You’ve booked your senior photo session and your first question is…What do I wear? You want to make sure you look amazing for your senior photos and that starts with picking the right clothes to show off your personal style. With so many great options out there, from dresses to jeans and everything in between, how do you choose the right things?
What you wear can determine locations, what type of poses we do and more, so picking the right outfits for your style and personality is important. And coming prepped and ready to go with clothing, jewelry and accessories will ensure that you will have a great senior session and fall in love with your photos!
The following tips will help you when it comes to picking what to wear for your senior photos:
Tip #1 – Look for Inspiration
When thinking about what to wear for your senior photo session, look for inspiration on social media. Start with fashion bloggers, my IG feed, to see what past clients have worn, as well as Pinterest and of course on TikTok. Having a visual for 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. Summer is all about pretty sundresses and sandals and Fall is all about layers. Make sure you are choosing a season for your senior photo session that allows you to wear the types of clothing you LOVE. You want to choose clothing that reflects the season that you are having your photos taken. Check out that season’s latest trends and colors and incorporate them in a real way into your photo session outfits. Make sure you don’t overdo it on the trends…just pick one or two that fit your style best!
Tip #3 – Shop your closet first
I know everyone loves to get new clothes…so do I!! But…you may have exactly what you need in your closet already so check there first!! I’m all about your feeling exactly like YOU during your senior photo session so why not include your favorite item(s) from your closet? Now your old jammies may not be great for your senior photos so choose wisely. Really, think about what you love to wear? What item makes you feel confident and beautiful? Start with those items and build your outfits around that!
Tip #4 – Choose a variety for your session
For your senior photo 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 clients bring three outfits which ensures that we get a good variety of different looks for the session. Ideally, you will have one dressy outfit, one casual outfit, and one outfit that is somewhere in between, or represents your favorite activity, or is even something out of the box.
The variety shouldn’t just be in clothing types such as in jeans, shirts, dresses, etc. They should also show a variety in color and/or pattern. You do not want everything to be the same color and you do not want everything to be a pattern or everything to be a solid. Make sure to have at least one outfit that has a pattern for variety! Mackenzie did a great job for her session with these three different outfits 🙂
Tip #5 – Don’t be afraid of color
Colors look great in photos and allows you to pop off the background. Wearing neutrals may make you blend in with the background instead of standing out. When choosing your outfits, think about your skin color and what color clothing compliments it. If you are pale, white may wash you out so be sure to choose colors that flatter you and not ones that everyone else is wearing. Do you have a favorite color? Wear it!! That will help show off your personality during the shoot. This tie-dye jacket Kayleen chose was an amazing layer piece to her outfit and really made everything else about her photos POP!
Tip #6 – Show off your personality
One of my favorite quotes from designer Rachel Zoe is,
“Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak.”
This really applies to photos because they represent who you are without words. Showcasing your personality through the outfits your wear is a way to get across exactly who YOU are to the viewers of the photos! Your senior photo session is the perfect time to show off who you are right now, so don’t choose based on what your friends are doing. Now’s the time to be your UNIQUE self in these photos.
Is your style classic or preppy? Then choose clothing that reflects that. Are you a bit bohemian? 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 are a little of everything. Great, bring a variety of outfits that fit all the different sides of your style and personality. Jess did a great job showcasing her love of Texas by wearing her favorite boots!
Tip #7 – Consider the location of your session
Besides the question, “what do I wear during my senior session?,” the second most popular question is, “where do we take the photos?” The location of your senior photo 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 an urban, downtown type backdrop may not work as well as a field or the beach would for that look. And on the flip side, if you want to rock your favorite converse high tops and vintage concert tee, then a field of wildflowers might not be the perfect spot for that type of outfit. Having said that, I do love showing contrasting vibes in photos so sometimes that flowy dress in an urban location can be really eye-catching!
Make sure you consider your dream location 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 senior photo session, make sure you consider every detail so your outfit looks complete. That includes accessories, shoes and even your fingernails and toenails. You want to make sure you look at everything together to make sure it works, try it on and remember to pack everything you need for each outfit.
It is a great idea to hang your outfits, put your accessories for each outfit in their own Ziploc bag and attach that to the hanger of the outfit. That way you keep everything together and are organized for your senior session. Don’t forget shoes! They are just as important as every other piece of the look! And when in doubt, wear nude shoes because they elongate your legs!
Want more tips about what to wear for your senior photos or where to shop for the perfect looks? I would love to help you! You can book a wardrobe consultation with me before your senior session and I will provide you with a Style Guide with shoppable links to purchase outfits as well as go through your outfit options as well as give you the suggestions of outfits / accessories to purchase to complete your look for your senior session.
“The secret of great style is to feel good in what you wear” ~Ines de la Fressange
I can’t wait to work with you to find the PERFECT outfits for your senior photo session. Let’s show off your UNIQUE self in every photo!
Want to learn more about Senior Sessions with Paula Hould Photography? Come on over!!
Ready to book a session? Click here to get the process started!
