In the era of Instagram, it’s rare for a celebrity engagement to go completely undocumented.
Even if said celebrity isn’t an avid Instagram user, they generally announce their happy news in some social form or another. (The other classic reveal being the red carpet ring debut.)
And while the ubiquitous ‘ring shot’ (a glittering, eye-wateringly expensive engagement ring photographed in closeup, usually accompanied by a ‘I said yes!’ variant) is the most popular choice, others prefer to bring in some wider context—whether it’s a shot from the actual proposal (see Jennifer Lopez’s beach-side affair) or a planned photograph, post-knee-bend (as is the case with most of the royals).
And, of course, where there is a celebrity shot, there is an outfit to ogle.
From a summer-perfect yellow dress on Nicola Peltz to Meghan Markle in an impressive gown by an Australian design duo, here, an ode to the best engagement announcement looks ever.
Nicola Peltz
When you’re marrying the son of one of the most famous fashion designers around, it would be a missed opportunity not to wear a dress from her line.
Nicola Peltz, who announced her engagement to Brooklyn Beckham, wore the “Asymmetric Ruffle Cami Dress” in lemon yellow for the shot. It currently retails for $2,500.
Kate Middleton
Engagement dresses don’t come more famous than Kate Middleton’s. The royal blue wrap dress by label Issa, renamed as the ‘Kate dress’ after the duchess, was actually so popular that the brand went into administration after struggling to cope with the influx of sales.
Meghan Markle
For a formal announcement to photographers, Meghan wore a white coat by The Line over a green dress. Fit for a (future) duchess.
Meghan Markle
Following up her in-person announcement, Meghan and Harry posed for a series of portraits to commemorate the occasion. The most iconic of all of them is this shot, where Meghan is wearing a scandalous (by royal standards) “naked dress” by Australian design duo Ralph & Russo.
Princess Beatrice
The second royal to tap an Australian label for her engagement portrait, Princess Beatrice of York wore Zimmermann’s “Allia” floral dress to announce her engagement to property tycoon Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi.
Princess Eugenie
For her engagement announcement to Jack Brooksbank, Princess Eugenie also embraced florals. Her choice, a more dramatic dark floral print by Erdem, was paired with bow-adorned heels.
Jennifer Lopez
When you’re on the receiving end of a $7 million engagement ring, sweatpants and a tee won’t do. Jennifer Lopez was proposed to by Alex Rodriguez wearing a two-piece set by Aussie brand Spell (specifically their ‘Seashell’ set).
Grace Kelly
To announce her engagement to Prince Rainier of Monaco (as well as her transition from actress to princess), Kelly wore a beige fit-and-flare dress by New York label Branell, with a matching belt and three-quarter sleeves. A fitting accompaniment to her 10-carat Cartier ring.
Priyanka Chopra
Announcing her engagement to the youngest of the Jonas Brothers, Priyanka Chopra wore this bright yellow salwar kameez by Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla.
Lady Diana Spencer
For the announcement of her engagement to Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace, Lady Diana Spencer wore a bright blue skirt-suit with a necktie. However, according to legend, there was a Pretty Woman moment behind the ensemble.
Reports say that Diana had visited London boutique Bellville Sassoon for a dress. When the French sales assistance didn’t recognise her and told her to visit a more budget-friendly store, Diana went to Harrods, where she plucked this look off the rack. Big mistake. Huge.
Jourdan Dunn
Nothing says ‘new bride’ like a crisp white shirt dress, which is what supermodel Jourdan Dunn wore to announce her engagement to rapper Dion Hamilton.
Devon Windsor
For a beach proposal (or, should we say, an island hired out for a proposal, on which the words ‘WILL YOU MARRY ME?’ were written into the sand and flown over in a private plane), Victoria’s Secret angel Devon Windsor wore a sheer lace coverup over a white bikini.
Jenna Dewan
A dress for a baby shower that doubles for an engagement portrait? That’s a tall order. Luckily Jenna Dewan was dressed to impress in a white-and-gold maxi.
Freida Pinto
While her husband-to-be embraced colour, Freida Pinto wore a black floral dress with puff sleeves in her engagement announcement portrait.
Eva Longoria
Let it be known: if your boyfriend proposes in the middle of a Dubai desert, wear a chic outfit. Eva Longoria chose a red, long-sleeved dress with delicate sheer panelling (which, incidentally, matched her ruby engagement ring).
Ariana Grande
Her engagement to Pete Davidson might not have lasted long, but the impact of Ariana Grande’s iconic slouchy Gucci boots will.
Margot Robbie
Although this shot actually announced their marriage, not their engagement (spot the thin wedding band underneath her engagement ring), Margot Robbie’s white, flowing dress is worthy of acknowledgement.
