Plan the Perfect Outfit for Your Senior Portrait Session

You should have seen the outfit I wore for my senior pics. I chose a cream sweater that was two sizes too big for me and baggy blue jeans. At that time in my life, I wanted to hide, not emphasize. Mission accomplished.

My style atrocities aside, the pictures turned out pretty good. Luckily, I accidentally selected a tone that worked well with my coloring so the lack of style could be forgiven. Almost.

In order to save you from making the same mistakes that I did, I put together a quick read on what to consider when selecting clothing for your senior photos.

Think About the Location

Once we select where we'll shoot, really consider how your outfit will look in the surroundings. Will the colors complement each other? Or clash? What about the location's vibe? Will it work the outfit that you've selected? And don't forget about the time of year. We have four seasons here in Kansas City. Will there be leaves on the trees or will they be bare? Will you need to work with autumn tones or spring hues?

Color is Very Important

I talk about color a lot on my blog because it's a critical aspect of styling any photoshoot. Not only should it work with the location you've selected (as mentioned above), but it should work with your skin tone and coloring.

Figure Out Your Skin Tone

Your skin tone is made up of overtones and undertones. The overtone is easy. It’s the skin color we see in the mirror each morning. But the undertone of your skin can be a bit challenging to figure out.

Your skin's undertone will be on a sliding scale of cool to warm, with neutral being in the middle.

To determine the color of the skin's undertone, look at the veins in your arm. Cool skin tones have blue and purple veins, neutrals have blue-green veins, and warms have green veins. Sometimes the vein color is a bit hard to determine, but there are several easy ways to determine your skin's undertone.

When considering colors for your senior picture outfit, cool-toned skins should wear cooler colors and warm-toned skin should wear warmers ones. Neutrals are lucky and can wear either. For more in-depth info, check out my blog: Style Yourself with Color in Mind.

Amp Up Your Style with Accessories

When styling outfits, some seniors forget to think about accessories, but they can elevate your look and infuse the styling with your personality.

Shoes: Your footwear need to work with the outfit and the environment. For example, if you plan on wearing a gown, more than likely, you'd wear a heel. But a heel could be an issue if we're shooting in a field immediately after a rain.

Jewelry: Add a little bling to your photo session by incorporating studs or hoop earrings, statement necklaces, or any other piercings you might have.

Hair accessories: Forget about boring barrettes and headbands and search for something that boosts your style quota. Also, if your photographer is into it, floral crowns might make a lovely addition.

Belts: Use belts to define your waistline and highlight those curves.

Winter Warmth: If your photo session is scheduled for one of the colder months, adding scarves, hats and gloves will not only help keep you toasty, but they'll add texture and pops of color to the image.

Get the right balance with these simple tips from Tan France's MasterClass course:

Select one signature piece. Grab one necklace or pair of earrings that will work well with all of your outfits choices. If you'd like to wear more, make sure you keep the visual balance by layering with more subtle pieces.
Incorporate a pop of color. Use a bright belt or pair of shoes to add a bit of fun to a simple outfit.
Convert one outfit into another. We won't have a ton of time to change during the session, and a great way to get more than one look out of an outfit is to switch up the accessories to change the mood of the outfit.
Don't worry too much about matching. Too cohesive can look a bit stuffy and not fashion forward. If you aren't sure how to pair accessories, start with one color piece and add in neutrals.

Pick Multiple Outfits

The length of a senior portrait session varies from photographer to photographer, but I typically spend between 60 to 90 minutes with my seniors. In that time, I can usually capture at least three looks (more if you're quick to change).

These can be any three looks that you love, but a lot of seniors select one outfit that is casual, one dressy outfit, and one that showcases your personality or an activity that you love (i.e. a sport's uniform, cheerleading outfit, etc).

Several weeks before the session, start shopping and/or selecting outfits. If you plan to order them online, you should buy a few different options for each look. You'll be able to try them at home, keep the ones you like, and return the ones you don't. [Before you buy, check to see if the company charges for return shipping. We don't want to accrue any extra fees.]

Here's What Not to Wear

First, let me assure you that these rules are not written in stone. I created these guidelines to help ensure the best possible outcome for your senior photo session, but if you're not into it, it's your shoot. You do you. For all I care, you can wear a mumu and a shower cap. But if you do, you better rock it.

I hate a neon green. Hate. I find the color somewhat tolerable indoors, but once we step outside and it starts clashing with all the beautiful colors of nature, I find it pretty foul. Just think about it this way, neon green is the color that cartoonists give to farts. Coincidence, I don't think so.
I also prefer my seniors not to wear clothes with logos or text. Exceptions are band Ts and anything that speaks on female empowerment. Huge fan of all things that speak to ladies' badassery. But if your shirtsays "Just Do It," please, just don't.
This next rule sounds weird, but it's very important: don't wear fabrics with extremely fine patterns. Small repetitive lines, checks, or stripes can overload the camera's sensor and create a distorted wavy effect we call moiré. It's no bueno.
Don't show me your bra strap. Wear an undergarment that works with your shirt/dress. If you plan on wearing a tank top, select the appropriate bra.

Picture-Perfect Hair, Makeup, and Nails

I will always recommend that my senior girls use an experienced hair and make-up artist to ready them for their senior session. If you need the recommendations for local artists, contact me and I will put you in touch.

But some seniors prefer to manage their own hair and make-up, and I'm here for that as well.

Best 'Dos for You

During a senior photo shoot, I love when girls style their hair in beachy waves. The waves add a sense of motion and boost the texture of the image even while they're static, but they look absolutely phenomenal when the wind is blowing.

But not all senior girls have a hair texture that supports a wave.

Please feel free to rock your natural hair, whether that happens to be an afro or a straight bob. You can style it in braids, twist outs, a bun or a high pony.

The most important thing is that if you plan to do your hair in a new style, please make sure you practice the routine a few times before your session date.

If you plan to color and cut your hair, please make sure you do so at least a week before the session. This will give the color a chance to "calm down" a bit and look more natural in photos. Please note: this is not the time for a huge change in your look.

Also, make sure it shines. A little extra sheen makes your hair look healthy and glowing and keeps it from looking dull in print.

Photo-Ready Makeup

You might already have a go-to look that you wear on a regular basis. I'm sure it makes your skin glisten and glow, but please understand that makeup for photos is probably different that your everyday style.

Before you start to apply makeup, clean and moisturize your face. You'll want to begin with healthy skin.
Find a room with the natural light, and apply your makeup there.
Start with a primer to smooth out your face.
Apply a full coverage foundation.
Set your foundation with a translucent matte powder.
Select products that look natural with your skin tone and avoid trendy colors that will age your images. Your blush should be the color of your flushed skin.
Avoid mineral makeup; eyeshadows, blushes and powders with a shimmer; and products with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. For photos, it's best to stick to matte makeup.
Practice your makeup before the session.

Nice Simple Nails

The day before your session, either get a manicure from a professional or trim and clean your nails yourself. If you plan on painting your nails, stick to soft, neutral colors as brighter colors might be distract from your pretty face.

Rock a Prop if you Got It

Using props for your senior pictures is not necessary, but it can add a storytelling element to the images. If you're a cheerleader and want shots in your cheer gear, bring pom poms. If you play basketball, bring the ball. If you're a bookworm, bring your favorite novel. You get the idea.

Liz Davenport of Sunshine and Shadows Photography is a high school senior and family photographer based in Kansas City, MO. She offers portrait sessions throughout the Kansas City-metro, including Leawood, Overland Park, Shawnee, Lenexa, Mission, Belton, and Raymore. Her sessions are fun and relaxed, using primarily natural light and a lot of movement. She loves to work in both rural and urban environments and definitely looks to her clients for location inspiration, which means that she wants to hear your crazy ideas.

What Should Girls Wear for Senior Pictures?