Guys! If you’re looking for tips on what to wear for your senior pictures, you’re in the right place! I’ll include some important things to know and some picture inspiration and ideas.
Besides being a photographer who spends a ton of time with high school senior boys, I’m also a boy mom. I have three sons, all of whom have been high school seniors in the past 1-5 years. I’d like to think I know a thing or two about picking out clothes for guys’ pictures.
***As a side note, I SEE YOU, MOM…. and I know all the challenges you face as you try to help plan your son’s senior picture outfits! I’m not even going to pretend your son is reading this article and searching Pinterest for wardrobe ideas…. or that he’ll go with all your ideas… or that he’ll be as excited as you are for these pictures. I’ve been there!
In this article, I’ve got you in mind, mom, and we’ll do a count down from tip #10, all the way to #1 (the BEST tip of all). If you’re a senior guy, send this article to your mom. She will love you for it!!
Let’s begin!
Tip #10
Keep It Simple
Your son will thank you if you keep it rather simple. He’ll likely have some opinions, but if you can come to the table with a starting point, he’ll appreciate the guidance. Most guys aren’t great with this stuff! Begin by suggesting a couple of different pairs of pants (jeans and a color option like green, navy, gray, or khaki) and a few shirts (a nice short sleeve tee without graphics or logos, button-downs, polos, hoodies, crew neck sweatshirts, etc.). Start with what he already has, and then decide if there are a few new pieces you need to shop for.
Tip #9
Let Him Weigh In!
There are a few guys out there who will be happy to let mom direct every step of the process. But we know that’s not the majority. Unless you give him full permission to decide what HE WANTS to wear, or he consents to YOU making all the decisions, involve him in the process so that he feels like he’s a part of these pictures. Ask him if he wants you to shop alone or join you. It may mean extra trips to the store if you shop alone, but he may be willing to try on a few items at home if he doesn’t like dressing rooms. Or, while you’re shopping, text him a few pictures and let him say “yay” or “nay.” Or, shop together online.
Tip #8
Some Casual, Some Dressy
Include some casual and some dressy options. Many teen guys don’t love the idea of formal wear. Don’t force it! That suit you’d love to see him in may only fly if he already owns a suit and he likes it. Unless he’s super easygoing, let him help decide what outfit pieces will make the cut. Are you seeing a pattern here (remember tip #9–let him weigh in)? Try negotiating for the more dressy options if it’s not his thing. You let him pick a couple of options as a negotiation for him to wear the dress pants and button down “for just one picture,” because, after all, remind him you are the one paying for it, and any pictures he doesn’t like, don’t have to go in the yearbook. Have multiple options available for him to choose from, lay them all out in two piles, one for casual, and one for dressy, and then let him decide the final picks from each category.
Tip #7
“If He Doesn’t Like it, Leave it Behind“
Continuing in the spirit of tips #8 and #9, here’s why you shouldn’t pressure him or make him feel guilty when he doesn’t like one of your outfit picks: his demeanor will change when he wears something that makes him feel uncomfortable. He won’t be relaxed, and therefore he won’t look like the real him. In other words, it will help him be himself at the session if he likes what he’s wearing or is at least approving of it and willingly agrees to wear it. So don’t take it personally, and agree before you even begin that if he doesn’t like it, leave it behind.
Tip #6
Complimentary and Contrasting Colors
Your son’s 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 his pictures look good together. Lay his outfit choices on a bed. Do all the colors compliment one another? If there’s one that stands out like a sore thumb, consider swapping it out for something else. Remember that colorful clothing looks great in senior pictures (no busy patterns), but you should consider your backdrop. If it’s summer, for example, and he’ll be photographed in nature, stay away from green! There will already be a lot of green in his pictures. He should wear colors that contrast the backdrop.
Tip #5
Layer Up!
Layers like stylish jackets are flattering in pictures! Considering adding some layers to your son’s senior session wardrobe.
Tip #4
Don’t Forget the Accessories!
Accessories matter. Shoes and coordinating socks are just as important in pictures as the rest of the outfit. Consider whether you want the watch off or on (I prefer off for more dressy looks), or decide if a chain feels right (if he wears one occasionally). Accessories include 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 #3
Shave and Brush Teeth!
Remind your son that the photographer recommends shaving and brushing his teeth right before the session because it will show.
Tip #2
Stay Organized!
At the session, bring his clothes ironed and on hangers or, if they fold neatly, consider using multiple reusable shopping bags for each outfit that contains his clothes, shoes, accessories, and props for each one. This will keep you both organized and on track at the session! I love this idea so much that this tip would have ended up in the #1 slot if the final tip wasn’t so essential.
And now we arrive at the most crucial thing of all… drum roll, please…
Tip #1
Let Him Be Himself!
You may love some of the looks you’re seeing on Pinterest boards (follow me at this one for more guy wardrobe inspiration), Instagram, Facebook, and the inspiration pictures I’ve included for you below. However, DON’T try to mimic anything that he doesn’t think is 100% him! He is the star of the show, and you want his senior pictures to celebrate his personality, interests, and accomplishments.
…and if you live in Colorado, I’d love to serve you! Visit my senior page for more info or contact me by scrolling to the bottom of this page and let’s get your spot saved!
-Jamie
Parker, Colorado High School Senior Photographer
Telling YOUR Story
