Your senior session is all about you—your personality, your style, and most importantly...your STORY. One of the biggest factors in how your photos turn out? Your outfits! What you wear can make a huge difference in how you feel during your session and how your final images look.

I’ve been photographing high school seniors for nine years, and I’ve seen firsthand how the right outfit choices can take your session from meh to stunning. So, let’s break it down—here’s what you need to know about picking the perfect outfits for your senior photos.

1. Bring Variety

If you bring five outfits but they’re all slight variations of the same look—jeans and a cute top—you’re not giving yourself enough variety. I always recommend bringing at least five outfits that showcase different sides of your personality. A great mix includes:

• A casual look (something comfortable but stylish)
• A couple of trendy or stylish outfits (things you love right now)
• A dressy or elevated look (because your future self will thank you)

Pro Tip: Think about textures, layers, and different outfit types. Mixing in dresses, skirts, pants, and jackets gives us more options for posing and movement!

2. Say yes to Color!

I can’t stress this enough—color matters. While neutrals like white and beige are classic, they don’t always give you that pop in photos. I love when my seniors bring in bold colors, rich tones because they make the images stand out.

Not sure what colors work best for you? Check out my skin tone guide included in the what to wear guide I send to my clients. 

Pro Tip: Stay away from neon colors—they can reflect on your skin and create a weird color cast in your photos.

3. Coordinate with Your Locations

Your outfit should complement the setting, not clash with it. If you’re taking photos in a field or a natural setting, a structured blazer and heels might feel out of place. On the flip side, a long, flowy dress in an urban setting might not make the statement you want.

Ask your photographer before booking them if they help coordinate outfits and work to style you for your senior session! I personally work with each of my senior clients individually to make sure that we have a game plan ahead of their shoot and that we’re making the most of our shoot day! Before your session, we’ll talk about your locations and to pair your favorite outfits with the look you are going for. If you’re unsure about what to wear, I’m always happy to help you put together looks that work with your vibe and location.

Pro Tip: Bring accessories! Hats, jackets or statement jewelry can change up a look without needing a full outfit change.