What to Wear to your Senior Session
Aha! The question that almost all my seniors have for me is: what should I wear? Of course, I tell everyone to wear whatever makes them comfortable and best represents them. But if you have absolutely no clue and need guidance, keep reading for my advice and examples.
Styles
Because I allow multiple wardrobe changes in my sessions, pack 2-3 diverse outfits, casual, formal, and something fun. However, I always advise my clients to first go for casual, especially if they don’t plan to pack other outfits.
Psst…bringing a formal outfit can give you photos to use for more professional profile pictures like Linkedin!
Casual Look
Girls
Jeans, a light-colored top, white tennis shoes (and simple accessories).
A flowy sundress, light denim jacket, lovely sandals, or a simple wedge.
Guys
Jeans and t-shirt with an open buttoned shirt on top, casual sneakers (non-athletic)
A pair of khaki shorts and a polo shirt with low-profile casual sneakers or boat shoes
Light pair of pants with a button-up shirt, sleeves rolled up, and denim jacket with casual sneakers.
The Formal Look
Girls
A black pair of long pants with a slim fit colored (crew neck) sweater, heels, or dress shoes
Dark denim jeans with a slim fit colored tee and a black blazer with dress shoes
A romper and wedged heels
Guys
A crew neck sweater with a dark pair of pants, dress shoes
Dark denim jeans and a V-neck tee with a blazer, dress shoes
Black pants and a colored button-up shirt, dress shoes
Fun/Personality Looks
A sports outfit like a basketball uniform or dance costume, etc.
A musical instrument or hobby-related items like paints or a book.
Basically, anything expressive of who YOU are!
Patterns/Colors/Fabrics
Floral patterns: spring florals usually arrive in larger prints than fall styles, and you can find them everywhere, from crop tops and rompers to mini and maxi dresses. Opt for watercolor florals for a bohemian look, while appliques will appear in resort wear styles.
Pastel tones: Think of pretty pinks, lavenders, buttery yellows, and light blues layered with white for a sophisticated style or light-washed denim for casual springtime vibes.
Vivid colors: do not confuse this for neon – because that’s a no-no color for portraits! I’m talking about magentas, cobalt, emerald, and lilac! These colors are beautiful because they’ll complement all the blossoming nature around you and make you stand out from backgrounds.
Fabric: Any fabric that shows movement, like tiered ruffles, statement sleeves, tassels, or voluminous maxis, or a flowy skirt/dress will add so much animation and life to your portraits! For guys, an example is a thinner long-sleeved button-up shirt that fits a little more loosely to allow fabric movement. A shirt like this with cuffed sleeves and either a pair of shorts or semi-formal long pants is a perfect outfit!