Girls! Need some inspiration for what to wear for your high school senior pictures? Can’t figure out how to narrow down all your options? Would you like to know the best way to choose your color palette? What about accessories? How can you stay organized? This article has you covered! I’ve been photographing high school seniors for over a decade, and I’ll share everything you need to know to make the best of your senior picture wardrobe. We’ll be counting down from #10 to #1 (the most helpful tip of all…so keep reading).
Let’s get started!
Tip #10
Start In Your Closet
I know you’re already dreaming about that shopping trip! STOP before you shop!! Before you head to the stores to find some new favorites, browse your closet for your current favorites. Set aside the pieces that make you feel like YOU and imagine pairing it with something new to spice it up.
Tip #9
Casual and Dressy!
Including casual and dressy outfits will give your pictures a nice variety. You’ll see many senior girls choosing cute little dresses. If that’s your thing, this is a perfect option. If you’re not a dress person, that’s okay! Think of it more like “I feel like me” clothes for one look and stepping it up a notch for an occasion like a job interview for the second look. Including both looks at your senior session will help the outcome be amazing.
Tip #8
“If I Don’t Love it, Leave it Behind“
Here’s why you should leave it behind if you don’t love it: your demeanor will change when you wear something that makes you feel uncomfortable. You won’t feel relaxed, therefore you won’t look like the real you. Remember the following phrase when you need to narrow down your options! Go ahead and say it with me: “If I don’t love it, leave it behind,” (a little louder now)… “if I don’t love it, leave it behind,” (now, put some passion in your voice)… “if I don’t love it, leave it behind!!!!” Well done. I think you’ve got the idea.
Tip #7
Coordinate Your Color Palette
Your senior pictures may end up in a beautiful album or as a collage on the wall. The entire session feels polished when all the colors in your photos look good together. Lay your outfit choices on a bed. Do all the colors coordinate? If there’s one that stands out like a sore thumb, consider swapping it out for something else. When considering your color palette, remember that colorful clothing looks excellent in senior pictures, but you want to consider your backdrop. If it’s summer, for example, and you’ll be photographed in nature, don’t wear green! There will already be a lot of green in your pictures. You should wear colors that contrast the backdrop.
Tip #6
Layer Up!
Layers like stylish jackets are flattering in pictures! Considering adding some layers to your senior session wardrobe.
Tip #5
Don’t Forget the Accessories!
Accessories matter. Jewelry and shoes are just as important as the rest of your outfit. This includes props. Some choose no props… and some choose to represent their interests, passions, goals, or achievements with props. There’s no right or wrong when it comes to accessories! Just be intentional!
Tip #4
Take Pictures in The Dressing Room
I love taking pictures of myself in the dressing room! I can be a little more objective that way, rather than being so critical of how I look in the mirror. This can be a good way to help you make your final buying decisions.
Tip #3
Try Everything on at Home!
Before the session:
- Try your final selections on at home.
- Take selfies in the mirror, or have someone else take simple cell phone pictures of each outfit when it’s on.
- Review them all!
This can be especially helpful if you need to narrow down your options or if you can’t tell which top goes best with which pants.
Tip #2
Stay Organized!
At the session, bring your clothes ironed and on hangers or, if they fold neatly, consider using multiple reusable shopping bags for each outfit that contains your clothes, shoes, jewelry, accessories, and props for each one. This will keep you organized and on track at the session! I love this idea so much that it would have ended up #1 if the final tip wasn’t so essential.
And now we arrive at the most crucial thing of all… drum roll please…
Tip #1
Be Yourself!
You may love some of the looks you’re seeing on Tick Tok, Pinterest boards (follow me at this one for even more inspiration), Instagram (follow me), and the inspiration pictures I’ve included for you below. However, DON’T try to mimic anything that doesn’t feel 100% YOU! You are the star of the show and you want your senior pictures to celebrate YOU, your personality, interests, and accomplishments.
Finally, a shout out to all the beautiful and unique seniors I’ve had the honor of photographing that are featured below. I hope their wardrobe choices will inspire YOUR unique and beautiful senior session.
-Jamie
Parker, Colorado High School Senior Photographer
Telling YOUR Story
PS – if you live in Colorado, I’d love to serve you! Visit my senior page for more info and let’s get your spot saved it isn’t already!
