Are you looking for advice on what to wear for senior pictures?  As one of Grand Rapids top senior photographers, we are often asked what outfits will work best.  Here you will find tips and ideas for clothes to wear for a senior portrait session.  The task of coordinating your clothing can be a hard one!  We want to make sure you look your best in front of the camera with the right outfits!  This is your time to shine and your senior photos should reflect that! 

Let’s start with the guys…

It’s best if you schedule a haircut 1-2 week before your senior session.  This will give your hair a little time to grow out so you don’t have such a “fresh” haircut look.  We suggest shaving the morning of your session.  While the “five o’clock shadow” is the trendy look these days, be sure that this is the look you will want to be remembered by ten, fifteen, or twenty years from now.  This trend may be long gone by then.  

For the girls... 

We suggest you wear your hair in the style you wear your hair every day.  This is how your family and friends see you.  Quick changes to your hairstyle can be done during your session, however this does cut into the session time.  We also suggest that you trim your hair a couple weeks before the session so that your ends are fresh.  Apply your makeup normally.  You want your portraits to highlight your natural beauty.  Don’t wear high gloss lip gloss.  This can cause too much sine that will need to be edited out at a cost later.

What to wear for senior pictures:

Check Your Closet First 

You probably have some great outfits, and don’t even need to shop.  (But, if you want an excuse to shop… by all means!). Solid colors always photograph well, and neutral color pallets are always a classic choice.  

Speaking of Solid Colors…

Natural solid colors like blue, green, grey, Burgundy, tan/beige, will photograph best and work well with most backgrounds.  Solid colors work great for keeping the focus on you.  Avoid large prints, stripes, or plaids.  If you do choose a print, make sure it is a small print, and not a large logo or graphic design. 

Match Your Personality! 

It is important that you wear clothing that is comfortable and your outfit selections should match your personality and personal style.  Don’t try to be someone you’re not!  You want to remember this time of your life as a record of WHO YOU ARE.  

Choose Ideal Outfit Colors  

Having several differently colored outfits will give you more variety in your portraits.  Choose tones that you like, as well as colors that look great on you.  You do not want to wear 3 different blue shirts, because you like the color blue.  Look for the colors that make your eyes, smile, hair and complexion stand out.  

Dress For the Season  

Try to stick to colors that work with the seasons.  If it is winter time, stick to cozy sweaters and cute jackets.  If it is summer, lighter weight clothing is perfect to keep you comfortable on your session.  But, even in the summer it is nice to have some long pants and light weight long sleeve shirts.  

If You're Not Sure, Bring a Few Options

I tell my clients that they can bring a few extra options if they aren’t sure, and I’ll help them select!  

Monochromatic Outfit

I LOVE the classic look of black, white, or grey clothing.  They match any background, and they create a timeless look.  
Get something new.  I know… earlier I told you to look in your closet.  But, now I am saying to get something new too!  It is aways fun to pick out new clothes, especially for your senior session!

Sports/Hobbies

Do you have a sport that you play or a hobby that you are interested in?  We love showcasing this in your senior portraits.  So, bring your uniform, dance costume, letter jacket, riding clothes, or what ever it is that you do! 

Layers

Layers are great for getting a diverse look in your portraits.  Throw on a jacket or a scarf… or add a hat for a few pictures.  Something to give your outfit a little different look!  

Choose the Right Number of Outfits for Your Session

Usually 1 outfit for every 20-30 minutes is about right.  If you bring too many outfits for your time, you will be spending all your time changing your clothes and not getting your portraits taken!  

Don’t Forget Accessories

Bring along the jewelry, scarves, vests, headbands, hats, sunglasses, etc.  Bring along matching shoes for each outfit if one pair won’t work for all of them.  If you plan to go barefoot in any of your pictures, make sure you have a fresh pedicure.  

Make Sure You Bring the Correct Undergarments

If there’s even a slight chance that your bra strap may show, please consider wearing a good supportive strapless bra.  This is not easy to fix in photoshop and may incur an extra fee.  Also, pay attention to the color of your undergarments if your outfit is light colored and has thin fabric.  We don’t want to see your dark colored undergarments under your light colored clothing.  

Glasses

Consider glass glare and transition lenses.  If you don’t have a non-glare coating on your lenses, or if you have transition lenses, ask your optician to remove your lenses from the frame for the photo session.  Most will do this at no charge, but give them plenty of notice.  We would hate to not be able to see your eyes in your senior pictures because of glare or dark lenses. 

Bonus TIP:

It’s likely you will be changing your clothes on the go.  Not all locations have a restroom or location to change.  You might be changing in your car.  So, consider wearing a tank top and spandex shorts under your outfits to make quick changing on the go easier!  

What NOT to Wear for Senior Pictures:

• Don’t wear a lot of white.  White can make you look pale, and sometimes has a “glowing” effect in pictures.  
• Don’t wear neon colors.  The digital cameras don’t always stay true to neon colors, and it can also reflect the neon color on your skin tone.  
• Don’t wear large bold patterns.  This can be distracting and can take away from YOU.  
• If you don’t love it, don’t wear it.  Again… if you don’t love it, don’t wear it.  If you don’t love it now, you won’t like it in your finished pictures.  You will feel much more confident and photograph better in the clothes you love.