What to Wear For Senior Photos

Knowing what to look and shop for when it comes to photos can be a challenge. Finding the right outfits & figuring out what to wear for senior photos will help you feel confident going into our shoot & throughout our time together. If you’re wondering where to start, I’ve created a Pinterest board with some of my top picks of the season! You can also browse some of my clients go-to places to shop – Nordstrom, Anthropologie, Madewell, & Loft

Style

For full sessions, I recommend two outfits for seniors. One is typically something fun and casual. Casual dresses, maxi dresses, or jeans with a blouse are usually the way to go! Think of something you might wear on your birthday. Keep in mind that layering, particularly in the fall, helps add visual interest & variety in posing. The second outfit is usually a bit dressier – a lot of girls will wear one of their dresses they plan to wear for graduation weekend! For college seniors – feel free to bring your cap and gown to throw on for a few images as well. And don’t forget a pair of comfy shoes! We will be walking quite a bit on campus.

Fit

This one is super important! We all have our own insecurities and we are usually a lot harder on ourselves than we would like to be! If you have an area of your body that you are uncomfortable with (arms, hips, etc.), don’t hesitate to let me know. Knowing what to watch out for allows me to pick poses, angles, and locations that will compliment you. The last thing I want is for you to be worried about the fit of your clothes during our shoot, so be sure to try everything on beforehand!  Keeping this in mind, I encourage you to wear something that makes you feel confident and doesn’t draw unwanted attention to these areas. Ex: if you aren’t crazy about your arms, pick something with flowy sleeves as opposed to short sleeves or tanks!

Hair & Makeup

Professional makeup artists know exactly how to highlight your best features, the best colors to use, and how to apply makeup for photography. Plus, there are so many wonderful places to get hair and makeup done for a special occasion like this! A few of my personal favorites – Lollie’s Beauty Bar, Flaunt, & Blo OKC. Two important things to note – bring a brush+hairspray with you to your shoot AND skip the spray tan! Orange tones tend to pick up easily and cause problems in the editing process. We want your skin tone to look natural and even.

Colors

If you don’t read anything else on this page, READ THIS!! I generally recommend avoiding small prints such as plaid or polka dots, orange/rust (because Boomer…), black, and neon or highlighter colors. Instead, stick with pastels, light colors, and neutrals such as blush or peach, gray, lighter blues and greens, and creams. These colors will result in a more light and airy look to your images.

Summary:

1. Splurge a little – get hair & makeup done! Don’t forget to bring extra hairspray!
2. Stick with pastels, solids, and neutral colors.
3. Bring comfortable shoes.

FAQ

Which outfit should I be wearing to start?

This is up to you! Most people start in their casual outfit and change into their dress for the second look. I don’t have a preference, but keep in mind for on-campus shoots, I tend to start at a lot more of my lighter, more generic locations in the first half and shoot more of the OU/collegiate locations in the second half. Most seniors prefer to throw on their cap and gown for the dressier outfit in the second half, so that we can take formal regalia portraits in front of the Bizz towards the end of the session.

Should I bring everything with me or leave it in the car? Where do I change?

Please pack a bag and bring everything you will need with you! You’re welcome to bring a friend to help carry your belongings. If we are shooting at OU, we’ll stop at the halfway point in a bathroom on campus where you can get into your second outfit and freshen up.

I have an outfit that is black, has a small pattern, etc. Can I still wear it?

Above all, I want you to feel confident. If it’s something you absolutely love and know you’re going to feel and look great in, please do what is going to be best for you! Since my style best compliments light colors (and that’s most of what you see on my blog & Instagram), that is generally what I recommend but it is absolutely not required! And I promise you will still look GREAT!

Can I bring props?

Yes! Props are a fun way to add interest and excitement to your images. If you would like to bring confetti, please purchase some that is larger in size and biodegradable. Be sure to read my #1 tip on champagne photos HERE! (THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT!)

Take a look below at some of my favorite senior outfit inspiration!