Your go-to style guide for winter photos in Boston.

 

Honestly, putting together an outfit for any day can be stressful. Adding the layer of knowing this outfit will be photographed for your engagement photos, ah! The stress is real. But hey, it can also be a way to really make yourself shine while taking couple portraits. And no, you definitely don’t have to wear a white dress.


Here are my go-to tips on what to wear for your session, especially if you’re planning a fall or winter couples shoot around Boston. Between the golden leaves in the Public Garden and the cozy winter streets of Beacon Hill, certain colors and textures really shine in these locations.

1. Stick to Neutrals + Soft Tones


While I love a pop of bright color here and there, neutrals photograph so beautifully in New England winters. Think creams, taupes, greys, deep greens, dusty blues. When the world is a little softer and more muted — whether it’s snow-covered Boston Common or the pale winter light on the Charles — these tones feel timeless and romantic.


Neutrals also naturally draw attention to your connection, not just your outfit, which is exactly what we want!


Note: this rule may go out the window if you want your photos to be reflect Christmas time (though we can tie in more subtle colors for the season!).

A couple walks together on a leaf-covered path beneath golden autumn trees in a park setting.
A couple walks together on a bridge path during autumn with fall foliage in the background.
A couple shares a romantic moment at sunset in an autumn forest setting with golden leaves and warm lighting.

2. Keep Patterns Simple and Avoid Logos


I recommend keeping patterns subtle and minimal, think soft plaid, tiny checks, or gentle stripes rather than bold prints. And if one of you is wearing a pattern, have the other stick to a solid or neutral tone so the overall look stays cohesive and balanced.


Also, avoid logos or large text on clothing — they tend to stand out in photos and draw attention away from you two and the emotion in the images.

A couple walks their dog along a tree-lined path with golden autumn foliage overhead on a sunny day.

3. Layer, Layer, Layer!


New England gets cold, so let’s be prepared for it. If we’re shooting outside, I always recommend dressing in multiple layers so you can stay warm and comfortable. If you have a stylish coat — absolutely bring it! A beautiful wool coat, long trench, or textured jacket can actually add a striking, cozy element to your photos. Beyond this, a scarf can add a playful element that we can use in your photos.


What usually happens is: once we start walking, playing, cuddling, twirling, and moving through locations, you’ll naturally warm up. At that point, you can take off a layer for variety — scarf off, gloves off, coat open — and we’ll capture a slightly different look.


I’ll also mention this, because I see it often: some clients arrive with a big, warm coat they don’t want in any photos… and that’s totally fine, but I recommend also bringing a coat you feel camera-ready in. That way, you aren’t freezing between shots, and if we decide to do some photos with it on, it actually works with the outfit.

A person in a cream sweater dress and jeans spins joyfully beneath drooping willow trees in an autumn park.
Romantic couple shares tender moments in a park with autumn leaves falling around them in multiple candid shots.

4. Coordinate, Don't Match.


You don’t need to show up in identical sweaters (unless that’s your thing!). Aim instead for outfits that live in the same color family. For example:

You’re wearing cream and he’s in tan

You’re in a dusty blue and she’s in charcoal

You’re both in muted earth tones

This creates cohesion without looking costume-y.

5. Seriously - Dress Warm


Cold people = stiff photos. My goal during any session is to help you loosen up, laugh, cuddle, move, and be yourselves — and it’s really hard to do that if you’re shivering the whole time. Dress warmly, even if you think you “won’t need it.”


And remember: warmth escapes from your head and your toes. Don’t hesitate to wear thick socks inside your boots, slip hand-warmers in your pockets, or throw on a cozy beanie or fuzzy scarf. These little details not only keep you warm — they also add a sweet, seasonal touch to your photos.


Bottom line: if you feel warm, you’ll look relaxed - and relaxed always photographs beautifully!

Two figures stand together on a brick path at sunset with golden light filtering through autumn trees.

6. Wear Clothes You Love!


Confidence is key when it comes to photos, and one of the best ways to feel confident is to wear something you truly love! If you put something on and feel like, “Ugh… I don’t really feel like myself in this,” it’s going to show on camera.


Pick outfits that make you feel comfortable, attractive, and authentic to who you are. If you have a favorite sweater you basically live in — wear it. If there’s a coat that makes you feel chic and polished — bring it. If there’s an outfit you always get compliments on — this is its moment.


When you feel like the best version of yourself, you move more naturally, smile more easily, and your connection with your partner shines through. And that’s exactly what I want to capture.

Overall, I really just want you to feel as comfortable as possible while we're shooting - clothes included! The main thing I'm focused on capturing isn't your outfit, or even just how you look, it's how you exist with your partner.

I want to capture the way you laugh together, the little glances you exchange.


And if you’d like to set up a session, you can book with me right here :)