What to Wear for your Senior Portrait Session
What to Wear for Your Senior Portrait Session
Your senior photos are a big deal, and choosing the right colors for your outfit can make a big difference in the outcome of your session. Whether you’re going for an outdoor nature look or a more industrial/urban vibe, here’s a simple guide to help you nail your look and ensure your session turns out amazing!
Light and Fresh Nature Sessions
For this style, think about colors that blend well with nature. Soft pastels and light colors work wonders in these settings. Our recommendations are light blue, soft pink, white, or cream. These colors lend themselves to providing a pop between you and the background as well as provide a great palette to the overall image!
For guys, a light button-up shirt or a casual polo in one of these colors are two great options. *Avoid shirts with logos, graphics, or busy patterns.
For girls, a light dress or a blouse with jeans work great with nature. *Avoid busy patterns.
Bold Urban/Alleyway Sessions
If you want your session to be set in a more urban or alleyway environment, you’ll want to match the vibe with your outfit. Darker colors and more structured pieces are perfect for this kind of setting. Colors like black, charcoal gray, deep navy are great options to start with for this look.
For guys, consider a fitted black jacket and suit pants, a simple dark shirt and jeans, or even a cool, modern hoodie are some options to start with. These colors not only complement the gritty textures of urban environments but also add a sharp edge to your look.
For girls, an elegant black dress, an artsy jacket and graphic tee, and a sweater with jeans are great options to consider.
Patterns and Logos: Keep It Simple
Regardless of where your shoot is taking place, it's best to avoid busy patterns, large logos, or text on your clothing. They can be distracting and take the focus away from you, the star of the portrait. Stick to solid colors or subtle patterns for a clean, classic look.
Warm and Vibrant Fall Nature Sessions
If your session is in the fall, oranges, yellows, reds, and browns are always good options! Creams and dark blues make for a nice pop off of the already colorful background.
It's important to avoid most patterns for your fall session. Keep in mind that the background with be full of colorful leaves of all different hues; a pattern with this background is very difficult to make work unless it's a flannel.
For guys, flannels, polos, long sleeve shirts, and/or added layers in one of these colors are perfect.
For girls, a dress, sweater with jeans, and/or added layers will work great.
In-Studio Sessions
In-Studio sessions provide the most flexibility for your senior's session. There are a multitude of colored and textured backdrops to choose from. Setting a scene for your session can be a nice way to add interest and dimension to an image. On the other hand, a more minimal image where your outfit or your pose is the interest is a great way to create clean and elegant portraits
For guys, a professional outfit like a suit jacket, khakis or jeans, and a light colored button down shirt is a great look. Bringing a more casual outfit as a second choice works out nicely for our in-studio scenes.
For girls, an outfit like a nice dress or a blouse with a blazer makes for beautiful professional portraits. A second outfit like a more fun dress or a shirt with jeans work great with our couches and other props in the studio.
Remember, your senior portraits are all about showcasing your personality. Choose outfits that you feel confident in and that match the environment of your shoot. Keep it simple, stick to complementary colors, and avoid anything too flashy. Your portraits will be timeless, and you’ll look fantastic!