When you’re planning your summer engagement outfits in New England, there are a few things you definitely want to keep in mind. First: comfort. Summer here can mean breezy ocean air… or humidity so wild it gives you a new personality. So you want outfits that feel like you and also work with the weather you’ll be in.
Your images should feel timeless, personal, and true to your style — and honestly, the best way to make sure you feel great during your photos is to plan ahead. (Trust me… you do not want to be the couple sprinting into Target 20 minutes before your session to grab a shirt. Ask me how I know.)
Here are my top tips for planning the perfect New England summer engagement session outfits:
Keep Your Summer Engagement Outfits Comfortable + Weather-Friendly
Summer in New England is a chaotic mix of ocean breeze, mountaintop sun, and “is the air 80% water?” humidity. When planning your outfits, make sure they’re breathable, lightweight, and comfortable enough to move in — because discomfort will absolutely show in the photos.
Choose Outfits That Fit the Vibe of Your New England Location
Where you shoot totally affects what will look best.
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Urban locations (Boston, Portsmouth, Portland): Go a bit more fashion-forward. Think chic, structured, or trendy.
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Nature-inspired locations (beaches, lakes, mountains): Flowier silhouettes, airy dresses, or soft neutrals always photograph beautifully.
Your summer engagement outfits in New England should complement the scenery — not compete with it.
Stick to Lightweight, Breathable Fabrics
If you take one thing from this guide: linen is your friend.
Fabrics that work great for hot New England days:
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Linen
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Cotton
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Bamboo
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Gauzy blends
Things that will make you question all your life choices at 90 degrees: polyester, heavy knits, anything thick or stiff.
Breathable fabrics photograph beautifully because they move well, catch the light, and help you stay relaxed.
Pick Light, Airy Colors for Summer Photos
Lighter colors reflect heat instead of absorbing it, which keeps you cooler and looks gorgeous on camera. I always recommend:
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Whites
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Pastels
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Soft blues
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Sandy/beige tones
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Neutrals
If you’re not sure what palette works best for your summer engagement session outfits, here’s a post with some helpful tips!
Don’t Forget: You Might End Up Barefoot
It’s summer! Whether you’re on a beach, a dock, a mountain ledge, or in a field of tall grass — chances are high your shoes come off at some point. Keep that in mind when choosing your outfits and accessories.
Still Not Sure What to Wear? I’m Here to Help!
If after all this you’re still staring at your closet like it wronged you personally, email me! I love helping my couples plan their outfits — it’s such a fun creative process, and honestly one of my favorite pre-session steps.
If you’re looking for more outfit inspiration, head to this blog post for more! You can also head to Pinterest to check out some outfit inspiration boards.
Planning a Summer Engagement Session in New England? I’d Love to Photograph It!
If you’re a New England bride planning your wedding and dreaming up your engagement photos — I’d love to chat. Summer sessions are some of my favorites, and I know all the best coastal, mountain, and hidden gem spots.
If you’re looking for a photographer for your summer engagement session, I’d love to chat! Reach out here to get more information.
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