Senior Outfit Guide 101 – Everything You Need to Know to Pick the Best Outfits For Your Senior Session

Your senior session is confirmed – now it’s time to begin planning your outfits! While this may seem like a daunting task, it doesn’t have to be stressful. Most senior packages offer the option for multiple outfit changes, allowing you to showcase a variety of styles.

Here are some tips for planning a senior outfit you’ll adore!

If you remember anything from this post, let it be this: always try on your outfits before the session. I can’t emphasize enough how often seniors have told me that they wore their outfits for the first time during the session. I’ve had clients discover that their outfit was see-through, too small, or simply not what they had envisioned. While a photographer can help reduce the chances of unflattering photos through careful attention to lighting, angles, and posing, there’s not much we can do if a client is dissatisfied with their outfit choice.

Outside of trying on the outfits before the session, there are plenty of other tips and pieces of advice to consider as you book your session. 

What You Should Consider:

• Opt for outfit styles that you know and feel comfortable in! While this is a fantastic opportunity to experiment with more glamorous looks you might not wear daily, it’s essential to choose styles that make you feel good. If dresses aren’t your usual go-to and you typically feel uneasy in them, skip it! It’s really that straightforward.
• Ensure your outfit isn’t too low-cut or short. This will help avoid limiting your poses, as we want to keep everything that should be covered, well-covered. While it’s fine to wear a mini dress or skirt for one outfit, aim to plan at least one longer option so I can create a diverse gallery of images. If your top is overly revealing, you may find yourself adjusting it frequently throughout the session.
• Pay attention to your undergarments and how they work with your outfit—be mindful of panty lines and bra straps! For tight dresses, ensure that no underwear lines are visible and that the fabric isn’t see-through. A common mistake I see is when the shape of the bra doesn’t align with the top’s design, resulting in visible straps or bra edges.
• Wearing outfits with fun patterns can add flair, but they can also lead to unflattering photographs. I recommend opting for minimal designs to avoid the risk of color distortion from the camera. For instance, pinstripes and tight patterns can create a moiré effect, making the patterns appear wavy and distorted in images. This effect is particularly pronounced in online photos and can also cause pixel distortion, complicating the editing process.
• Choosing colors is relatively straightforward, but here are some tips for selecting the best hues for your outfits. First, consider which colors complement your complexion and hair tones; steer clear of shades that might wash you out or highlight any unflattering undertones in your skin. Vibrant colors are a favorite, but ensure they are solid and avoid outfits with clashing colors. Pinterest is a fantastic resource for exploring senior picture outfit ideas and seeing what others have chosen!
• Consider adding in any sports jerseys or an outfit that reflects your hobbies! We can incorporate almost any hobby into your session so that you can capture who you are at this monumental time in your life.

Be sure to check out my other blog posts for more helpful tips. This post will coincide great with my other post about Do’s and Dont’s for your session prep.

Check out some outfits my seniors have chosen for their sessions!