5 Ways to Style Your Outfits for Senior Pictures

Choosing what to wear for your senior pictures is one of the most important parts of preparing for your session. For example, when my kids were in elementary school they had standardized dress. They had to wear khaki pants, and either a red, blue or white polo. While this is easy for parents, the kids didn’t love it because they couldn’t express themselves in that way. They literally couldn’t WAIT to wear what they wanted when they went to school. That is because the type of clothes you wear says a lot about who you are, where you’re from, and how you feel about yourself. Your style reflects who you are. Do you love high fashion, athleisure, jeans and t-shirts, edgy or grunge? What you wear is definitely a form of self expression.

1. Classic and Timeless

While what you wear should reflect who you are, you want to stay pretty classic as wearing super trendy outfits will date your senior pictures rather soon. What colors look best on your skin tone? Pick a color that you love and that you look really good in, and get a classic top in that color. Pair it with jeans or shorts, add some accessories, and you will look pulled together while still reflecting your style. If you aren’t sure what your skin tone is, check out http://colorwise.me. It is free, they give you a quiz, and a whole list of colors that complement your skin tone.

This baby blue top looks amazing on Kennedy, and keeps the focus on HER. She styled it with a couple of cute necklaces, and her white fingernails look great! This photo will stand the test of time!

2. Layering and Accessorizing

Layering with jackets or sweaters is a great way to add variety to your senior photos. A jean jacket over a simple shirt adds tons of interest to the photos. Hats are another way to add variety to your senior photos. Even if you don’t usually wear hats, they ALWAYS photograph well, and add interest! Holding onto the hat will also provide some unique poses. Don’t forget about jewelry as well! Earrings, your favorite necklace, rings, and bracelets all add layers of interest to your photos. Below, Maddie paired a simple white sweater with a gorgeous “shacket,” cute jeans and boots. Everything looks very pulled together while also expressing her style.

3. Dress for the Location

It is important to keep the location in mind when planning your senior photo outfits. A pretty dress won’t look quite right in a graffiti area. Your photographer should be able to provide lots of guidance in terms of locations in your area. A dressy outfit may be perfect in front of a regal building, while a fun casual outfit will look great in front of some cute storefronts. For nature shots, I typically recommend a dress that moves and flows. Maxi dresses are great for this. Also, keep in mind that color can really make a photo stand out. If you look great in blue, consider wearing a brilliant blue maxi dress that will pop.

The photos above were PERFECT for Paige. She has a unique style, and these silver pants and boots were perfection! Up against the graffiti with the silver accents really made this image POP! This outfit would not have looked right in a nature setting.

Doesn’t this solid blue maxi dress just POP OFF in this field of purple flowers? It looks AMAZING on Maren, and her personality really shines through.

Chloe LOVES pink, and it also looks amazing on her. It was the perfect choice for this gorgeous field of zinnias! When choosing a dress, keep in mind that it should have some movement, as that looks great in pictures. It should also be long enough that you can do some sitting pictures as well.

4. Mix and Match

Mixing and matching different pieces can create a cohesive, pulled together look. Combining colors and textures can add interest to outfits. For example, wearing a fun t-shirt with a leather skirt and high heels makes for a pulled together outfit that also expresses your personality. Or pair a casual shorts outfit with a lace duster. It adds interest and variety.

This is actually one of my styled shoots. I paired these darling striped pants with a fuzzy jacket and a white crop top underneath. It adds color, texture, and interest. The hat and sunglasses complete. the look. The earrings also add a pop of color!

This outfit is a perfect example of mixing and matching. She’s got a cute graphic tee that expresses her personality, HOT PINK high heels that add a pop, and a flrty skirt. It’s the perfect outfit for a cute downtown urban vibe.

5. Variety in Your Outfits

You don’t want all of your outfits to be jeans and a different shirt. My rule of thumb is something classic, something casual and fun, and something true to you. Maybe a nice flowy dress for one outfit, a casual jeans outfit, and something that you LOVE. Your senior portraits only happen once, so choose your outfits wisely!

This is Maycee’s casual outfit. It’s comfortable, relaxed, and fun!

Here is her “true to her” outfit. I love how it shows her personality and mixes prints with solids. The zebra skirt is balanced out with the black sandals and black top. It looks great with a hat, and her necklace is subtle and classic.

This is a great example of a solid colored dress that moves. It looks amazing on her, and really makes her stand out.

Kim Stiffler is a senior portrait photographer based out of Wichita, KS. Her goal is to provide a once in a lifetime experience that leaves you feeling empowered, beautiful, and seen. Now booking Class of 2024. To schedule your senior portrait session, inquire here: https://kimstifflerphotography.com/seniors