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What to Wear for Senior Pictures

Jul 10 2024 | By: Pix Along The Way

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A Complete Guide for Both Guys and Girls

When seniors and their moms stop by our Clinton, Iowa, studio to discuss senior pictures, one common question is, "What should I wear?"

Some seniors love to use their session as an excuse to go shopping and purchase new clothes. Others would rather just rummage around their closet and grab something. The number one thing to remember is to be you.

Remember to be YOU!

Solids or Patterns?

Solids or Patterns? Choosing Outfits for Senior Pictures

One question we hear all the time when helping seniors plan what to wear for senior pictures is whether they should choose solid colors or patterned clothing.

The truth is, both can look fantastic in senior photos.

Solid colors tend to create a more timeless look and keep the focus where it belongs—on you. They photograph beautifully in almost any location and are often a safe choice if you're unsure where to start.

Patterns, on the other hand, can add personality and visual interest to your images. Plaid shirts, floral dresses, subtle stripes, and textured fabrics can all help showcase your style and make your senior portraits feel uniquely you.

The key is balance.

If you choose patterns, look for designs that complement your outfit without overwhelming it. Large logos, busy graphics, and clothing covered in text can sometimes distract from your face and become the first thing people notice in a photo.

The one exception that I would add to this would be graphic t-shirts that have a significant meaning. For example, if you want to include a college t-shirt or one from a favorite band, go for it. Those are part of who you are and what makes you uniquely you.

When planning senior picture outfits, many seniors find success by bringing a combination of both. For example, you might choose a classic solid-colored outfit for one look and a fun patterned outfit for another. This creates variety in your gallery while giving you images that feel both timeless and personal.

At the end of the day, there isn't a right or wrong answer. The best outfit is one that makes you feel confident and reflects your personality.

How to Know What Colors to Choose

How to Know What Colors to Choose for Senior Pictures

We all have favorite colors we love to wear, but have you ever noticed that some colors make your eyes pop while others leave you looking a little washed out?

Choosing the right colors for senior pictures can make a big difference in the final look of your images.

While there are no strict rules, some colors tend to photograph better than others, especially during outdoor senior sessions. Rich, natural tones often complement both the scenery and your skin tone while helping keep the attention on you.

Some of our favorite colors for senior pictures include:

  • Navy blue
  • Burgundy
  • Forest green
  • Dusty blue
  • Cream
  • Tan
  • Rust
  • Sage green
  • Soft pink

These colors photograph beautifully throughout eastern Iowa and northwestern Illinois, whether we're shooting in a field, downtown, at the riverfront, or during golden hour.

That doesn't mean you should avoid bright colors completely. If bold colors fit your personality, absolutely wear them. Your senior session should reflect who you are. Just remember that extremely bright neon colors can sometimes compete with your face for attention in photographs.

Another factor to consider is your skin tone. Certain colors naturally complement different skin tones and can help your features stand out even more.

If you're not sure which colors work best for you, we've put together a free Senior Picture Outfit Guide.

Inside our free Senior Picture Outfit Guide, we've included:

  • A skin tone color chart
  • Outfit examples for guys and girls
  • Color combinations that photograph beautifully
  • Tips for coordinating multiple outfits

Download the guide below to see which colors work best for you.

What Shoes Should You Wear?

Shoes matter more than most seniors realize.

Many poses include your feet, and the wrong shoes can pull attention away from an otherwise great outfit.

Choose shoes that complement your style and outfit.

Popular choices for girls:

  • Boots
  • Fashion sneakers
  • Sandals
  • Heels
  • Western boots

Popular choices for guys:

  • Clean sneakers
  • Dress shoes
  • Boots
  • Casual loafers

Whatever you choose, make sure they're clean and in good condition.

And yes—we've seen seniors show up with their whole shoe collection before!

Accessories That Add Personality

Accessories can make your senior session uniquely yours.

Some favorites include:

  • Hats
  • Simple necklaces
  • Statement earrings
  • Watches
  • Bracelets
  • Jackets
  • Letter jackets
  • Cowgirl hats
  • Sports equipment
  • Musical instruments

The best accessories tell part of your story.

For athletes, that might mean bringing a football, basketball, bat, or cheer uniform. For dancers, it could be pointe shoes. For animal lovers, it might even include your childhood pet.

These personal touches often become some of the most meaningful images from the session.

 

How Many Outfits Should You Bring?

One of the easiest ways to add variety to your senior gallery is through outfit changes.

We typically recommend bringing a mix of looks. And if you can't decide, just bring it along. We may or may not use it, but it is better to have it along.

Consider including:

A casual outfit

  • Something you wear regularly and feel confident in

A dressy outfit

  • A dress, button-down shirt, or even a suit and tie

An activity-based outfit

  • Sports uniform, dance attire, band uniform

A favorite outfit

  • The one you always reach for because you know you look great in it

Having multiple outfits allows us to create a gallery that feels diverse while still staying true to who you are.

 

Choose Clothes That Help Tell Your Story

As you're planning what to wear for senior pictures, don't just think about what looks good. Think about what tells your story.

Your senior year is a milestone worth celebrating. These photos aren't just about creating beautiful images—they're about capturing who you are during this exciting season of life.

The best senior portraits reflect your personality, interests, and passions.

Are you an athlete? Bring your uniform, letter jacket, equipment, or anything that represents the sport you've dedicated countless hours to.

Are you a dancer? Bring your favorite costume, pointe shoes, or the outfit that makes you feel most confident when you're performing.

Do you play an instrument, show livestock, race dirt bikes, cheer on Friday nights, spend weekends hunting or fishing, or volunteer with animals? Those interests are part of your story, too.

Some seniors even choose to bring a college sweatshirt to celebrate where they're headed next. Others bring a favorite truck, their first car, a beloved pet, or something that represents a hobby they've enjoyed throughout high school.

These personal touches often become some of the most meaningful images in a senior gallery because they capture more than what you looked like—they capture who you were.

One of our favorite parts of photographing seniors is finding ways to incorporate the things that matter most to them. Years from now, you'll look back at these images and remember more than just your outfit. You'll remember the activities, friendships, accomplishments, and experiences that helped shape your high school years.

So when you're deciding what to wear for your senior pictures, don't be afraid to think beyond clothing. Choose outfits, accessories, and personal items that help tell your story and showcase what makes you unique.

After all, no one else has a story quite like yours.

And that's exactly what makes your senior session special.

Common Outfit Mistakes We See Seniors Make

Examples:

  • Waiting until the night before
  • Bringing wrinkled clothing
  • Wearing brand-new shoes that hurt
  • Choosing outfits that don't fit properly
  • Bringing only one look
  • Forgetting proper undergarments

What to do instead:

  • Plan early
  • Make sure items a pressed and brought on hangers
  • Bring along a pair of walking shoes
  • Try outfits on ahead of time, including undergarments
  • Bring along plenty of variety

Ready to Plan Your Senior Pictures?

Choosing what to wear for senior pictures doesn't have to be overwhelming. When you schedule a senior consultation with us, we'll help you plan everything from outfits and locations to creating a session that truly reflects your personality.

Book A Consult

Not Quite Ready Yet?

Download our free Senior Picture Outfit Guide for:

  • Skin tone color recommendations
  • Outfit ideas for guys and girls
  • Tips for coordinating multiple looks
  • Common outfit mistakes to avoid
Download the Free Outfit Guide

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