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Popping the question is only the beginning of your wedding journey. For many couples, an engagement shoot is one of the first opportunities to celebrate your impending marriage and, for the bride-to-be, show off your new bling!
The fall season with its colorful foliage and a slight chill in the air offers an especially scenic and romantic backdrop for engagement photos, as well as the chance to go a little out-of-the-box with your outfit choices. While wearing white is definitely still an option if you want to look as bridal as possible, you can also opt for richer colors like red, orange, yellow, green, and warm earthy tones. Just make sure to match the color palette to your location to avoid any clashes with your backdrop. It may also be best to steer clear of brighter hues, like pink or yellow, which would complement a spring or summer photoshoot but can be incompatible with the moodier tones of fall.
The secret to crafting a gorgeous fall engagement photo outfit is finding the perfect combination of comfortable and stylish. Ahead, discover 24 of our favorite ensembles that will have you looking and feeling your best.
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Size: 0-16 | Length: Maxi | Materials: Polyester
Featuring a square neckline and long sleeves with shoulder pads, this modern dress is for a bride looking to keep it simple and chic. Accessorize with a belt to accentuate the fit-and-flare silhouette for an even more polished look.
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Size: 00-16 | Length: Maxi | Materials: Silk
Sleek and sophisticated, this silk dress comes in a gorgeous cognac color that will fit right in with a fall aesthetic. The minimalist nature of the high cowl neck and sleeveless silhouette make it easy to dress this look up or down.
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Size: XS-XL | Length: Maxi | Materials: Floral lace and cotton
Bring on the boho vibes with this floral lace set from BHLDN and Free People. The bell sleeve crop top and matching skirt would suit a location out in nature, whether that’s your local park or a staple of the fall season—the pumpkin patch.
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Size: XS-XL | Length: Mini | Materials: Ribbed knit
Keep it comfy with this knitted sweater dress. This flattering bodycon number is fitted at the waist with a plunging neckline and comes in two colors—rust brown and sage green—which would both look great in a fall shoot.
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Size: XS-XL | Length: Midi | Materials: Cotton
Looking for an elevated yet casual outfit? Then, this midi dress might be for you! Made out of ribbed knit fabric, this off-the-shoulder dress suits a laidback style with a feminine flair.
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Size: 0-18 | Length: Floor | Materials: Floral velvet
This dreamy velvet dress, featuring an empire waist, cowl neckline, and bias-cut skirt, comes in almost every fall-themed hue—emerald green, dark berry, and English rose. You can’t go wrong with either color, but we’re loving this dark green one that is absolutely elegant.
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Size: XXS-XXL | Length: Maxi | Materials: Lace
The modest high neckline and lace flared sleeves on this dress are offset by the open-plunging back that includes a tie detail at the shoulders for a bit of drama. If you want a quintessential bridal look, opt for the white lace alternative.
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Size: 0-16 | Length: Midi | Materials: Corded lace
A flattering lace number, this column dress—featuring spaghetti straps and midi-length—is effortlessly chic. Sweep your hair into a messy updo and keep accessories minimal to showcase the sultriness of the open sides and back.
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Size: 2-12 | Length: Midi | Materials: Satin
Made of 60 percent recycled fibers, this satin dress has exaggerated puff sleeves and two bow details on the back for a luxe and eco-friendly look. Plus, the striking details will stand out in your photos for a dress that looks amazing from every angle.
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Size: 0-26W | Length: Maxi | Materials: Satin
Timeless and elegant, this simple maxi dress from BHDLN includes a draped bodice, flutter sleeves, and a plunging neckline. Available in 12 colors and a range of inclusive sizes, this polished look will be flattering on all figures.
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Size: 00-28 | Length: Floor | Materials: Satin
Planning a formal engagement shoot? You can’t go wrong with this satin jumpsuit from Amsale. It features a draped bodice, dainty off-the-shoulder sleeves, and wide-leg pants for a sleek and stylish silhouette.
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Size: 0-12 | Length: Midi | Materials: Polyester
Calling all high-fashion brides, this feather-trimmed dress is the epitome of glamour. From the burgundy hue to the high-wrapped neck and cutout décolleté, this dress is a luxurious choice that will complement a formal photo setting.
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Size: 2-16 | Length: Midi | Materials: Crepe and organza
Switch up your look mid-shoot with this convertible dress from Safiyaa. The curved bustier dress comes with a lightweight organza bolero, which is a great option if your photos are being shot in a warmer location. Plus, you get two looks without an outfit change!
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Size: 0-12 | Length: Ankle and floor length | Materials: Crepe, lace, and tulle
Skip out on a traditional dress for this playful jumpsuit. The crepe cigarette pants will be easy to move around in, and there’s no lack of fun details with this ensemble. The white and beige bodice is covered in hand-embroidered lace flowers for a whimsical touch.
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Size: 0-14 | Length: Floor | Materials: Tulle
If you’re looking to make a major fashion statement in your photos, this cherry red dress from Needle & Thread will pop on camera. The flowing silhouette and layers of dotted tulle give the gown dimension, and you’ll want to swing your skirt with every shot.
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Size: 2-12 | Length: Mini | Materials: Tulle
A mini dress you won’t want to take off, this tulle masterpiece is covered in a brown floral print and layers of ruffles for a fall-inspired look. It also has billowing bell sleeves that add to the whimsical nature of the dress.
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Size: 0-16 | Length: Maxi | Materials: Lace
There are so many details to love about this lace dress, from the cutouts at the waistline to the peplum-inspired ruffle that flows down the front of the skirt. A romantic choice, this garment is perfect for a bride with a modern boho style.
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Size: 00-14 | Length: Maxi | Materials: Polyester
This daring one-shoulder dress from A.L.C. is a bold choice that will pay off. The cutout waist is balanced by an asymmetrical skirt, and accordion pleats in a rich orange-brown hue for an elegant finish.
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Size: 2-16 | Length: Floor | Materials: Crepe and chiffon
We love the dichotomy of this simple and sophisticated gown with a black bodice and ivory skirt. The empire waistline and cape-like sleeves are a regal touch that will be striking on camera for effortlessly chic photos.
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Size: XS-XL | Length: Maxi | Materials: Polyester
Go for a bit of glitz and glam with this metallic gold dress. The plunging neckline and black bows on the shoulders are fun and flirty details that take this look to the next level.
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Size: 0-18 | Length: Floor | Materials: Velvet
Velvet is a popular fall fabric, and it’s not hard to see why when it’s in this stunning dark berry hue. Complete with long sleeves and a sultry center slit, this dress will have you looking elegant, eye-catching, and comfortable all at once!
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Size: XS-L | Length: Mini | Materials: Polyester
This ensemble is your favorite blazer with a bridal twist! The padded shoulders, button cuffs, and buckled belt add some “oomph” to this casually chic look that is anything but simple.
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Size: XS-L | Length: Midi | Materials: Chantilly lace and silk cashmere
This cashmere midi dress and cropped cardigan perfectly combine comfortability and bridal glam. The romantic Chantilly lace that trims the hem of the dress and handkerchief sleeves allude to a wedding gown without being too on the nose.
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Size: XS-XL | Length: Maxi | Materials: Polyester
An item that will quickly become a staple in your fall wardrobe, this tiered maxi dress features ruffled detailing, a yellow floral print, and a front slit. Play up the romance by pairing this with gold heels, or keep it casual with white sneakers and a jean jacket!
What to Look for When Shopping for a Fall Engagement Photo Outfit
There are so many options to choose from when it comes to engagement photo outfits, especially for fall. It’s always a good idea to refer to your locale and overall shoot theme when choosing an ensemble to help narrow down your choices. If you’re going casual (like taking photos in a pumpkin patch, your home, or a park) choose something laidback and comfy, such as sweater dresses, maxi dresses, or lace separates. For a more formal setting or venue, opt for a dressier ensemble like a floor-length dress with long sleeves, a wide-leg jumpsuit, or a satin gown. Whether you’ve decided on formal or casual, your overall look should reflect your personal style with a few nods to the season. When accessorizing, consider fall-inspired items such as boots, hats, belts, and a light jacket or cardigan.
Why Trust Brides
Ariana Quihuiz is a freelance writer for Brides. She is currently the content manager for wedding gown brand Lyra Vega Bridal, covering bridal fashion, bridal beauty, wedding trends, and more.