Choosing What to Wear for Your Senior Photos

You are super excited because you’ve booked your senior photo session, but then your mind starts racing with the question, “What do I wear?” Of course, you want to make sure you look amazing for your senior photos. All of that starts with picking the right clothes for your session to show off your own unique and personal style. With so many great options out there, from dresses to jeans and everything in between, how do you decide the right outfits? I’m here to help you choose what to wear for your senior photos!

What you wear can determine the photo locations and the types of poses among other things. Picking the right outfits for your style and personality is important. I want you to show up to your session prepped and ready to go with clothing, jewelry and accessories. All of this will ensure that you will have a great senior session and fall in love with your photos!

The following tips will help you when it comes to picking what to wear for your senior photos:

Look for Inspiration

I encourage my seniors to look for inspiration on Instagram, both at fashion bloggers and my own Instagram profile to see what past clients have worn. Another great place to visit is Pinterest. My seniors will make a board of their own, pinning what they like for poses and outfits. I look over this ahead of their session and makes notes for myself. Having a visual for what you like and what looks good on camera is a great way to start the process of choosing the right outfits for your session.

Think About What Works for the Season

Each season has distinct clothing types. Springs is all about pretty sundresses and sandals where as fall is all about layers and textures. Make sure you are choosing a season for your senior session that allows you to wear the types of clothing you like. It’s important to choose clothing that reflects the season in which you are having your photos taken. Check out that season’s latest trends and colors and incorporate them in a real way into your session outfits. However, don’t overdo it on the trends…just pick one or two that fit your style best!

Shop Your Closet First

I know everyone loves to get new clothes…so do I!! However, you may have exactly what you need in your own closet, so be sure to check there first!! What is your favorite item in your closet? What do you love to wear? What item makes you feel confident and beautiful? Start with that item and build your outfit around that! You will find more things in your closet that will inspire you!

Choose a Variety for Your Session

For your senior photo session, be sure to bring a variety of outfits so that you don’t look like you wore the same outfit in all your photos! I suggest that my clients bring at least three outfits which ensures that we get a good variety and different looks for the session. Ideally you will have one dressy outfit (usually a dress!), one casual outfit (such as jeans and a top) and one outfit that is somewhere in between or out of the box.

You need to choose a big variety when it comes to clothing types such as jeans, shirts, dresses, etc, but also bring a variety of colors and/or patterns. Pink may be your favorite color, but you don’t want all of your photos to be the same. You also don’t want all of your outfits to be a pattern or everything to be a solid. Choosing a lot of different outfits and colors will go a long way in showing how unique you are!

Don’t Be Afraid of Color

Colors look great in photos and allow you to pop off of the background. Wearing neutrals may make you blend in with the background instead of stand out. Instead, you could wear a color with a neutral so things match together. Think about your skin color and what color clothing is complimentary. If you have pale skin, white may wash you out so be sure to choose colors that flatter you versus colors you see everyone else wearing. Do you have a favorite color? Wear it!! It will help show off your personality during the shoot.

Show Off Your Personality

That last sentence leads me to my next tip to make sure to show off your personality. This really applies to photos because they need to represent who you are without words. Choosing outfits to wear in your photos that showcase your personality is a way to let others learn more about you!

Are you classic or preppy? Do you prefer an urban or city look? Are you a bit of a bohemian? A flowy dress, jewelry, and wide floppy hat may be the best way to showcase that. Are you edgy? Choosing a black pair of jeans, white and black Converse high top shoes, and a crop top might be the best outfit for you. Maybe you are a little of everything! Bring all of those outfits that show all the different sides of your style and personality.

Consider the Location You Want

In addition to the question, “What do I wear?”, the second most popular question is, “Where can I take my photos?” The location of your senior photos is important and also needs to reflect you and your style. When thinking of what to wear, consider the type of locations you want. If you really want to wear that long, flowy dress then an urban, graffiti type backdrop may not work as well as a field. On the flip side, if you want to rock your favorite Doc Martin boots and vintage concert tee, then a field of wildflowers might not be the perfect spot for that type of outfit.

Make sure you consider your dream location when choosing your outfits for your senior session. If you need help pairing an outfit with the right location, then we can chat about during your wardrobe consultation!

Think About the Entire Look

No matter what outfits you choose for your session, make sure you consider every detail so your outfit looks complete. This includes accessories, shoes and even your fingernails and toenails. You want to make sure you look at everything together to make sure it works, try it on, and remember to pack everything you need for each outfit.

It’s a great idea to hang your outfits, put your accessories for each outfit in their own plastic baggie, and attach that to the hanger of the outfit. This will keep everything for each outfit organized for your shoot. Don’t forget shoes! They are just as important as every other piece of the outfit! When in doubt, it’s best to wear nude shoes because they elongate your legs and go with any outfit!

Choosing what to wear for your senior photos has never been so easy! I schedule a wardrobe consultation for all of my senior sessions so we can plan outfits together. I want to make sure that you are all ready to go! That includes using pieces from my client closet if you so wish. No matter what season you want for your senior session, I would love to document your last year of high school! Head to my contact page so I can grab your info and we can talk details!