What to Wear for Your Colorado Engagement Session in Any Season
You’ve booked your Colorado engagement session (yay!!), and now you might be wondering what to wear for your Colorado engagement session. The location is picked, the date is set, and now you’re staring at your closet thinking… what the heck do we wear?
Trust me, you’re not alone — this is one of the most common questions I get from my couples.
As a Colorado engagement photographer, I’ve seen how the right outfits can completely change the feel of your photos. They help you feel confident, move freely, and let your personalities shine through. So let’s talk about how to put together looks that not only photograph beautifully but also feel like you.
Start With the Season and the Setting
Colorado’s scenery changes so much depending on where and when you shoot. Whether it’s the red rocks of Grand Junction, or the mountain views near Vail, your location and the season really shape your color palette.
- Spring + Summer: Go for light, airy fabrics and soft tones — I love flowy dresses, open shirts, and earthy neutrals that catch the sunlight. Colors like butter yellow, sage, white, or soft blue look stunning against Colorado’s warm tones.
- Fall: If you’re surrounded by golden aspens, lean into deeper, warm hues like rust, olive, mustard, white, or burgundy. They look so dreamy with that golden-hour glow.
- Winter: Cozy up in layers — a chunky sweater, wool coat, or scarf adds both warmth and texture. Snowy photos feel extra romantic with neutral or soft colors.
If we’re shooting in the Colorado National Monument, think desert-inspired colors — olive, creams and muted reds — that blend beautifully with the rock formations.
How to Coordinate Outfits for Your Colorado Engagement Session
You don’t have to show up in matching outfits (I promise!). Instead, think about colors and textures that complement each other. Maybe you wear a flowy neutral dress while your partner goes for earthy greens or browns — something that feels balanced when you’re side by side.
Here’s a little trick I tell my couples: lay your outfits out,or try them on together before your session. If one piece immediately jumps out or feels too bold, tone it down a bit so your faces (and the scenery!) stay the focus.
Comfort Over Everything
I know it’s tempting to pick that brand-new outfit, but if you’re tugging at it or it doesn’t move well, it’ll show in your photos. Choose pieces that you feel good in — the ones that make you want to dance, twirl, or wrap up in each other.
If we’re hiking to a lookout or exploring trails, I’ll always suggest comfortable shoes and a backup layer. Colorado weather can change fast, so being prepared (and cozy!) makes the experience way more enjoyable.
We can always check the Colorado weather forecast before your session to see if we’ll need extra layers.
Play With Texture and Movement
Movement adds magic to your photos. Long dresses that catch the wind, soft fabrics that sway, or jackets that add layers of texture — all those details bring your images to life.
Choose Outfits That Feel Authentic for Your Colorado Engagement Photos
At the end of the day, your engagement photos should feel authentic. If you’re more laid-back, jeans and a soft tee can look amazing. If you love a dressier vibe, go for a flowy dress or tailored outfit that fits the scenery.
You can see how my couples styled their sessions in my Colorado engagement portfolio — from the desert in Grand Junction to the alpine glow in Aspen — each look fits the couple’s personality and location.
Final Thoughts
Your engagement session is about celebrating this season of your life together. The outfits you choose are just the finishing touch — what really matters is how you feel. When you’re comfortable, confident, and connected, the photos always turn out beautifully.
If you’re still unsure, don’t stress! I help all my couples pick out their outfits, whether that means sharing inspo boards, sending links, or helping you find colors that fit your location.
Ready to start planning your Colorado engagement session?
Reach out here — I’d love to help you plan something that feels natural, beautiful, and totally you. Whether we’re chasing sunset in Grand Junction or adventuring up in the Rockies, it’s going to be magic.
