The Ultimate Guide: What to Wear and How to Prepare for Your Senior Photo Session

You've booked your senior picture session. Now to plan the 'fits. When you have the option to bring several outfit changes, it can be overwhelming to know where to begin when you are planning your clothing choices. This guide will walk you through what to wear for your senior pictures, with tips on everything from color choices, shoes, to style.

I do want to make a note about something...In preparing this, I found myself thinking about clothing in terms of how most stores classify them - according to men's clothing and women's clothing. I realize that we don't all fit inside those boxes, both perhaps in terms of identity and/or style preferences. If dresses are not your thing, don't wear them. If you prefer to shop in the men's department or the women's department, do what you usually do. These options and suggestions don't necessarily have to fit within traditional gender norms. Ultimately, I want you to be YOU. Please use the following suggestions as a guide to what generally photographs best, but by all means, make your choices based on your own style and identity.

This guide has many tips that speak to the general fit of clothing, along with guidance on adding variety to your senior pictures. I'll walk you through how to approach pulling outfits together so that your senior pictures are flattering and have the maximum visual interest possible.

1. Choose a Mix of Casual and Slightly Dressy Clothes 

First, choose outfits that vary in level of dressiness. Mix it up and bring both dressy and casual options. This will help add variety to your senior picture gallery. If you come with 5 shorts and t-shirts, all your photos tend to look pretty similar. Instead, find several outfits that look like you dressed for different occasions and locations.

For Dressy Clothing, Long Dresses, Button Ups and Dressy Pants

For dressy clothing, think about long skirts or dresses, which tend to be universally flattering in photos and still allow you to move and sit. Long dresses photograph beautifully, as do jumpsuits. Short dresses are ok too - just make sure the waists are fitted and that they are not too short for you to sit down on the ground (more on this below). I'm also loving linen pants and crop tops lately. Pair them either with sandals or tennis shoes, like Kira below.

If dresses aren’t your thing, jeans and button-ups still look classy and feel ‘dressy.’ In my opinion, dressy slacks on guys look bizarre for senior photos, unless you are going all in and wearing a suit jacket with them. I have had some guys rock the full suit for senior photos, but only do that if this look fits your personality. By the same token, I’ve had some girls bring prom dresses to sessions, and this can be a fun and dramatic look if you really want to add some variety. I especially love dramatic dresses in an urban environment. Girls might also want to think about more masculine dressy options - think of a collared button up and slacks with either heels or Converse shoes. Button ups can be extremely flattering, especially if they are fitted. Dressy, fitted pants can be really flattering on women, especially when worn with heels for urban sessions. 

To see more of Kira's session, click here.

See More from Madeline's Session by Clicking on the Photo or Here: Fort Collins Senior Pictures in Old Town

Mix Up Your Casual Wear With Khaki Shorts, Funky T-Shirts and Clothing That Showcases Your Personality

Please, please make your outfit choices your own when deciding what to wear for senior pictures. Nothing makes someone look more uncomfortable than when they show up in clothing that just doesn't fit their personality. Clara did a phenomenal job of picking outfits that complemented who she is. Band shirts, overalls, a slightly dressy dress, and a corduroy skirt with a chunky sweater made for the ultimate example of a variety of styles.

Options and examples:

• Long dresses (all the way to the floor)
• Jumpsuits
• Jeans
• Button downs
• Shorts with Toms and t-shirts layered with button ups over the top
• Mid-length sundresses (please don't go too short with these)
• Linen pants and crop tops
• Overalls

2. Use the Seasons to Add Variety to Your Outfit Choices

Next, add variety by thinking about seasonal clothing choices. Even if you’re getting photos taken in the summer, you might bring one or two outfits that  look more like fall. Aiming for a couple different season looks can really add variety to the look and feel of your session.

For summer, think floral prints, lighter fabrics and flowy dresses. For guys, think about some khaki shorts with an open button down and a t-shirt underneath for a summery option.

To incorporate a fall look, think about knit sweaters with chunky textures, boots, and layers. 

When you are planning what to wear for senior pictures, the name of the game is really about adding visual interest and variety.

Grace also did a great job incorporating summer into her fall session.

Jack had a great variety of outfits from various seasons in his session too. See more from that session here.

Options and examples for summer looks:

• Floral prints
• Sundresses
• Crop tops
• Khaki shorts with Toms and t-shirts layered with button ups over the top
• Bright colors (aim for jewel rather than neon)
• Soft neutrals (tan, white, ivory)
• Sunglasses
• Ball caps, sun hats, trucker hats

Options and examples for fall looks:

• Chunky knits and sweaters
• Earth tones
• Long sleeve pullovers
• Sweater dresses with tall boots
• Scarves, beanies or felt hats

Don't forget accessories! Hats, sunglasses, scarves, and fun jewelry can really change up the look and feel of your session.

3. Choose Clothes That Fit Well and Wear Comfortable Shoes

Clothing for senior pictures should be fitted yet comfortable.

Nothing makes posing harder than having to compensate for something that is way too big or too small. Test out your outfits and make sure you can walk, sit, move, jump, and turn in everything you bring. If something is too tight and is showing lines or bulges you don't want in your photos, it's best to pick something else. By the same token, if something is so loose fitting that you will constantly be having to hold it up to keep it from showing too much, don't bring it. I really want to use every minute we have together well, and time spent readjusting poor-fitting clothing is time wasted.

Bring the right bra for each outfit.

I really can't stress this enough. If you have a strapless dress, bring a strapless bra. If you have a white shirt, bring the right color of bra so it doesn't show through. Photoshop and editing can only go so far, and bra issues are some of the hardest to fix. Please, please come prepared and think through this part of deciding what to bring and wear for senior pictures.

Bring Shoes You Can Walk In

This is another biggie. We will do a LOT of walking during your senior session. Please bring shoes you can walk in. I had one senior who brought such high heels she had to get a piggy back ride in between locations. The shoes were complicated to retie, so she wanted to leave them on. Friends, this wastes so much of your session time. Please, please do not bring ridiculous shoes! Wear shoes that you can walk in well enough to be photographed walking across a field comfortably. My posing is not static. Everything we do during your senior session requires movement. You will walk in your photos and you might even dance. Girls, even if you bring heels, make them heels you can walk in. Please do not bring stilettos to a mountain session (or any outdoor natural setting). You will sink into the trail and they might get ruined. If you want heels, opt for a wedge or chunky heel. Even downtown, we will walk a lot. If you must bring shoes that aren't super walkable, bring some slip ons (birks, crocs or flip flops) for in-between locations.

Be Careful with Dress and Shorts Length

• Short skirts are difficult in Wyoming wind. Short skirts and shorts also limit us in posing, as I am constantly having to watch that everything is covered. Opt for at least knee length to use your session time most efficiently.
• Full-length dresses (all the way to the ground) are most flattering for photos. Look for maxi or wrap dresses.

4. Pick Colors and Textures that Photograph Well

Muted Color Tones Are Best

In general, muted tones photograph the best. While some brighter reds can photograph well, generally, colors in the middle of the color spectrum are best. Avoid neons and pastels and go for dark and muted tones.

I did a deep dive into choosing clothing colors here, including how to pick colors that are optimal for your skin tone and choosing the best colors according to the season.

Avoid Shiny Fabrics and Velvet

• Shiny fabrics, like shiny rayon and polyester, velvet and velour draw the eye to every single wrinkle and roll because they catch light. Opt for matte fabrics instead.
• Go for cotton in general.

Avoid Tight Patterns or Pinstripes.

• Tight patterns create a moire effect that makes your photos have wavy lines when viewed on a screen.
• Bigger patterns are ok, like large floral prints. Just avoid super tiny, repetitive patterns.

5. Organize Clothing on Hangers; Keep Accessories and Shoes Attached to Each Outfit Hanger

Being organized makes outfit changes SO much easier! Don't stuff everything in a giant duffle bag!

Put each outfit on a hanger.

Put the jewelry you'll wear with that outfit in a baggie.

Grab a grocery sack or a large zip lock bag with a handle. In it, put the jewelry baggie, your shoes for that outfit, the socks, bra and any other items that go with that outfit into the sack.

Hang the sack on the outfit hanger.

Lay the outfit in the back of the car or hang it up in the car if you're able to.

Make sure your clothes are wrinkle free and ready to go when you arrive (tags have been cut off etc).

If you have props (basketballs, bats, rackets etc), have them ready to go and put them in a big clear rubbermaid bin before your session.

6. Other Things to Bring to Your Session

• If you plan on taking any photos in water, bring a towel along to dry off and to help keep the sand and mud out of your car.
• Throw in a few snacks and a water bottle. We will walk a lot, and summer and fall months can be really hot in the Cheyenne area. Stay hydrated and bring some snacks for the road in between locations to help keep you happy during a two hour session.
• Bring your makeup kit and a comb or brush for freshening up during outfit changes.
• Bring some tissues for makeup blotting and to help with shine.
• I usually have umbrellas if there is any chance of rain, but you might throw one into the car.
• Please bring a jacket or sweater, even if it's just in case for in between photos. We will shoot right up until sunset for full sessions, and it can get chilly (and buggy) when the sun dips below the horizon.
• Speaking of bugs....bring some bug spray. The bugs can be awful in the summer months, especially in mountain locations.

7. Most Importantly, Be You and Have Fun!

Finally, don't stress about it! I know I've thrown a lot at you today. The name of the game is to prepare enough so that your session is super relaxed and easy going. I want you to love everything you bring, and I want your outfits truly to reflect YOU, not what everyone else is doing. Feel free to step out of the norms of what you typically see in senior photos. I promise you will be so much more happy with your photos if you are wearing something that is truly 'you.'

And as always, reach out if you need help!

To book your senior photos, click here. Sessions are almost gone for Class of 2025!