What to Wear for Your Senior Pictures: 12 Tips & Ideas

If you don’t know what to wear for your senior photoshoot, don’t worry, I’m here to help! I’ve put together my top 12 tips on how to choose your senior photo outfits. Use the ideas here as a starting point to begin planning your own senior photoshoot looks. I recommend to start planning your outfits as early as possible. Aim to have your outfits fully planned at least 1 week before your photoshoot.

When we meet to plan the details of your photoshoot, you can share your outfit ideas and ask me any questions about what to wear. You’re also welcome to email or Instagram message me with outfit questions or ideas before your photoshoot.

Without further ado, here are my 12 top tips on how to decide what to wear to your senior photoshoot.

1. Wear what makes you feel confident

This is my most important tip of all. Senior photos are all about you and showcasing your personality and style, so choose outfits that you make you feel most like ‘you.’ When you feel confident in what you’re wearing, that confidence will shine through in front of the camera.

2. Plan outfits based on your photoshoot locations

A good way to start planning your outfits is to first consider the location(s) where you’d like to shoot. If you need some help deciding what type of location(s) you’d like for your senior photoshoot, feel free to check out my blog post Best Photoshoot Locations in Seattle for Senior Pictures to get some ideas. There you will find a list of my favorite locations organized by type along with some example photos.

Once you know what type of location(s) you want for your photoshoot, think about what outfits would look best there. For example, a sundress in a tall grassy field at golden hour, or a white top and jeans in a flower field.

3. Plan on a variety of looks

Whether you’re booking Package 1, 2, or 3, I recommend choosing outfits that are distinct from each other. This will ultimately give you more variety in your final gallery. For Package 3, which includes two outfits, most seniors will plan one more casual/day-to-day look, and one more formal.

If you are booking Packages 2 or 3, you can consider other options like a very formal outfit (such as a prom dress or suit), a sports uniform, cap & gown, or something else that is special or unique to you.

4. Consider comfort and movement

Something that is just as important as color or style: comfort. I’ll be directing you into a variety of poses and movements during your photoshoot, so you will want to make sure that each item of clothing fits you well and you are comfortable moving around.

5. Choose colors that compliment

The colors you choose for your senior photoshoot outfits will determine how much you match or stand out from the environment. As a rule of thumb, bold colors go really well with locations that are more monochromatic (like the city or the beach), while more neutral-toned outfits go well with locations that are already full of color, like flower fields.

Here are some color palettes to consider:

If you are overwhelmed by choosing the colors of your outfits, remember that you can’t go wrong with wearing neutrals! Neutral colored outfits, like a white dress, will go well with any background.

Earth tones photograph beautifully and look great with most backdrops. I suggest sticking with at most one or two colors for each of your outfits, with the rest of your clothing items being neutral. For example, an olive green sweater and a pair of jeans.

Lastly, jewel tones are great if you love more vibrant colors! These bright and bold colors go really well with photoshoot locations that are not as colorful, like the city or the beach.

6. Accessorize!

Adding different accessories to your outfits can really elevate each look. Accessories include things like jewelry, belts, jackets, hats, glasses, or anything else you want to incorporate. You’re welcome to switch accessories on and off during your photoshoot as you please.

7. Try out different textures and patterns

Choosing clothing items with an interesting fabric or texture is a great way to make your photos stand out. Fabrics that photograph nicely include velvet, satin, denim, corduroy, leather, sequins, and knitted sweaters. I’d suggest sticking to one or two unique textures per outfit.

Patterns can also add a lot of visual interest to your photos. I recommend going with small, repeated patterns because they photograph well and do not distract from you, the subject of the photo. Try to stick with one pattern per outfit.

8. Pockets = more posing options

This tip may be more of a personal preference, but I love when seniors wear outfits with pockets. Pockets give you something to do with your hands when posing. If you don’t have pockets on any of your outfits, though, no worries. I’ll still guide you seamlessly through many great poses and won’t leave you wondering what to do with your hands.

9. Dress for the weather

It may go without saying, but you’ll want to be comfortable during your photoshoot by dressing appropriately for the weather. If you have a late fall, winter, or early spring shoot, plan on dressing warm. This is a great time of year to incorporate sweaters, jackets, beanies, and boots! If you are set on wearing a more summery outfit when it’s cold outside, be sure to bring an extra warm jacket to your photoshoot to warm up while we aren’t shooting.

10. Find inspiration online

If you feel like you’re lacking ideas, try looking around online for inspiration. Here are some places to check out:

11. Try on each outfit in advance

This step is very important! As soon as your have your outfits planned, take a few minutes to try on each outfit head-to-toe to see how it looks in the mirror. Keep an eye out for any potential issues, like bra straps showing, see-through material, or anything that doesn’t fit quite right.

12. Bring something special!

I love when seniors include something meaningful to them in their photos. It’s a great way to make your photoshoot unique. Some ideas include:

  • Your dog/pet
  • Musical instruments
  • Sports gear/uniforms
  • An item related to your favorite hobby
  • College swag
  • Flower bouquets or crowns
  • Your favorite food
  • Cap and gown
  • Anything else you can think of!

I hope these 12 tips help you decide what to wear! Remember, these are just tips, not rules. What you decide to wear to your senior photoshoot is totally up to you.

If you still need to book your senior photoshoot, I’d love to be your photographer!

Book a Photoshoot with Becky