Winter engagement sessions are some of the most romantic: from snow-dusted backdrops to cozy outfits and golden hour that comes a little earlier. But knowing what to wear can be tricky when you’re trying to strike the balance between warm and stylish.

As a St. Louis wedding photographer who’s shot her fair share of cold-weather sessions, I’m here to walk you through what works best for winter engagement photos, and let you know what to skip.

1. Embrace Seasonal Layers

Layers are your best friend in winter! And not just for warmth, but for style and texture. Start with a base layer that keeps you warm (like thermal tops or leggings under jeans), then add stylish outerwear like wool coats, shawls, or cozy cardigans. Layers photograph beautifully and allow for subtle outfit changes without a full wardrobe swap.

Pro Tip: Choose neutral or muted tones for timeless images, or go bold with rich jewel tones like emerald, burgundy, or navy to pop against the winter landscape.

2. Prioritize Warm Fabrics

Think thick knits, wool, tweed, and velvet: fabrics that feel cozy and look elevated on camera. A chunky sweater dress or a sleek wool coat can be both functional and chic. Avoid thin fabrics that might wrinkle easily or show through under outerwear.

3. Coordinate Without Matching

Aim to coordinate your outfits instead of matching. Stick to a shared color palette or vibe, think warm neutrals, earth tones, or soft cool shades, and mix up textures for visual interest.

4. Don’t Forget Accessories

Hats, gloves, scarves, and boots aren’t just practical—they add visual depth to your photos and help you feel more natural and comfortable. A knit beanie or wide-brim hat can elevate your look, and a cozy plaid scarf adds a pop of seasonal pattern.

Bonus: They also give you something to do with your hands, which can help with any camera shyness!

5. Wear Shoes You Can Walk In

Winter engagement sessions often include a little adventure—walking through parks, snowy trails, or uneven sidewalks. Choose footwear that’s warm and practical, especially if your session is outdoors. Heeled boots with good tread or stylish leather sneakers are great options.

6. Consider Two Looks

If you’re up for it, bring a second outfit: one more casual (like sweaters and jeans), and one dressier (like a midi dress and coat or suit jacket). Changing up your outfits can give you variety in your final gallery while keeping things on theme.

Final Thought: Comfort Comes First

The goal is for your photos to reflect who you are—so you want to be comfortable, warm, and able to focus on each other (not how cold your fingers are!). With a little prep, your winter engagement session can feel just as magical as a spring or fall one.

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