What to wear tips for 2025 Grads

Clothing + Prep for your Senior Session

How many outfits do I need?
Bring approximately 2-3 outfits per location. It’s fine to bring more so we have options. You can also do a “quick outfit change” just by adding a sweater, button down shirt, or similar. This is an easy way to get more variation.

Choose a VARIETY of Outfits
It’s a good idea to include both casual and more formal outfits in your senior portraits. Pick some funky clothes, and some more conservative things to keep mom and dad happy. Also use a VARIETY of colors. If you bring 3 blacks shirts (even if they have different graphics on them) everything will look similar.

Medium and light solid colors photograph well. Long sleeve solids or very subtle prints are usually the most flattering in portraits.

Dress for the Weather
While long sleeves tend to photograph better than say, spaghetti straps, keep in mind the temperature outside. You want to be comfortable.

Fitted is Better than Baggy
Clothes that fit snugly tend to look better in photos because they highlight your body’s shape, giving you a more flattering and put-together look. Girls-consider fitted t-shirts instead of traditional t-shirts. Baggy clothes can sometimes look less flattering because they tend to obscure the natural shape of your body, making you appear bulkier than you actually are. 

Go Classic
Pick at least one outfit that is “timeless.” Traditional styles will stand the test of time and keep your portrait looking fresh for years to come. Example: khakis and a polo for guys or blouse for girls?

Look for clothing that will be in style “next year” as well as this summer. Classic solid sweaters will always be in style. Trendy summer tops will look out of place next summer. Here are some color combinations to consider.

Patterns
Busy patterns and loud colors can be very distracting in your portraits, and will be less timeless. It’s ok to have a few outfits that are bold and “pop” but remember they will become dated faster than solid colors, and in some cases it will distract from you!

Dresses
Cute dresses photograph well. Consider a dress that allows movement – twirls are always fun!

Keep in mind that if you’re wearing a short, fitted, or formal dress, you’ll have less posing options, so be sure to have a few other options in addition to this dress.

Super fitted and short dresses don’t allow you to move as well. Some formal dresses have sheer material, which is more likely to snag if you are sitting outside. We will want to be careful that we don’t damage a formal dress.

Head to Toe Coverage
Some poses will show your feet, so don’t forget to bring shoes & socks for each outfit that you plan to wear. Barefoot or sandals can work for casual outfits. White socks don’t photograph well, so bring darker ones too – just in case they show! Guys don’t forget belts and Girls, don’t forget your jewelry.

Bracelets Watches etc – these will show! Some are cute, but you may want to remove silicone “rubber band” bracelets. This is your call, remove them if you don’t want them in the photos.

Beware of Sunburn
Keep out of the sun a week or two before your session. We often see uneven sunburn from guys who wear ball caps, peeling skin on noses from recent burns, raccoon eyes from those who were burned while wearing sunglasses, or strap lines on the shoulders of girls who wish to be photographed in a strapless formal dress or top. Sunburn, uneven tanning and tan lines are hard to retouch. Your session may need to be rescheduled.

Remove the Wrinkles
Make sure your clothes fit, and are wrinkle free. Wrinkles will show in your photos. Guys-we see over and over that their shirt collar and sleeves do not fit, often due to a bad fitting or borrowed suit items. If you are wearing a suit and tie, It is important that they are properly fitted and that your suit/sport coat is the proper size.

For Portraits in Nature
Be careful of bright greens as they can clash with the greens of the leaves and grass. Again, medium and light solid colors work well. We recommend staying away from black, white, and other very light/pale colors outdoors.

Express Yourself!
Props can help to show your personality and record the types of activities you are involved in. Be sure to bring some of your own props to your portrait session.

Here are some ideas:
Musical Instrument, Leather Jacket, Uniform/ball/helmet/shoes/stick/bat etc Note: You may need to contact your school/coach weeks in advance to get jerseys and helmets during the summer. (don’t delay in doing this). Class ring, Hats, Sports Equipment, Sunglasses, Poms/megaphone, Pets, Vehicle (car/truck/bike/cart) Read more about props here>

Note: it is important to discuss props at your pre-consult so we can work them into the session.

Here are some final tips:

• Simplicity is the key to a successful portrait. That and all the little elements that come together to create the end result. Each thing you do right will make a major difference in the end product.

• Do you always wear glasses? Lenses might have glare. Consider going without for some images, or having your optometrist remove lenses. In many cases we can retouch to remove glare if needed.

• Coordinate your outfit from head to toe.

• You should wear your hair in your regular style. Guys should NOT have a fresh haircut, but should have a fresh shave! 5 o’clock shadow will show and can’t be touched up! If you need a trim, have it done about a week before. Girls, don’t go get a new style or go to a new stylist that you’ve never used before.

• You don’t need a professional manicure/pedicure, but keep in mind your nails may show in some photos. Make sure your nails don’t have chipped nail polish.