What To Wear For Your Senior Photos

Whitefish, Kalispell, Columbia Falls, Glacier National Park

Graduating from high school is a big deal. It's the first real step on your own, we totally get it! Choosing your outfit should not be hard. It should be something that reflects who you are.

Depending on your session type, you could have just one outfit or even unlimited outfit changes. The typical session is from one to three outfits. So make them count! Think about the location of your session and the season it is in. Typically senior photos are done the summer just before your senior year. You will want something casual, a bit more formal and then possibly something that reflects a hobby or sport. Pick clothes and outfits that don't have busy patterns or loud colors.

Outfit Idea #1- Casual:

Casual outfits can mean several types of things: From shorts to dresses and everything in between. For girls, a pair of nice shorts (no rips or fringe and appropriate length) and a tank top or t-shirt with strappy sandals can look great! My personal favorite is a flowy summer dress. This could be long or short. If short, make sure the length is no shorter than just an inch above your knees. Pick a solid color that compliment's your skin tone and hair color. Skip the flip flops (even if casual) and upgrade to a nicer pair of strappy sandals.

For boys, kaki shorts (keep those extra pockets to a minimum) or jeans (no rips) and a t-shirt or collar shirt would look great. Pick a shirt that doesn't have large logos, words or designs on the front. Solid colors or a simple pattern look best. Skip the gym shoes and pick a shoe that has some structure or a nice slip on. A solid colored shoe would look best.

Outfit Idea #2- Semi Formal:

Semi formal clothes are typically those that have more structure. For girls this is typically a dress that you would wear to a formal event. It can be long or short, even a bit tighter fitting than that flowy summer dress for casual. These dresses work best with a heeled shoe that matches. If you do not like dresses, black pants, a blouse and a blazer also look amazing!

For boys, slacks (or nice jeans) and a button up shirt with a blazer look great! You could even wear a solid colored v-neck shirt under the blazer. Blazers can be dark or light. Dress shoes with dark socks that match should be worn. If wearing a belt, it should match your outfit and shoes. Patterns for the shirt or blazer work well (just pick one or the other to be patterned). If you don't have a blazer, just a button up or collar shirt will work as well.

Outfit Idea #3- Hobby/Sport:

This outfit choice is optional. If you play sports, a photo in your uniform and a ball look great. These can be taken at the field you play on. Maybe your hobby is horseback riding, painting or music. A photo with a horse, easel or musical instrument would create photos that truly reflect who you are. The outfits should reflect your hobby and personality.

No matter what you choose for your outfit, make sure its timeless and will look good in your photos. Skip super trendy clothing that will go out of style quickly. Think tasteful!

When booking your senior session, I am always happy to help with ideas and colors. When your session is booked, feel free to send me pictures of what you are thinking of wearing and I can help narrow down the choices, or give advice on what would look best in photos. As always, please reach out to schedule your senior session sooner than later!