What to Wear for Your Asheville Engagement Photos

Help! What should I wear to my engagement session?

If you’re planning engagement photos in Asheville and feeling stressed about choosing the perfect outfit, don’t worry—let’s go over a few tips to help make the decision a little easier.

Dress for Comfort and Confidence

Above all, wear what makes you feel your best. The most stunning photos come from moments when you’re comfortable, confident, and authentically yourself. Whether you’re wandering through the artsy corners of town, strolling the urban streets of downtown Asheville, or trekking through a sun-dappled forest, your outfit should allow you to move freely and naturally. Feeling restricted by tight fabrics or uncomfortable shoes will be noticeable in your photos—especially if hiking is involved, but honestly, it’s solid advice for any setting.

If you love the way a dress flows in the wind, go for that. If a laid-back, casual vibe feels more like you, that’s just as perfect. Engagement photos are all about capturing who you are as a couple, and when you feel good, that confidence and joy shine through in every shot.

Consider Neutral Tones and Timeless Pieces

Asheville’s landscape is breathtaking on its own—lush greenery, sweeping mountain views, and if you’re lucky, some wildflowers or fall foliage, too. Your outfits shouldn’t compete with these stunning backdrops but rather enhance them. Neutral and earthy tones are your best friend here. Think soft shades of cream, beige, taupe, olive, muted browns, and warm whites. If you prefer color, consider opting for pastels, like a dusty, light blue, versus, say, a vibrant red. Softer colors almost always make for a better edit.

Less is More: Avoid Overwhelming Patterns

While bold florals or quirky graphic tees might be fun, engagement photos are about capturing the essence of your connection—not distracting patterns. Bright colors, busy prints, or noticeable logos can easily dominate a shot, pulling attention away from the real focus—you and your partner.

Instead, opt for solid colors or subtle textures that complement rather than compete. A flowy blouse, a cozy sweater, or a classic button-down in soft, muted tones can highlight your personalities without overpowering the moment. The goal is for your love to take center stage.

Accessories Can Be Fun

A wide-brimmed hat, vintage jewelry, or a pair of stylish, light-lensed sunglasses can add character and movement, making your images feel more dynamic and you. You may even consider incorporating meaningful items that reflect your relationship—a well-loved poetry book, a classic film camera, or something tied to a shared hobby. These little details not only enhance your photos visually but also create moments that feel authentic and personal.

Coordinate Your Outfit 

Coordinating your outfits with subtle matching elements creates a cohesive look without feeling overly staged. Instead of wearing identical colors or matching outfits, opt for complementary shades and tones that blend naturally. For example, if one of you wears soft olive green, the other might choose warm neutrals like beige or muted brown. Consider coordinating styles as well—if one person is dressed casually in a flowy dress or relaxed button-down, the other can mirror that vibe with a similarly laid-back outfit.

Don’t Overthink It: Your Connection Matters More Than Your Outfit

Remember, your engagement photos are a reflection of your journey together. At the end of the day, it’s not about the clothes—it’s about the moments captured, the emotions you share, the candid laughs and kisses, and the magic of being together in a place like Asheville.

Embrace simplicity, stay true to yourself, and let your connection be the star of the show.