. Heavy fabrics will make you hot and uncomfortable, and that shows in photos.
If you're shooting between May and October, plan for heat and maybe a passing shower. My guide on Miami's heat and rainy season has tips that work for engagement sessions too.
Movement Is Your Friend
Some of my favorite engagement photos happen when something is moving: a dress catching the wind, a twirl, a dip. A long flowy dress or skirt gives us so much to work with. Lily & Luke's New York Public Library and Central Park session is a good example. The movement does half the work.
For the guys, a well-fitted suit or a linen shirt with tailored pants moves nicely and stays comfortable.
Beach Sessions
If we're on the beach, a few things change:
Go light. White, cream and soft colors look beautiful against the water and sand.
Plan for wind. Long hair and long dresses will blow around. That can look amazing. Just be ready for it.
Barefoot is fine. Heels sink in sand. Bring sandals to walk in and take them off for photos.
Expect to get a little wet. Georgette walked right into the ocean in her dress during her anniversary session, and those are some of my favorite frames from that day.
Shoes You Can Walk In
We'll walk during your session. Bring the shoes you want in the photos and a comfortable pair for walking between spots. Heels can be tricky on old stone, grass and sand, so bring flats if you're not sure.
How Many Outfits to Bring
Most of my engagement sessions are about 1 to 1.5 hours, usually at one location. Because of that, I recommend no more than two outfits. Changing takes time, and walking back and forth to the car eats into the best light. Two outfits, one dressier and one more relaxed, is usually the sweet spot.
Hair, Makeup and Little Details
Hair and makeup. Professional hair and makeup is worth it, especially in humidity. Ask for a look that holds up in the heat.
Nails. Your ring will be in a lot of photos. Fresh nails go a long way.
Bring a small kit. Blotting papers, a comb, lip color, water and a lint roller.
Steam everything. Wrinkles show up on camera more than you'd think.
FAQ
What should I wear for engagement photos in Miami?
Something a little dressier than everyday clothes, in breathable fabrics like linen, silk or chiffon. Match the location: formal for places like the Biltmore, light and flowy for the beach.
What colors are best for engagement photos?
Neutrals, black, white, cream, earth tones and soft muted colors. Avoid neon, big logos and tiny busy patterns.
How many outfits should we bring to our engagement session?
I recommend no more than two. Most sessions are 1 to 1.5 hours at one location, so a second outfit is plenty.
What should I wear for beach engagement photos?
Light, flowy fabrics in white, cream or soft colors. Plan for wind, bring sandals to walk in and be ready to go barefoot for photos.
Should we match our outfits?
No. Coordinate instead. Pick a palette of two or three colors and keep both outfits at the same level of dressiness.
Let's Plan Your Session
Engagement sessions are $1,000 per hour, Tuesday through Thursday, and my top wedding collection includes one. Once you've booked, I'll help you pick the location and the outfits that fit it. See my wedding collections, check my FAQ or reach out here.