You’ve booked your senior photo session, and your first question is…What do I wear? You want to make sure you look amazing in your senior photos, and that starts with picking the right clothes for your senior session to show off your style. But with so many great options, 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 you do, and more, so picking the right outfits for your style and personality is essential. Coming prepped and ready to go with clothing, jewelry, and accessories will ensure you 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
Look for inspiration on Instagram, both at fashion bloggers and my Instagram, to see what past clients have worn, as well as Pinterest. Having a visual for what you like and what looks good on camera is a great way to start choosing the right outfits for your session.
Tip #2 – Think About What Works For The Season
Each season has distinct clothing types. Springs is all about pretty sundresses and sandals, and fall is about layers. So make sure you choose a season for your senior session that allows you to wear the types of clothing you like, and make sure you’re choosing clothing that reflects the season in which you are having your photos taken.
Check out that season’s latest trends and colors and incorporate them realistically into your session outfits. Make sure you don’t overdo it on the trends… pick one or two that fit your style best!
Tip #3 – Shop Your Closet First
I know everyone loves to get new clothes. But you may have exactly what you need in your closet, so check there first! What is your favorite item in your closet? What do you love to wear? What item makes you feel confident and beautiful? Start with that item and build your outfit 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 that my clients bring three outfits to ensure we get a good variety of different looks for the session. Ideally, you will have one dressy outfit (usually a dress), one casual outfit (such as jeans and a top), and one outfit that is somewhere in between or out of the box.
Be sure to bring various clothing types, such as jeans, shirts, dresses, etc., and various colors and/or patterns. You do not want everything to be the same color, and you do not want everything to be a pattern or everything to be solid. Make sure to have at least one outfit with a pattern for variety!
Tip #5 – Don’t Be Afraid Of Color
Colors look great in photos, allowing you to pop off the background. Wearing neutrals may make you blend in with the background instead of standing out. 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 colors you see everyone else wearing. Do you have a favorite color? Wear it! That will help show off your personality during the shoot.
Tip #6 – Show Off Your Personality
One of my favorite quotes from Rachel Zoe is, “Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak.” This applies to photos because they need to represent you without words. So, choosing outfits to wear in your photos that showcase your personality is a way to get you across to the viewers of the photos!
Are you 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, so choose a variety of outfits that fit all the different sides of your style and personality.
Tip #7 – Consider The Location You Want
Besides the question, “What do I wear?” the second most popular question is, “Where do we take the photos?” The location of your senior photos is important and needs to reflect you and your style. So, consider the type of location you want when thinking of what to wear.
If you really want to wear that long, flowy dress, an urban, downtown-type backdrop may not work as well as a field would for that look. On the flip side, if you want to rock your favorite Converse high tops and vintage concert tee, a field of wildflowers might not be the perfect spot for that outfit.
Consider your dream location when choosing your outfits for your senior session. And if you need help pairing an outfit with the right location, I am here for that!
Tip #8 – Think About The Entire Look
No matter what outfits you choose for your 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 a baggie, such as a Ziploc, and attach that to the hanger of the outfit. That way, you keep everything for each outfit together and are organized for your shoot. Don’t forget your 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 photo session or where to shop for the perfect looks? When you book a senior photo session with me, you will receive an RSP Welcome Packet with a What to Wear Guide to help you create the perfect looks for your senior session.
If you need even more help with what to wear for your senior session, I would love to help you! When you book a Classic or Luxury session, you’ll get a complimentary wardrobe consultation, and we’ll go through your outfit options and give you the option of borrowing clothing from my style closet here at the studio to complete your look for your senior session.
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