summer engagement photo outfit ideas for guys
Finding the right outfit for engagement photos can be surprisingly stressful, especially for guys (since it feel like most of the advice out there is aimed at women.) This post is here to fix that. Whether you’re going for a relaxed casual look or something a little more dressed up, here are my go-to summer engagement photo outfit ideas for guys, from a Washington engagement photographer who has seen what works — and what really, really doesn’t.
What should men wear for their engagement photos?
pants and a shirt. Boom. Done, next question
Jk I know it’s a whole thing lol. But at the same time, it really is that simple, in a lot of ways.
let’s break it down
The Casual Look: Shorts and a T-Shirt
For casual summer engagement photos, shorts and a t-shirt are a legitimate option for men’s outfits. That being said, there’s definitely a right way and a wrong way to do it. If you show up looking like Adam Sandler in baggy basketball shorts and a grubby, royal blue t-shirt covered in graphics, that is not going to do the trick.
When I say shorts and a t-shirt, I mean a clean, neat (not wrinkled), well-fitted t-shirt in a solid color that coordinates with your partner’s outfit, and nicely fitted chino, linen, or boat shorts. Sometimes a jort works, but I would get approval from your fiance first for sure. No cargo shorts, and no basketball shorts!!
This classic summer look can be easily varied by switching up the t-shirt for something different. A lightweight sweatshirt or crew neck is a totally valid option — especially for PNW engagements at the beach or in the mountains, where evenings cool off fast. For a slightly more elevated look, a short sleeve linen button up is a great alternative!
This look works best for: relaxed, candid, outdoor summer engagement sessions! The mountains, the coast, wildflower fields, riverside/lakeside engagement sessions and more. If it’s a location you would wear an outfit like this in real life, you should be good. For more formal locations, you may want to choose a less relaxed option!
Middle Ground: Shirt + Pants
When I said to just wear a shirt and pants at the beginning, I was kinda serious. Probably 80% of the engagement sessions I do simply mix and match these options in a color that coordinates with their partner.
Shirts
- T-shirt — Yup, a t-shirt works here too, especially paired with a nicer pant like linen or chinos. Stick to solid colors and a good fit.
- Henley — A step up from a t-shirt without trying too hard. Great for a relaxed, masculine look.
- Linen button-down — Long or short sleeve both work here. Can be worn tucked, half-tucked, or open over a plain undershirt. You can also do a flannel button down, but definitely wear it open over another shirt and choose light colors to keep things summery.
- Polo — Not my favorite option but I’ve seen it done well so I’m including it. No logos!
- Sweatshirt or sweater — Even in summer, something like this can be nice for beach or mountain sessions. Keep it one color and reasonably fitted.
Pants
Lighter colors and breathable fabrics are your friends in summer. Any of these can be rolled up once or twice for a more relaxed look as well!
- Jeans — Opt for a lighter wash if possible for that barefoot bluejean summer night vibe.
- Chinos or khakis — White, tan, olive, and light brown all photograph beautifully.
- Linen pants — The most summery option. Relaxed but intentional-looking.
Below are some examples of few simple combos that can be easily customized!
Jeans and a button down, sweater and rolled chinos
Linen shirt and linen pants, polo and chinos
jeans and t-shirt
The Dressed-Up Look: A Suit
For more classy, dressed up engagement sessions, a suit is the uniform of choice for men. If your partner is getting extra dressed up, this is the way you’re probably going to go too! You probably already have this (or will have it, as part of your wedding prep).
Fit is everything. Make sure it fits you well — a badly fitted suit is worse than no suit at all.
The details matter. Wear a nice belt and nice shoes. You don’t have to wear a tie, and if you take the suit coat off, roll up your sleeves!
On color: Black suits are a classic. Avoid overly blue suits — muted navy is fine but overhyped in my opinion. If you want something a little different, tan, sage, light grey, dusty blue, and cream are all worth considering.
Color Combos
Color coordination is a big part of what makes or breaks your engagement photo outfits. The good news is that it’s simpler than it feels! Here’s my formula:
Step 1: Let your partner choose their outfit first. Their outfit sets the tone: the colors, the general vibe, and the formality level are all easier to build from once one outfit is picked.
Step 2: Pull a color from their outfit. If she’s wearing a floral dress with sage green and cream, you could wear a sage henley or a cream linen shirt. You don’t need to match them, but pulling from the palette they already have going is a super easy way to make sure things coordinate well and flow together.
Step 3: Add a neutral. Pair that color with a neutral pant: tan chinos, light wash jeans, linen pants in white or olive. (Yes, I consider muted blues and greens to be neutrals.) Done.
What if she’s wearing all white? This is a completely valid question! White dresses are a super classic look for engagement sessions. And the formula still works — choose a color from her outfit (white) for either your top or your pants. Then add a neutral. (tan, muted green or blue, brown). Or, because white is itself a neutral, consider it your neutral and look at your session location for an added color instead.
For more color palette inspiration, check out my full guide to summer engagement photo color combinations!
Looking for more on how to choose outfits for your engagement photos this summer? Check out the full guide on what to wear for your engagement photos for more complete guidance. And if you’re planning a summer engagement session in Washington State, I’d love to get in touch!
