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If you’re a senior, after spending all morning deciding what to wear for picture day, you’ve probably thought about wearing the same outfit in your senior pictures. And if you’re reading this guide to what to wear for senior pictures, good thinking! In most cases, it’s not a good idea. No one wants everyone else at their high school to have the same senior pictures they do. Of course, we know that you want to look your best in your photos—otherwise you wouldn’t be here and would just go with whatever outfit happened to land on top of the laundry pile that morning—but there are also other things to consider when picking out clothing. You may want a few outfits in different styles or colors so that your photos have variety—or maybe you just want an outfit or two that really pops. Whatever look or looks you’re going for, there are some common mistakes people make when getting dressed for senior portraits, and some ways that you can ensure that your photos turn out just right.
Wear something
- Find a style that flatters you and makes you feel good. This will not only make your pictures look better, but it will also give you confidence.
- Dress comfortably. You’re going to be moving around for several hours, so wear comfortable shoes. If you’re going to wear heels, make sure they fit well and aren’t too tight or loose.
- The focus of your photography session should be on your face! Wear clothes that are flattering, but don’t distract from your face with loud colors or patterns and logos.
Wear colors that look good on you.
When deciding what colors to wear for your photos, make sure you wear colors that look good on you.
You should wear colors that look great with your skin tone and hair color. You should wear colors that make you feel confident.
Wear colors that you know look good on you. Wear colors that you love.
Stay away from loud patterns.
Patterns can look great in the right context, but it’s best to avoid them when you’re getting your senior pictures taken. Bold stripes or other patterns will draw the eye first and could distract from your face, while more subtle patterns might make your body appear distorted in photos.
A few specific patterns to stay away from include:
- Plaid
- Polka dots
- Argyle
- Camouflage (unless you’re a military brat)
- Paisley
- Houndstooth
Beware of too much glitz.
Just because it sparkles doesn’t mean you should wear it. You might think that a bit of glitz would be flattering for your senior portraits but, trust us, too much shine is going to look extra obvious once you have them blown up and hanging on your wall or printed in the yearbook.
Accessories with sequins, metallic fabrics, glitter and sparkle can get in the way of what people are really looking at—you!
Don’t wear a lot of makeup.
Even if you normally wear a lot of makeup, it’s best to keep your makeup light for your senior portraits. A lot of makeup can look unnatural in photographs, so keeping it simple is the safest way to go. However, you should still bring your makeup bag with you so that after your photo shoot is over and before you get pictures back from the photographer, you can check if there’s anything on your face that might show up in the photos that shouldn’t be there and touch it up as needed. Also, even if you don’t normally wear a lot of makeup and aren’t planning on wearing any more than usual for senior portraits, be sure to bring some with you in case there is something on your face that needs to be concealed or covered up for the photos (for example: a pimple). If at all possible, bring a travel mirror with you too so when you reapply or touchup your makeup after finding an issue after reviewing pictures from your photo shoot, it’ll be easier to see what needs touched up and what doesn’t.
Comfortable shoes are recommended for your session.
Your senior pictures are a big deal. You can look back on them fondly when you’re older. They are going to be part of your graduation announcements, so you want your portraits to be the best they can be. This means wearing comfortable shoes that will make you feel good about yourself.
What kind of shoes should you wear? Shoes that match your outfits! Wear the same kind of shoe for each outfit in case you want to switch outfits around on different days or locations for your session. It will also make it easier for your photographer if his/her assistant doesn’t need to go running after them because they were playing soccer and left their favorite pair of shoes at home, which is what happened to me when I was having my own senior pictures taken last summer.
Do not wear any shoes that are difficult to walk in or uncomfortable, because then people won’t like the way you look in them and will laugh at you behind your back (this happened last week when I was at the beach). And don’t forget: these pictures will always be a part of who you are, no matter how old or young you are. So choose wisely!
Wear clothing that makes you feel comfortable and confident.
One of the most important steps to having a successful senior photo session is making sure you choose the right outfit. Your wardrobe choice should not only reflect your personal style and taste, it should also make you feel comfortable and confident when you wear it.
Remember, this is your fashion moment! We suggest bringing three to five outfits so that we have plenty of options to choose from and get some variety in your photo shoot.
For girls: while choosing an outfit, consider what colors look good on you and which ones you like the best. If you are an accessory fan, then bring a few of your favorite pieces too (jewelry, belts, hats, etc.). Don’t be afraid to wear bright colors or bold patterns! They will certainly make for beautiful photos.
For boys: less is more when it comes to guys’ clothing choices. Generally speaking, simple styles tend to look great in photos as long as they fit well and are clean cut. It’s also ideal if they show off some personality (in other words: no black t-shirts).
Plan for a change of clothes for outdoor pictures.
Content:
In order to make sure you have the most options available when it comes time to take your photos, make sure that you bring a change of clothes. This will allow you to look like a different person in your photographs, and this can help you create some variety for your photo shoot. Bring different colors, styles, and layers so that there are many clothing options at the shoot. Bring some accessories as well like hats or scarves. You might also want to consider bringing some props with you if you think they would be helpful in creating an interesting composition for your senior pictures.
Your senior pictures should look like you!
Your senior photos are an opportunity to express yourself. You’ve made it through your last year of high school! This is a chance to celebrate who you are and showcase all that you’ve accomplished. Your senior photos should look like you—not like everyone else in your class. Remember, these pictures will be seen and shared for the rest of your life, or at least until all print copies have disintegrated into dust. If you don’t want to look back when you’re thirty and say “What was I thinking?” then make sure to put some thought into what you wear for your senior portraits!
Your senior pictures should look like you!
In high school, you’re still developing your personal style, and that’s the beauty of senior photos: they’re a chance to express yourself and show off who you are. They may be a little more formal than how you dress every day, but there should still be something uniquely “you” in them—whether it’s color, patterns or accessories. You’re going to want to look back on these photos years from now and see a familiar face. Whether it’s classic or fashionable, make sure your outfit reflects what makes you special.
Conclusion
As a high school senior, your senior pictures are important. Make sure that you will like the way you look in them and that you are comfortable with what you are wearing. Choose clothes that match your personality, but make sure they aren’t too busy or revealing. Choosing the right outfit for your senior photos is essential!
