Planning what to wear for a winter photo session can feel like a lot. The weather often throws lots of curveballs! But choosing winter engagement photo outfits doesn’t have to be stressful.
With a little intention and a few practical tips, you can stay warm, feel like yourself, and end up with photos you absolutely love. These tips and advice are meant to help you look great and enjoy the session, without overthinking any of it!
My Best Advice for Winter Engagement Photo Outfits
As a New Hampshire photographer, I’ve been photographing couples and families outdoors and in the mountains for many years now. So over the years I’ve gathered lots of tips for planning your outfits!
And while this post focuses on engagement photos, these tips apply to any winter session – family photos, couples sessions just for fun, maternity shoots, and more.
Here are the most important things to consider for winter sessions:
Start With Comfort (Seriously!)
When it comes to winter engagement photo outfits (or any season, honestly!), comfort is everything.
The more comfortable you feel, the more natural and relaxed your photos will look. And in the winter, being comfortable means being WARM, so dress accordingly!
However, dressing for the winter season doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style. Choose pieces you know move well, feel good on your body, and don’t need constant adjusting.
For the ladies, long flowy dresses can be incredibly comfortable. And if you’re planning to wear a dress, here’s a tip: leggings or tights underneath are a total game-changer! You’ll stay warm, and no one will ever know.
Layers Are Your Best Friend
Layers are great for both form and function. Not only do they keep you warm, but they also add depth, texture, and visual interest to your photos.
Think jackets, cardigans, scarves, hats, tights, and headbands. These pieces photograph beautifully and give us options during your session, which will result in more variety in your gallery.
I always recommend bringing a couple of layers you can easily add or remove as needed. Plus, this also allows for multiple looks without a full outfit change!
Choosing Colors & Textures for Winter Engagement Photo Outfits
Winter landscapes tend to be more neutral, which means your outfits should either complement that environment or gently contrast it.
Natural, earthy tones look beautiful in photos – think browns, greys, blacks, blues, and greens. These colors look timeless and won’t distract from what matters most (you and your partner!).
I recommend avoiding bright whites and super bold colors, as they can overpower a winter scene. For instance, instead of a bright blue, opt for a softer blue; instead of bright orange, try something closer to rust, ochre, or apricot.
Texture matters, too! Fabrics like wool, cotton, linen, and knits add warmth and movement. Flowy fabrics and cozy textures catch the light beautifully and give your photos that relaxed, natural feel.
And remember – don’t try to match each other too perfectly. Complementing each other vs. matching is always best!
{Looking for more engagement photo tips? Check out this post!}
The Best Shoes & Accessories for a Winter Photo Session
Accessories are a great way to elevate your winter engagement photo outfits. Hats, scarves, and even fun socks can add personality without being distracting.
And when it comes to choosing your footwear, shoes matter more than you might think, especially in the winter! Boots are almost always a win, especially in snowy or uneven terrain. Plus, they look super cute!
If heels aren’t comfortable for you, ditch them. I promise your photos will look better when you’re not worrying about slipping or sore feet.
And one of my favorite winter tips: bring hand and foot warmers! They make a HUGE difference and are easy to tuck into pockets or boots between photos.
New Hampshire Photographer
Winter sessions are cozy, romantic, and incredibly beautiful, especially here in New Hampshire. With the right preparation, they can be so much fun, too!
If you’re planning an engagement session (or any winter photo session!) and are searching for a photographer who can capture you naturally and authentically, I’d love to meet you! Reach out today through my contact page, and let’s create something beautiful and special. 😊
