If you’ve had an amazing summer of love and have said yes to the proposal, it’s time to spread the good news. What better way to share your joy than with an amazing engagement photo? Fall is an ideal time to get engagement pictures taken and shared before the spooky season and holiday rush. Engagement photos not only put your friends and family on notice of your big life changes ahead, but they are also a chance to show off your personal style. Here are a few ideas on creating authentic yet stylish outfits for your official engagement picture.

There is a trend now for brides to wear white for all of their bridal fashion. From engagement party/pictures to showers, to rehearsal dinner, the ceremony, and then during the honeymoon.

Another trend is to have a consistent bridal style that runs throughout each look during the course of wedding-related events.

For instance, if you’re planning a super romantic wedding, you may want to have dressier options for the pictures and parties before the ceremony for both you and your groom.

Or, if you’re having a more bohemian-style wedding, you may take a more relaxed approach to couples dressing for the engagement, shower, and rehearsal dinner.

In general, you’ll want to think of the mood you hope to capture and go from there. That mood could be dictated by location or backdrop. It could be a “reenactment” of your first meeting or date. It could represent your shared interests and values. Here are a few approaches to creating an engagement photo style you can bring to your wedding.

Consider taking a more retro route by leaning into ladylike elegance — the fit-and-flare silhouette of the 50s makes for memorable engagement shots. If you’re going the wearing white route, check out ModCloth’s Sheerly Blessed in Bliss dress in ivory with tone-on-tone polka dots. Your groom can slick back his hair and wear a simple suit to match. Or go for something bold in red like Kohl’s 24Seven Comfort Apparel Three-Quarter Fit and Flare Mini. Have your groom match with suspenders and a bowtie for some old-timey charm.

Speaking of old-timey, going with something girly and romantic almost always hits the mark for engagement photos. The current cottage-core trend speaks easily and unexpectedly to bridal style. For instance, a puff-sleeved or milkmaid-style dress is both feminine and amorous. Zoe and Claire’s Pleated Tiered Midi from Nordstrom features fluttery short sleeves with an empire waist and a tiered pleated skirt that is graceful yet girlish. Cider’s 100% Cotton Solid Ruched Bubble Hem Midi is also romantic but a bit more casual and figure-flattering.

If your shoot location involves water, be it a river, lake, or pond, then lean into the setting with a nautical look. I’m not suggesting sailor suits or anchor prints, but something subtle like navy and white stripes. J.Crew Factory’s Striped poplin midi dress comes with a sash belt and ruffle hem to really pop in pictures. He can easily coordinate with a navy polo and pressed khakis. For something a bit more beachy-flavored (especially if you’re planning a destination wedding at a beach/resort), check out the selection of dresses from Cabana Life and woven shirts from Salt Life for him. The great thing about looks from these brands is that you can repurpose for that destination and honeymoon.

Dresses may not be up your style alley, and you’re thinking of a more relaxed mood for your pictures. You can certainly wear separates, even jeans, if that’s your vibe. However, you want to pick polished pieces and steer clear of overly busy patterns.

For fall, I love the idea of cream knit like L.L. Bean’s Cotton Ragg sweater. This textured piece will pair nicely with dark wash jeans and boots, perfect for an outdoor woodsy setting. He can pick up a sweater for himself in either another neutral or a shade that speaks to your wedding colors for a coordinated but casual photo.

Another fun alternative to dresses is jumpsuits. A sleek one-piece is right in line if your wedding style veers toward a sophisticated aesthetic. I love the collection of jumpsuits available on Rent the Runway. The great thing with renting pieces is that you can have a more eclectic variety of options without breaking the bank. You can sport a designer outfit that retails for several hundred dollars for a fraction of the cost, with some rentals being as low as $35. They even have a “For the Bride” section on their website.

Now, you may not know what mood you want or have yet to decide on your wedding style. No big deal; there’s time for that later. You’re excited and in love and ready to shout it from the rooftops of social media and save-the-date announcements! Whatever you choose to wear should feel worthy of such a momentous occasion and make you feel beautiful. Also, have him get a haircut two weeks before your photo appointment.