What to Wear to Your Senior Session
Seattle Senior Portrait Photographer
Senior Photo Session Style Guide
Are you getting ready for your senior photo session and wondering what to wear? Here are some tips to help you nail your look and make your photos stand out. Remember, your senior photos are a lasting memory of your high school years. Dress to impress and show off your unique style!
Dress to impress:
This is your chance to showcase your style and personality, so pick an outfit that makes you feel confident and comfortable. Think about the color, pattern, and fit that flatters you best.
My favorite colors on camera are maroon, navy, mustard, sage green, light blue, the list goes on. It’s no secret that solid colors are best, but a good pattern can be a fun addition to your wardrobe and adds an element of texture to your photos. Keep it simple. Opt for bold colors that compliment your skin and hair color. Choose patterns that don’t take away from the overall aesthetic of your session.
Avoid logos and busy patterns:
The focus should be on you, not your clothes. Opt for solid colors or subtle patterns that won't distract from your face and smile.
When using patterns, choose to pair with a solid piece. For instance, if your top is patterned, then your bottoms should be solid.
Avoid large logos (unless it's your HS or perspective college logo), neon colors, and accessories that distract from you amazing face or personality.
It's so important to bring your best outfits to any photo session. Go through your wardrobe and choose what makes you feel good, what makes you stand out, what makes you feel the best in your own skin, because when you're comfortable and feel good about yourself, your best self shines through. And your best self is what I love to capture!
Layer it up:
Adding layers can give you more options for posing and make your outfit more interesting. Try a denim jacket, cardigan, or scarf to add texture and depth to your photos.
Layers are great year round, and make for a great accessory when photographing people. Layers add depth and texture to your photographs with very little effort. Layers also offer a myriad of posing options.
Jackets are great for those moments when you don’t know what to do with your hands. Grab your lapel with one or both hands and pull your collar up to your chin.
Drape a sweater around your shoulders.
Layers also give you more bang for your outfit choice buck. Looks can easily be changed on the fly with little effort.
Make sure your layers are lightweight in the spring and summer so that you don’t become overheated.
Accessorize wisely:
Keep it simple and elegant with a watch, necklace, or earrings that complement your outfit or heirloom pieces that mean something to you. Hats are also a fun and interesting accessory that lend for more posing options. Avoid big, distracting accessories that could take away from your face.
Accessories are important to any outfit, but it’s important that you choose the best accessories for your day. I often times have seniors that wear family heirlooms to sessions. Heirloom jewelry is a part of your legacy and brings a sense of tradition to your session. And heirlooms are special. They act as a rite of passage carrying on the family name. Avoid accessories that distract from your face and personality. There are times and places for silly attire, but your senior photos should be classic and timeless. Save the more non-traditional props for candid photos with your friends and family. Some accessories to include:
A family locket
A pocket watch/wrist watch handed down
A special family ring
A family tiara
An heirloom bracelet
Don't forget the shoes:
Your shoes can complete the look and add a touch of personality. Choose shoes that match the vibe of your outfit and are comfortable enough to walk and pose in.
I love a great pair of shoes. Who doesn’t? But one of the worst mistakes to make on the day of a photo session or big event is comfort. There has been many a time where I sacrificed comfort for style. This should NOT be one of those times. You can’t have fun or pose seamlessly through discomfort. So if you have a pair of shoes you’re dying to wear to your session, make sure to completely break them in. Try walking in grass or sand with them on. Try walking for a couple blocks in them to see if they pinch or hurt anywhere. Make sure that the shoes you do choose are comfortable enough for you to walk in for an hour or more. Shoes can be:
Patterned - plaid and floral shoes add texture and dimension to a photo.
High heels - As long as you can walk well in them. Think about the location you choose and weather environmental factors such as soft grass or sand will make it hard for you to walk.
Pair a dress with some great high tops.
Sandals are a wonderful summer choice.
And even a few barefoot shots can really show off your personality.
