What to Wear for Senior Photos

First impressions matter, and your senior photos are the first impression for college apps, family walls, and your Insta grid. So, what actually works (and what should you skip)?

The Golden Rules

  • You do you – Wear what makes you feel confident. If you are uncomfortable in your outfit choice, it will show in how you move in front of the camera. Our goal is to show off who you are, so wear what is most YOU.

  • Layers and Accessories = Magic – Cardigans, jackets, hats, and scarves add texture and options which means more variety in your final gallery.

  • Avoid busy patterns – They distract from your face and small patterns blur in camera. The focus is you, so don’t let your clothing distract from that!

  • Bring 3-4 outfits – Casual, dressy, sport/activity and one "wow" piece (think a suit for the guys and a glam dress for the girls).

Outfit Ideas by Style

Classic & Timeless

  • Solid color dresses (navy, burgundy, emerald or a pop of bright, fun color like yellow or pink)

  • Button-down or polo + khakis

  • Blazer over a graphic tee

Boho Queen

  • Flowy maxi dresses - these are my favorite as they give beautiful movement and options for posing!

  • Denim jacket + floral prints

  • Wide-brim hat (yes please!)

Athletic Edge

  • Jersey with jeans

  • Team warm-ups

  • Letterman jacket shots

  • Don’t forget props (football, cleats, pom poms, etc)!

Edgy & Modern

  • Leather jacket

  • Ripped jeans + band tee

  • Statement jewelry

Colors That Pop

  • Jewel tones photograph beautifully

  • Earth tones for a classic look

  • Pastels for golden hour magic

What NOT to Wear

  • Neon (washes you out and overpowers the photo)

  • Large logos

  • Too short skirts or shorts (this limits posing options and variety)

Quick Hack: Lay out your outfits together before the session. Take a mirror selfie – if something feels "off," trust your gut!

Need outfit inspiration? Check out my Instagram @JoyfulStorySeniors and scroll through to see what thing catch your eye!

senior, session planningAlissa GobleComment