What To Wear to your Senior Session

Picking outfits for a senior photo session can feel overwhelming — but it doesn’t have to be! With a little planning and a few key tips, you can confidently choose looks that showcase your unique style and personality.

How Many Outfits Do You Need?

I recommend bringing 3–4 outfits for your session. This allows for a variety of styles and gives your photos a dynamic feel. Senior portraits are a chance to highlight all the different sides of you, so mix it up! Here’s a breakdown of outfit categories to consider:

Formal: Think classic—a suit, dress, or dressy-casual look.

Casual: Everyday clothes that reflect your personality and style.

Special: Showcase something meaningful, like a sports uniform, dance costume, or college apparel for your future school.

Cap and Gown: Since most graduates don’t receive their official cap and gown until about six weeks before graduation, plan ahead to borrow one or purchase a similar option online.

Tips for Choosing Your Outfits

When it comes to color choices, avoid bright or neon colors. While you don’t have to stick to completely neutral tones (unless you love that style), muted and neutral colors photograph best. These tones are more flattering for skin and avoid the distracting glow that bright colors can cast. Adding pops of color is a great idea—just keep them subtle and intentional. If you want one bold outfit, go for it! Just make sure it’s a deliberate choice that complements the rest of your looks.

For patterns, solid designs tend to work best for senior photos because they keep the focus on you. Subtle patterns can also work, but avoid anything too busy or loud, as it can overwhelm the image and take attention away from the main subject—yourself!

Don’t forget about accessories! Hats, sunglasses, specific shoes, or meaningful jewelry can add a unique touch to your photos. These small details can help personalize your outfits and make your session even more special. For guys, a classic watch can be a great addition to your look.

Finally, consider trendy styles, but don’t rely on them entirely. While you want your senior photos to feel fresh and reflect who you are now, you also want to love them years down the road. I recommend keeping only one outfit super trendy while the rest have a more timeless look. Think about pieces that feel stylish but could also have been worn a few years ago—or even a few years from now.

Choosing outfits for your senior session can be a lot of fun when you approach it as an opportunity to express yourself! If you’re feeling stuck, don’t hesitate to reach out for guidance. I’m happy to help you narrow down your options — or even review photos of the outfits you’re considering. Let's do this!