I want to give you some general senior picture outfit tips & tricks that you can apply to any and every style! Keep these in mind when choosing your senior picture outfits. They’ll help make your final images extra dynamic and prevent any outfit oopsies! I also have an article about senior picture hair & makeup tips that you should read before your session!

Tip 1: Think about layers!

Layers give extra dimension to any photo and allow for TONS of different pose options! Layers can be added to your outfits in a lot of different ways. Think about jackets, cardigans, open flannels, vests, sweaters, scarves, and even hats!! All of these things can also be used as props in your photos which means even more image variety. There are SO many different pose options that you can achieve with layers so consider how you can add some to your senior portrait outfit options!

BONUS TIP: While clothing layers can be GREAT, jewelry layers can be dangerous if they aren’t done just right! Lots of jewelry and layering of jewelry can become overwhelming and super distracting really easily. My advice is to always keep your jewelry and accessories dainty, minimal, and not distracting. Plus, these photos are supposed to be all about highlighting YOU – you don’t want your necklace or earrings to outshine you!

Tip 2: Don’t forget about proper undergarments! (yes guys, this is for you too!!)

This is probably the most important of all the outfit tips I could ever give you so listen up! You should be trying on all of your outfits before your actual portrait session! When you do this make sure you look out for underwear lines, visible bras, colored or striped undershirts, bra straps showing in a tank top or low back top, etc. These things are all SUPER distracting and they are incredibly hard to fix even for the best photoshopper! 

BONUS TIP: Don’t just try on your outfits in your bedroom and call it a day. Try them on inside, look in the mirror, have someone else look, squat, sit, kneel, twirl, AND then go outside and check them! Sometimes an undershirt or bra won’t be visible with indoor lighting but natural outdoor lighting is giving *that* Mean Girls scene vibes.

Tip 3: Bring a few outfit changes with you.

Even if your package only includes one senior picture outfit, bring one or two extras with you and have them ready in the car. You might not get a chance to shoot in all of the outfits but options are always good to have! Plus you might be able to use something from your extra outfits as a layer or prop like I mentioned in outfit tip #1! Make sure you are considering all of your different outfit options when you start planning. Think casual, modern, sophisticated, your sport jersey – you get the picture!

BONUS TIP: Make sure you feel comfortable and confident in ALL of your potential outfit choices. If you are uncomfortable or don’t feel your best in the outfit, your face will show it in your images! 

There you have it! My top 3 holy grail outfit tips & tricks for senior portraits that I’ve learned over the years! These tricks can save you from some of the most common but also most avoidable mistakes that I see in senior portraits ALL. THE. TIME.