So you’ve scoured your closet and visited more boutiques than you can count but haven’t quite found the dress.

You want something whimsical, feminine, beautiful, and make you feel like it was made for you — something that expresses your personality and your style but the department stores get overwhelming and they have some selections but there’s just… something missing.

For the dreamers and romantics, here are some dresses that have a fairytale-like allure to add to your photos.

Selkie

whimsical engagement session dress — Photos: Johanna Dye Photography

With the popularity of Bridgerton, Selkie quickly became a fan favorite, especially with the help of social media.

This dress is cute but… Where would I even wear it?

The grocery store. Just going on a walk. With Doc Martens. Or Mary Janes and some lace socks.

Known for their puff dresses, Selkie has plenty of colorful options but also has darker tones for a moodier feel. Their dresses are typically made of cotton - for a day time, more casual feel - or organza for a lighter fabric that allows for more movement in the dress.

Their Marie gowns (defined by a deep V cut with ruffles) or Bloom gowns with a slit add a touch of chic to the playful, whimsy side.

They also have some styles as rompers and coats, corsets, and other articles to layer and stylize.

Teuta Matoshi

Teuta Matoshi offers custom-sized dresses, featuring floral, whimsical designs of varying lengths. If you’re looking for a full length gown or a midi dress with a nod to vintage fashion, their designs lean fun with color or elegant monochromatic shades while keeping the romantic, dreamy designs they are known for. They also have a bridal line; some of my personal favorites include appliques of varying flowers.

Monique Lhuillier

Cherry blossom pre-wedding session in Central Park

The absolute height of floral dreams with no shortage of flowers and lace, Monique Lhuillier brings an air of playful elegance no matter what location you choose for your photoshoot. Pre-wedding session Central Park? Engagement session prancing around the streets of New York City? A castle in the heart of Loire Valley? The deserts of Egypt? Take your pick - there is no wrong option; Monique Lhuillier’s designs help you shine as you bask in that soon-to-be-wed glow.

Mac Duggal

Classic. Feminine. Elegant. Macduggal adds definition to their dresses with texture and subtle but intricate embellishments, including bows, sequins and appliques formed as flowers, patterns on their simpler silhouettes.

Their expansive options include day time looks, a little sultrier options for evening looks and you can also recommend their dresses to special guests if they’re interested in matching colors or styles!

Zimmermann

An Australian-based brand known for their prints and feminine designs, Zimmermann’s creations never cease to amaze me. Whether it’s the thoughtful cut and minute details that bring together a billowy, solid pattern, or a blend of playful - yet never ostentatious - color, Zimmermann’s pieces never fail to exude sophistication and femininity.

Ranging from linen to silk and swimwear fabrics, Zimmermann provides craftmanship and style. If you’re looking to invest in a special piece, Zimmermann is your designer.

Bronx and Banco

Another Australian-based designer, Bronx and Banco designs are feminine, chic, and vibrant. Their stunning designs can be found on the red carpet, setting the trend with creative works with flattering silhouettes. Intricate, 3D floral appliques? Lace and rhinestone embellishments? Inspiration for a head-turning look on the streets of NYC? Or even with nature as your backdrop - looming mountains in the Dolomites, or a field of lupines in New Zealand? Check Bronx and Banco to find the engagement dress of your unique, whimsical dreams.

House of CB

House of CB has the number one color choice for engagement sessions: white, other solid colors with ruffles, print patterns, and a mix of of both for a sizeable selection.

Whether you’re looking to tap into your inner cottagecore style or a more of a fairy for your engagement session, House of CB has options for you to dress it up or down.

Anthropologie

Offering a mix of whimsical brands (including Sachin & Babi, Amur, BHLDN), Anthropologie’s styles feature a mix of pearls, bows, ruffles, and fun accents. They have options to dress it up or down so you have more to choose from.

Anthropologie also features bridal looks from Jennie Yoo, Blue Willow (an Anne Barge collection), and more.

Montsand

A Vietnam-based brand that brings romance to each piece, Montsand leans into texture, fabrics, and embroidery to add magic to their creations.

Also available through Selfridges and Cult Mia.

Love Shack Fancy

Love Shack Fancy marries vintage charm and whimsicality. Think, running in a field of wildflowers meets a pastel version of the Mad Hatter. Or mermaid-on-land in the form of a dress.

Their styles lean more casual — perfect for a garden or beach engagement session. Accessorize with some of their bows, gloves, or an fun prop— parasol, anyone?

Marchesa / Marchesa Notte

Chotronette

Last but not least, Chotronette is a match made in heaven for brides-to-be who really want high-quality pieces for their own fairytale. Based in Romania, they describe their sustainable, hand-sewn dresses as “portal[s] to another world.”

Flowing fabrics, watercolor-esque palettes, capes, wings, and a sprinkle of magic all come together in Chotronette’s designs.

If you have your heart set on a made-to-order dress, make sure to allow for ample time for the production and shipping for this special piece.

Whimsical and Chic Dresses to Wear for Your Engagement Session (or Wedding Day!)