You’ve booked your senior photo session and your first question is…what do I wear? You want to make sure you look amazing, and that starts with picking the right outfits to show off your personality and style. But…with so many great options out there, from dresses to jeans and everything in between, how do you choose the right outfits? Don’t worry, here are a few tips on how to choose what to wear for your senior photos.
What you wear can impact our locations, what type of poses you’ll be able to do, and more so picking the right outfits for your style and personality is important. Coming prepped and ready to go with outfits, jewelry and accessories will ensure that you’ll have a great senior session, and fall in love with your photos!
Here are a few tips on how to choose what to wear for your senior photos:
Tip #1 – Look for Inspiration
Look for inspiration on Instagram, both from fashion bloggers, and hashtags that mention seniors. You can also look at my Instagram to see what past clients have worn. Another great place for inspiration is Pinterest. I have boards with different styles you can look at. Having a vision of 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, sandals, & short sleeves, whereas, fall is all about layers, sweaters, and boots. So make sure you’re choosing a season for your senior session that allows you to wear the types of clothing you like best. Also, make sure you’re choosing outfits that reflect the season in which you are having your photos taken. In other words, don’t wear a summer dress for a fall shoot.
Tip #3 – Shop your closet first
I know everyone loves to get new clothes…believe me, so do I!! But, you may have exactly what you need in your own closet so be sure to check there first!! What’s 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 it!
Tip #4 – Choose a variety for your 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 three outfits so that we get a good variety with different looks for the session. Ideally, you will have one dressy outfit (usually a dress!), one casual outfit (such as jeans/shorts and a top), and one outfit that is somewhere in between or out of the box and fun!
Be sure to not only bring variety when it comes to clothing types like jeans, shirts, dresses, etc but also bring a variety in color and/or patterns. You don’t want everything to be the same color and you don’t want everything to be a pattern. I do recommend you have at least one outfit that has a pattern for variety!
Tip #5 – 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 standing out. Think about your skin color and what color clothing compliments it. If you’re pale, white may wash you out so be sure to choose colors that flatter you. 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 can represent who you are without words. Are you classic or preppy? Then choose outfits that reflect that. Are you a bit boho? 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’re 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 will we take the photos?” The location of your senior session 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 a field or park would for that look. On the flip side, if you want to rock your favorite converse high tops and vintage concert tee, then a parking garage or more modern venue would work best.
Make sure you consider your dream locations when choosing your outfits for your senior session. And if you need help pairing an outfit with the right location, that is what I am here for!
Tip #8 – Think about the ENTIRE look
No matter what outfits you choose for your session, make sure you consider every little detail so your outfit looks complete. That includes accessories like jewelry & hats, shoes, and even your fingernails and toenails. You want to make sure you look at everything together to make sure it works. Try your outfits on, and remember to pack everything you need for each outfit together as a set. It’s a great idea to hang your outfits, put your accessories for each outfit in their own baggie such as a Ziploc and attach that to the hanger of the outfit. That way you keep everything for each outfit together and organized for your shoot. Don’t forget the correct undergarments!
Shoes can make or break an outfit. They’re just as important as every other piece of the look! Try not to wear the same pair of shoes with every outfit. Mix things up! You can have fun casual shoes, boots, or even heels. When in doubt, wear nude shoes because they will elongate your legs!
If you need even more help with what to wear for your senior photos, I would love to help you! You can book a wardrobe consultation with me before your senior session, and I will go through your outfit options and help you pick the perfect variety that will look amazing in your images.
