You’ve booked your senior photo session and your first question is, “what do I wear?” You want to make sure you look amazing for your senior photos and that starts with picking the right clothes for your senior session to show off your personal style. But with so many great options out there, from dresses to jeans and everything in between, how do you choose the right things? I’ll help guide you to what to wear for your senior portraits.
Outfits are EVERYTHING
What you wear can determine locations, the types of poses you can do, etc so picking the right outfits for your style and personality is very important. Coming prepped and ready to go with clothing, jewelry and accessories 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:
Tip #1 – Look for Inspiration
Look for inspiration on Instagram, Pinterest, and other inspirational sites to get inspiration as to the types of shots you may want to capture, outfit inspiration including color palettes, poses, etc. 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.
Tip #2 – Think about what works for the season
Each season has distinct clothing types. Spring is all about pretty sundresses and sandals and fall is all about layers. So make sure you are choosing a season for your senior session that allows you to wear the types of clothing you like and make sure you 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 an authentic way into your session outfits. Make sure you don’t overdo it on the trends—just pick one or two that fit your style best!
Tip #3 – Shop your closet first
I know everyone loves to get new clothes…so do I! But 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? Choose clothing that makes you feel confident and beautiful!
What to wear for your senior portraits may already be in your possession. Start with that item and build your outfit around that!
Tip #4 – 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 should go for one dressy outfit, one casual outfit (such as jeans and a top), and one outfit that is somewhere in between or out of the box. You can’t go wrong with some school spirit/college spirit.
Be sure to not only bring variety when it comes to clothing types such as jeans, shirts, dresses, etc, but also bring a variety in color and/or pattern. You do not want everything to be the same color or the same pattern.
Tip #5 – Don’t be afraid of color
Colors look great in photos and bring a pop of color to stand out against the background. Wearing neutrals may make you blend in with the background instead of standing out. Think about your skin color and what color clothing complements it. If you are pale, white may wash you out, so be sure to choose colors that flatter your complexion. Do you have a favorite color? Wear it! That will help show off your personality during the shoot.
Tip #6 – Show off your personality
One of my favorite quotes from Rachel Zoe is, “Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak.” 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 must!
Are you classic or preppy? Then choose clothing that reflects that. Are you a bit bohemian? Then a flowy dress and jewelry may be the best way to showcase that. Are you edgy? Then choose clothing that speaks to that side of your personality. Maybe you are a little of everything, so choose a variety of outfits that fit all the different sides of your style and personality.
Tip #7 – Consider the location you want
Besides the question, “what do I wear?” the second most popular question is, “where do we take the photos?” The location of your senior photos is important and also needs to reflect you and your style. So when thinking of what to wear, consider the type of location you want.
If you really want to wear that long, flowy dress then an urban downtown-type backdrop may not work as well as a field would for that look. And on the flip side, if you want to rock your favorite converse high tops 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. And if you need help pairing an outfit with the right location, don’t be afraid to reach out.
Tip #8 – 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. That includes accessories, shoes, hairstyles, 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 is a great idea to hang your outfits in a garment bag so they don’t wrinkle. Put your accessories for each outfit in their own Ziploc bag and attach that to the hanger of the outfit. That way you keep everything for each outfit together and are organized for your shoot. Don’t forget your shoes! They are just as important as every other piece of the look.
I Would Love to Work with You
I hope this blog helps you choose what to wear for your senior portraits. If you are ready to book your senior session, check out The Senior Experience page or contact me here.
Having trouble finding the right senior photographer? I help you narrow down your choices in the latest blog.
