Senior year is about to start, and if you’re getting ready to book your senior portrait session, one of the first questions on your mind is probably: what do I wear?
As a Houston-area photographer who has been photographing seniors for over 17 years, I’ve seen it all — and I’m here to make this part easy. Here’s everything you need to know about building the perfect outfit lineup for your senior session.
Start With How You Want to Feel
Before you think about colors or trends, think about you. Your senior portraits should look like you on your most confident day — not a trend you saw online. Pull a few pieces you already feel great in and build from there.
Plan for 2-3 Outfit Changes
Since every one of my sessions is shot on location around Houston and The Woodlands, you have the flexibility to change up your look between settings. A great lineup usually includes:
- One polished, classic look — think a solid-color top, a nice dress, or a button-down. This is your timeless portrait that will look just as good in 20 years as it does today.
- One casual, true-to-you look — jeans and a favorite top, a denim jacket, or something that reflects your personality, hobbies, or style.
- One dressier or statement look — a flowy dress, or an outfit that feels a little more elevated for dramatic shots.
- For girls I suggest the following: a maxi dress, jeans and a cute top and then a fun dressy option.
- For boys I suggest the following: jeans and a t-shirt, a dressy suit, and then your college shirt.
Color Palette Tips
- Solid colors photograph best. Busy patterns, logos, and text can distract from your face, which is the whole point of the session.
- Avoid pure white and neon colors, which can be tricky in natural light and pull focus away from your skin tone.
- Jewel tones and warm neutrals (rust, olive, camel, burgundy, navy) photograph beautifully outdoors and transition well into early fall sessions.
- Coordinate, don’t match, if you’re incorporating a class ring, letterman jacket, or school colors — let those pieces be an accent rather than the whole outfit.
Think About Texture and Layers
Textures like knits, suede, and denim add depth to photos in a way flat fabrics don’t. A light jacket, cardigan, or scarf also gives you an easy way to create a fourth “look” without a full outfit change.
And if you are taking your images in the fall or winter; layers are your friend. You never know if it will be 90 degrees or 10 degrees. Plus layers look really cool on guys.
Shoes and Accessories
Bring options! Comfortable boots, sneakers, or sandals depending on the vibe — and don’t forget any meaningful accessories like a family heirloom, letterman jacket, sports gear, instrument, or car keys if we’re incorporating a personal location or hobby into your session.
Accessories are also a great idea. Things like hats, sunglasses and anything you can play with. You will need something to do with your hands.
Hair and Makeup
Keep it natural and true to your everyday style unless you’re planning something special. If you typically wear makeup, apply it as you normally would — camera-ready just means a little more definition than usual, not a dramatic change. I highly suggest to hire a makeup artist that has experience in doing makeup for photo shoots. They will know what looks good and natural on camera. For example, I suggest to use fake eye lashes. But a little goes a long way in this area.
Props
This isn’t what to wear, but it is still worth mentioning. Because you will need to coordinate your outfit to your prop.
Whether you are bringing your car or your dog. Be mindful of what you are wearing and the prop. You don’t want to wear a neon pink shirt with your brown car. Planning is everything.
Some great props are extra-curricular activities, cars, pets, friends, anything that you can play with to keep your hands busy.
A Late-Summer Houston Tip
If your session is happening in the last stretch of summer heat, pack a change of clothes and a small towel or fan in the car. Houston humidity is no joke, and it’s easy to freshen up between locations or outfit changes. I always plan our start times around the best natural light of the day, which also happens to be the coolest part — so you’re comfortable and getting gorgeous golden-hour images. But that doesn’t mean it won’t still be hot. So plan accordingly.
Ready to Book?
Senior sessions fill up fast, especially as we move into the fall months when the light is at its best. If you’re ready to lock in your date, reach out and let’s plan a session that looks and feels like you.