What should you wear for your senior photos?!
Some seniors having been planning for this moment for years, meticulously finding inspiration on their Pinterest boards. While others are really just doing this for their parents. No matter how prepared you may be for your senior photos, it's always good to double check the advice of your photographer. I've been photographing seniors for 7 years now, so I've definitely noticed what works and what doesn't along the way. I am a firm believer that senior photos should be the reflection of each individual senior, so please don't take anything I say as the end all be all. You are welcome to make adjustments that feel right for you.
This post is simply to give you a few extra details that you may not have considered before and to help those that need a starting point in deciding what to wear. This list is not in any particular order, but I am going to be as detailed as possible and will cover the entire body from head to toe. Let's get started!
Let's talk about patterns
Patterns on your clothing is a beautiful way to add some visual interest to your photos. Stripes, florals, plaids, or other geometric patterns are all great. The one pattern that I definitely want to make sure you STAY AWAY from is very small stripes! These can have a weird effect on the eyes and show through on a photograph.
You also may want to consider your backdrop. If you are going to be standing in front of a colorful and busy mural, for example, you might need to consider if the pattern on your clothing would be too bold. Small, subtle patterns or color blocking would probably look fine in front of a detailed mural, but I would stay away from anything that would clash or look chaotic when all put together.
Additionally, if you are going to have a backdrop that is mostly one solid color - think standing against the water and sky - then a pattern might stand out extra well.
Patterns are definitely not a MUST in your photos. Many clients choose to wear solid colors, and that's a great way to make sure that you won't clash with your background at all. Different patterns can also come and go with the trend cycle, so going with solids is a great way to ensure your photos stay timeless. (I'm definitely thinking of photos of myself wearing chevron in 2012.)
This is a good example of how a subtle pattern isn't making this photograph feel too chaotic. If his hoodie had a busier pattern, it would likely feel overwhelming with the backdrop.
Does this image hurt your eyes? I'm so sorry! It hurts my eyes too! In a photograph, small stripes will have the same effect. Just stay away from them.
This is a great example of how a pattern can add visual interest to a photo. This is such a classic cozy winter pattern, which adds to the overall vibe. Since she's set against a lot of snow in the backdrop, it also helps her stand out.
Let's talk about fabric
I am a big fan of choosing clothing items with interesting fabric and texture. Similar to patterns, it is an easy way to add detail and dimension to your photos. Generally texture isn't going to overwhelm the photos either, like a bold pattern can. Great ways to add texture is by wearing cable knit sweaters, ruffles, silk, lace, or lace.
Lots of fabrics can wrinkle really easily, such as linen, cotton, rayon, and silk. These are beautiful fabrics that can create a natural vibe to your photos. I'm not saying to stay away from them, but I am saying to make sure you iron or steam them beforehand. There's only so much I can do in photoshop when it comes to getting rid of wrinkles.
I love how this sweater adds texture and detail to this photograph. It doesn't overwhelm or distract.
Ruffles and cinching add dimension to this shirt, which make it more visually interesting than a plain t-shirt.
This is an example of how texture can create pattern. I also love when the fabric is free flowing enough to create movement in the picture.
Let's talk about color
This subject can be the trickiest part, in my opinion. Clients may choose to go with their favorite color, and I think that's fine! These are YOUR photos, so please wear what makes you happy. That being said, let's discuss how to find a color that can take your photographs to the next level and make them look like they could be published in a magazine.
Method 1: Neutrals
An easy way to make sure you're wearing a color that will look good is just to go with neutrals. White, beige, brown, tan, or grey are all great options. White dresses have been an increasingly popular choice for senior photos, and definitely look timeless. Black can work as well, but sometimes it can be hard to distinguish details on a black outfit. Lint, animal hair, or other debris can also easily show up on black clothing. The trick will be to make sure you have thoroughly used a lint roller before your session.
Method 2: Pop against your surroundings
If you already know the location for your photos, you can use that to help you choose an outfit color that will really stand out. One great way to know which color will pop is to look at the color wheel to choose complimentary colors. If you're going to be in a green forest, you could choose a color somewhere on the opposite side of the wheel. That would mean purple, red, or orange would be good options. If you are going to be standing against water and blue sky, that would mean yellow, orange, or red would make you stand out.
Method 3: Choosing analagous colors
Looking at the color wheel again, choosing an analagous color means you are choosing colors that are next to each other. So, if we go back to the example of being in a green forest, you would choose to wear yellow or blue. Or, if you were going to be by the water, you would choose to wear green or purple. Choosing an analagous color ensures that you still stand out against your surroundings, but it might not be as dramatic as choosing one on the opposite side. Instead, this will create a more calm vibe to your photos.
Method 4: Going monochromatic
Maybe instead of completely popping out against your backdrop, you would like to create a monochromatic vibe. This just means that you are going with one single color. This can be more difficult to pull off, as you don't want to completely blend in with your background. So if you are going to be against the water, you might not want to choose a light blue top that would blend in with the sky. Instead, choose a dark navy that will still stand out, yet look cohesive. The idea is to either go lighter or darker than the exact shade that will be in your surroundings. Pulling off a monochromatic color scheme can make your photos look really edgy and fashionable, but have to be done right.
Method 5: Going with the season
Another great option for choosing what colors to wear would be just to pay attention to the season. Nature provides the best color schemes, in my opinion. If it's fall, choose a color that you associate with the season. Go with dark green, orange, brown, or burgundy. If it's spring, choose a light pastel color such as periwinkle or blush. This can be the easiest way to make sure your color choice will match the vibe of your surroundings.
Final thoughts on color: You may be thinking... so I can wear basically any color then right? The answer to that is... yes. Like I said at the beginning, you are welcome to wear whatever color you want for your photos. These are just the methods in creating the exact vibe that you want. My only opnion that I like to give is to not wear super bright neon colors. No matter what the color scheme, neons will absorb all the attention for a viewer of the photograph.
It may sound overly complicated when reading about color schemes, but it's really not. At the end of the day, choose what speaks to you and you will be happy with your photos.
Wearing a white, neutral top against this very colorful backdrop ensures that this photograph doesn't look too chaotic.
Purple and yellow is a classic example of complimentary colors. I just love the way her yellow dress pops out against all the purple/pink flowers.
This client's beige coat works perfectly with her backdrop. In the fall, we think of earthy toned colors, so her coat matches the season well.
Blue sky and white clouds + blue pants and white top = a beautiful monochromatic combination.
Let's talk about the details
One of the most overlooked aspects of choosing your outfit is the small details. The best way for your outfit to look polished and well put together is by adding accessories. Earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and rings are all a great way to add extra detail to your photographs. If you're not into jewelery, maybe you can add layers to your outfit. For example, instead of just a t-shirt, wear a light jacket on top.
Another detail to pay attention to is your nails. If you paint them, make sure your manicure is fresh for your photos. Choose a neutral color or one that will compliment your outfit well. (Go back to all the stuff on color theory from the previous section.) If you don't paint them, please make sure your nails are trimmed and not dirty.
I personally am not the biggest fan of smart watches in pictures, but you are welcome to keep them on if that's your style. Or... don't forget to take it off! Another item that often is forgotten is hair tyes on the wrist. I will try to watch out for those, but if you can show up to your photoshoot without them on, then we won't have to worry about it. I also advise not wearing a hat for your senior photos, as it can block light from hitting your face. If you do have a hat you want to wear, I am definitely fine with getting a few pictures with it, just not the entire session.
Don't forget to pay attention to your socks either! Depending on your outfit, you may think your socks won't even show. It's best to just play it safe. Sometimes when I have seniors sit, their pants will ride up a bit and you'll see their socks. You don't want to be in a situation where we can't do a pose simply because your socks don't match, they're dirty, or don't match the vibe of your outfit.
Lastly, make sure everything is put together correctly. Make sure your shoe laces are tied, buttons are buttoned, and straps are secured. If you're wearing a bra, try to make sure that straps aren't overly visible. Try on your outfit ahead of time to see if you need to purchase a different type of bra for your outfit.
This senior added a beautiful statement necklace and belt that really brought her outfit together.
This senior came prepared by wearing socks that match his outfit.
It might seem like a small detail, but this senior's fresh manicure made her photos look even classier than if her nails were all chipped.
Let's talk about shoes
SHOES!!! This is sincerely one of the biggest contributing factors to good photos. I have seen the most beautiful outfits, only to be ruined by beat up or dirty shoes. I am not here to judge, but if you want to take your photos to the next level, your shoes need to be clean and not falling apart. Your shoes should match the vibe and color scheme of your outfit. If you're planning on wearing uncomfortable shoes that are difficult to walk in, feel free to bring an extra pair with you for walking from spot to spot. I have no problem with waiting for you to change them. I do not want anybody spraining an ankle or for their feet to freeze during my sessions.
I do not have any requirements for the type of shoes that you wear in your photos. If you want to wear cowboy boots, high heels, flats, sneakers, or sandles, that's up to you! I generally think that running shoes don't look as stylish as other types of sneakers for photos, but if they're your favorite then I'm not going to stop you!
Do you need to wear a tux to your senior photos? No. But does this senior look extremely classy in his tux with his matching dress shoes? Yes!
This is a great example of how your shoes don't need to be fancy for them to look good! I love her Converse sneakers that match with her dress! Sneakers with dresses are extremely popular right now.
Here's another example of shoes that look lovely and make this client look super classy! This is also an example of shoes that make sense if you don't want to walk around with them and bring an extra pair.
Boots are another great classic pairing with jeans!
Let's talk about logos and brands
I strongly advise against wearing any clothing with a big logo or brand name on it. This will be very distracting and could even end up looking like an advertisement instead of a senior photo. We want the focus to be YOU. Instead, choose clothing that's either a solid color or pattern as mentioned previously.
The exception to this is in the case that we are doing a specific theme or highlight for your session. For example, if we are showcasing your passion for football. We will definitely take pictures of you in your sports attire if that's the case. I actually love when seniors include their hobbies or interests in their photos. The key is to not make these the only photos for your gallery, and instead this will just be a section of it.
Here we can obviously see the senior's school name on their shirt. That's fine, however, as this was a football themed photoshoot. It adds to the vibe of the photo and tells the story.
Another example of a photo from the same senior's gallery shows that we included everyday outfits as well.
Let's talk about hair and makeup
You might spend all your time worrying about your outfit, but hair and makeup is another detail that can bring it all together. My advice for this topic is pretty simple: make sure you have a fresh trim or dye for your session. Maybe don't get your hair done the day of your session, but about a week before. That will give your hair some time to look natural again, yet still look great.
Right now seniors generally leave their hair down for the photos, and don't do any crazy up dos. I think styling it in the way that you do every day is the best way to make sure your photos are an accurate reflection of you at this time. Just make sure it's clean, combed, and styled in a way that makes you feel confident.
Similarly with makeup, you don't need to overdo it. If you wear makeup, do it the way you would when you're trying to feel your best, but don't try anything new that you might regret later. Make sure you give yourself enough time before your session to put it on in case you need to re-do it or fix anything. Bring your lipstick, lipgloss, or whatever you wear with you in case you need to reapply during the session!
If you don't wear makeup, I still advise you to put on chapstick for your session!
This senior truly looks like herself with a natural hairstyle, minimal makeup, and her glasses.
A lot of guys will make sure their hair doesn't fall flat during their photos. This one did a great job of ruffling his hair in between shots.
Most of my seniors come to their session like this: hair down and natural makeup. Some light curling or straightening can make sure it looks put together.
Let's talk about planning multiple outfits
I know this has been a lot of information so far, but hopefully it doesn't feel too complicated. It shouldn't be! All the example photos shown in this post can serve as inspiration for you to choose your outfits. It's possible you have one outfit picked out, but now are trying to figure out a second or third and feel overwhelmed. That's why for my final point, I wanted to talk about adding variety to your gallery.
The most common way seniors choose their outfits is by planning a dressy one and a casual one. Many seniors will wear a dress for half their photos, then switch into jeans, sneakers, and a top. This is one of the best ways to add variation in your photos.
Another great way to add variety is by choosing different color schemes. Go back to where we talked about color and choose a different method for your second outfit. If you're wearing a white dress for some pictures, maybe choose a colorful top for your casual outfit.
If your package allows for three or four outfits, then have fun with it! You will get to fully express yourself in your senior pictures in multiple ways. Mix and match all the different methods we talked about in this post and get creative. It might also be the perfect opportunity for you to display your hobby or interest. Wear your cheerleading outfit or get extra fancy and wear your homecoming dress again.
A white dress is a classic for senior photos. This would make a great option for your dressy outfit.
This senior highlighted her time as a cheerleader by wearing her uniform for some of her photos.
This senior started off her session with this more casual outfit before changing into a dress for the latter half.
The casual vibe of this outfit matches the location perfectly.
I'm here to help
If you've read all this, and you're still feeling lost or need some extra advice, just reach out! I am always here to help you. If you want some extra input on which color top would look better with the location, or just want to send me your outfit ideas, I'd love to take a look.
