What to Wear for Engagement Photos
Expert outfit guidance from St. Augustine photographers with 600+ engagement sessions under our belts.
Last updated: January 2026 • Based on 600+ St. Augustine engagement sessions
After over a decade photographing couples in St. Augustine, we've learned that the right outfit can make or break your engagement photos. It's not just about looking good—it's about feeling confident, moving comfortably, and choosing pieces that complement both you as a couple and our stunning historic city.
Our Approach: We help couples align their outfits with their session goals from the start. What to wear, the locations, the time of day—we want everything working together to create the vibe you're hoping for.
Understanding Your Session Style
Before choosing outfits, we work with couples to define their session style. This determines everything from location selection to timing, and your clothing should support that vision.
Romantic & Elegant
Flowing fabrics, soft colors, classic silhouettes. Perfect for golden hour sessions at Flagler College or the Lightner Museum gardens.
Think: Maxi dresses, button-down shirts, neutral tones
Fun & Casual
Comfortable pieces that let your personalities shine. Great for downtown cobblestone walks or beach sessions.
Think: Sundresses, polo shirts, comfortable shoes for walking
Sophisticated & Timeless
Polished looks that complement St. Augustine's historic elegance. Ideal for Fort walls or Spanish Quarter sessions.
Think: Blazers, midi dresses, classic accessories
Pro Tip: We always discuss your outfit plans during our consultation call. Some couples plan their entire session around a special dress or meaningful piece of clothing, and we build locations and timing around that.
Color Coordination That Works
Color choice is crucial in St. Augustine, where you're competing with vibrant Spanish moss, historic stone architecture, and brilliant blue skies. After hundreds of sessions, we've identified combinations that consistently photograph beautifully.
Best Color Combinations for St. Augustine
Cream, Tan & Soft Blue: Classic combination that complements historic architecture
Sage Green, White & Gray: Beautiful against Spanish moss and stone walls
Mustard, Navy & Light Yellow: Perfect for Nights of Lights sessions
Avoid These Color Mistakes: All black (too formal for Florida), neon colors (compete with backgrounds), red (can overpower in photos), and busy patterns (distract from your connection).
Coordinating as a Couple
The goal is coordination, not matching. We've seen too many couples show up in identical outfits that make them look more like siblings than partners.
The 3-Color Rule: Choose 3 colors maximum for your combined outfits. One partner can wear two of the colors, the other partner incorporates the third. This creates visual harmony without being matchy-matchy.
Seasonal Outfit Guide
St. Augustine's climate varies dramatically by season, and smart couples plan their outfits accordingly. We photograph year-round and have specific recommendations for each season.
Spring (March-May)
✓ Perfect weather for layering
✓ Beautiful blooming flowers
⚠ Occasional rain showers
Outfit Ideas: Light cardigans, flowy dresses, chino pants, button-downs in pastels
Temperature Range: 65-80°F
Summer (June-August)
✓ Long golden hour
✓ Beach sessions ideal
⚠ High humidity
⚠ Afternoon thunderstorms
Outfit Ideas: Breathable fabrics, sundresses, linen shirts, lighter colors
Temperature Range: 75-92°F
Fall (September-November)
✓ Comfortable temperatures
✓ Great for layering
⚠ Hurricane season
Outfit Ideas: Light sweaters, midi dresses, boots, earth tones
Temperature Range: 60-85°F
Winter (December-February)
✓ Nights of Lights season
✓ Cooler, comfortable weather
⚠ Shorter daylight hours
Outfit Ideas: Blazers, coats, rich colors, metallics for Nights of Lights
Temperature Range: 45-70°F
St. Augustine Location-Specific Tips
Different St. Augustine locations call for different outfit considerations. We've photographed at every major spot in the city and learned what works where.
Historic Downtown & Spanish Quarter
The cobblestone streets and Spanish colonial architecture create a romantic, timeless backdrop. Your outfits should complement this elegance without competing.
Footwear Alert: Those cobblestones are beautiful but treacherous in heels. We recommend block heels or wedges for women, and sturdy dress shoes for men. We've had too many sessions interrupted by twisted ankles.
Flagler College
The Spanish Renaissance architecture provides a sophisticated backdrop. This location calls for slightly more formal attire.
- Flowing dresses that move beautifully in the courtyards
- Blazers or sport coats that complement the academic setting
- Colors that stand out against the red tile roofs and stone walls
St. Augustine Beach
Beach sessions require practical considerations beyond just looking good. Sand, wind, and salt air all factor into outfit planning.
Beach Reality Check: Skip the white pants on the beach—sand sticks to everything. Choose darker colors or patterns that hide inevitable sand spots. Also, bring flip-flops for walking to your photo location, then switch to your photo shoes.
Nights of Lights Sessions (November-January)
These magical winter sessions require special outfit considerations. The millions of twinkling lights create unique lighting conditions.
- Metallics and jewel tones pop beautifully against the lights
- Avoid white, which can wash out in the bright illumination
- Bring a light jacket—December evenings can be chilly
- Consider sparkly accessories that catch the light
Planning Outfit Changes
Many couples ask about multiple outfit changes during their session. After years of experience, we've developed a systematic approach that maximizes variety without wasting time.
Our Recommendation: Plan for 1-2 outfit changes maximum. We typically start with your dressier look during golden hour, then switch to something more casual if time permits. More changes eat into actual photo time.
Strategic Outfit Change Planning
First Look (60% of Session)
Golden Hour Start
Your more formal, elegant outfits. This is when lighting is most flattering and we want you looking your absolute best.
Quick Change (5-10 minutes)
Mid-Session
We scout your change location in advance—usually a nearby restroom or our car. Keep it simple: different shirt, remove jacket, add accessories.
Second Look (40% of Session)
Remaining Time
More casual, fun outfits. Perfect for walking shots, candid interactions, or different location settings.
Styling Details That Matter
The little details often make the biggest difference in your final photos. These are the styling touches we notice after 600+ sessions.
For Her
- Dress Length: Midi and maxi dresses photograph beautifully and move well in St. Augustine's breezes
- Necklines: V-necks and off-shoulder styles are universally flattering
- Fabrics: Choose materials with movement—chiffon, silk, or flowing cotton
- Undergarments: Seamless, nude-colored undergarments prevent visible lines
For Him
- Fit is King: Well-fitted clothes always photograph better than expensive clothes that fit poorly
- Sleeve Length: Roll up sleeves for a more casual, approachable look
- Pants: Avoid pants that are too long—they bunch awkwardly in photos
- Colors: Darker colors are generally more flattering and hide sweat in Florida heat
Accessories That Enhance
Strategic Accessories: A statement necklace, vintage watch, or flowing scarf can add visual interest without overwhelming your look. We often use accessories as focal points in detail shots.
What to Avoid
Some outfit choices consistently create problems in photos. Here's what we've learned to steer couples away from.
Absolute No-Nos
- Large logos or text - They date your photos and distract from your faces
- Neon or fluorescent colors - They reflect strange light and overpower everything else
- Busy patterns - Stripes, plaids, or busy prints compete with St. Augustine's detailed backgrounds
- All black everything - Too formal for engagement photos and shows every speck of sand or lint
- Brand new shoes - Break them in first or bring backup comfortable shoes
Common Mistakes We See
These aren't deal-breakers, but they can make our job harder and your photos less flattering:
- Overly casual gym wear - This is a special occasion, dress for it
- Clothes that require constant adjusting - Strapless dresses that slide down, pants that need hiking up
- Matching too exactly - You're a couple, not twins
- Ignoring the weather - Florida weather changes quickly; have backup plans
Ready to Plan Your St. Augustine Engagement Session?
We'll help you coordinate outfits, locations, and timing to create the perfect session for your style. Let's plan something beautiful together.
View Our Engagement Photography
Final Preparation Tips
The week before your session is when the outfit planning really pays off. Here's our final checklist that ensures everything goes smoothly.
One Week Before
- Try on complete outfits and take phone photos to see how they look
- Check weather forecast and adjust plans if needed
- Break in new shoes with multiple wears
- Get any necessary alterations completed
Day of Session
- Steam or iron all clothing the morning of
- Pack backup accessories in case of last-minute changes
- Bring layers for temperature changes
- Pack a small bag with touch-up makeup and hair supplies
Emergency Kit: We always carry safety pins, stain removal pens, and hair ties in our camera bag. But having your own backup supplies gives everyone peace of mind.
Final Confidence Boost
Remember, the best outfit is one that makes you feel confident and authentically yourselves. We've photographed couples in everything from elegant ball gowns to casual sundresses, and the most beautiful photos always happen when couples feel comfortable in their own skin.
After over a decade and hundreds of engagement sessions, we can confidently say that St. Augustine provides the perfect backdrop no matter what you choose to wear. The key is planning thoughtfully, coordinating well as a couple, and choosing outfits that let your personalities shine through.
For more location-specific guidance, check out our comprehensive St. Augustine Engagement Photo Guide. And if you're considering an intimate ceremony alongside your photos, explore our elopement packages.
