Senior Picture Outfit Ideas

Designer Marc Jacobs once said, “Clothes mean nothing until someone lives in them”. A suit and tie? A cocktail dress? Khakis or jeans? A skirt and blouse? If the options make your head spin, keep reading for some great senior picture outfit ideas to get the best results from your senior photo session.

Once your senior photos with me are booked, I suggest brainstorming a few senior picture outfit ideas that reflect your style and personality. Magazines, Pinterest and Instagram offer a myriad of ideas if you need inspiration and direction. Organize 3 to 5 outfits reflecting your vibe in both dressy and more casual ways. Think what you would wear on the first day of school, during a special outing with friends, times when you know you will be seen by many and want to look your best.

Outfits should always be comfortable enough that you can move, sit and stand in a variety of poses and places. You do not want outfits that are too tight or too short to restrict you from an array of poses. Our goal together is securing a unique assortment of photos. Keep in mind what the weather in Michigan tends to be during the month of your shoot and plan accordingly. Your best photos will not be easy to achieve if you are too hot or too cold.

While trendy, funky ensembles highlighting neon, metallics, or tie dye can be fun, it is usually best to steer clear of them. They will date photos which may be hanging on family walls for decades to come. Wild hairstyles or accessories may cause moans and groans of regret even a few mere months down the road. Of course you want to showcase the real you, but also consider simpler outfits and accessories when possible. Or, choose one outfit that shows your wildest side and keep the others more simple. That’s what Rena did for her senior pictures at The Arb.

It is also wise to avoid oversized clothing such as hoodies or bulky blazers and instead choose a varsity jacket or fitted blouse. Clothing with writing or graphics are usually a poor choice as they date the photo and sometimes certain poses can hide portions of the words or image anyway.

While many teens and parents alike love shopping for new clothes, sometimes it is the tried and true outfits (if in good shape) that work best for senior pictures. They already feel comfortable and represent your amazing style!

For the optimum senior photo session results please:

Choose solid, natural colors as they photograph well and blend to most surroundings. Neons will do the opposite.
Try on your outfits one by one in their entirety. Be sure underwear, bra straps and tags are hidden and that socks, shoes, jewelry or other accessories complement the look. Boxers can bunch up, bra color can show through light color shirts and the wrong length or color socks can look rather odd with certain shoes.
Stand in front of a full length mirror and ask a family member or friend for input or suggestions. Be aware that one or two pieces of jewelry go a long way and too many accessories can take away from the photos. Gals should typically avoid strapless or spaghetti strap looks but sleeveless usually works as seen in these photos of Eleanor at the Botanical Gardens.
Be sure each clothing item is hung on a sturdy hanger, ironed or steamed if need be. Jewelry, hair ornaments, socks or hosiery and shoes may be placed in a bag and labeled according to which outfit they will accompany. You may want to wear a pair of comfy walking shoes to use to get to and between photo session backdrops. Outfit changes may be carried in garment bags or laid gently in a basket.
If you usually wear glasses and your lenses are transition lenses, safely remove them before the shoot. This will prevent glare. If you cannot or do not wish to remove transition lenses, I may ask you to hold your glasses until seconds before each photo I take so your eyes will be visible and not shaded. Feel free to bring glass cleaner wipes along. This spec-wearing senior rocked her photos.
If you want to be photographed in a sports uniform, bring the full uniform including socks, shoes, hat or helmet and all the equipment to accompany it so the end result will look thorough and genuine. This senior athlete knew exactly how to pose with his football gear.
If you will be photographed with a pet consider whether you need to bring any accessories for him or her, as well as a collar and leash. It’s also a great idea to have someone assigned to handle the pet during the session.

All in all, this time should be an exciting one and not daunting. If you get stuck or need some input regarding what to wear, please reach out to me. Believe me, I have been asked hundreds of questions before about what will and will not photograph well and I will give you my honest, professional feedback. Feel free to contact me with questions or to book a session! I look forward to working with the amazing class of 2022 and wish you all the best with your senior year!