If you're anything like me, being prepared is key, especially when it comes to your senior portraits. Choosing the perfect outfit can sometimes feel like a daunting task, but fear not! As your photographer, part of my job is to ensure you're fully prepared for your session so you can relax and enjoy the experience.

During our consultation, we'll collaborate on outfit choices, locations, and the overall vision for your dream photoshoot. Additionally, you'll receive a comprehensive style guide packed with invaluable information. Today, I'm excited to share some quick tips to help you get ready for your senior session!

While choosing your outfits for your senior session is a personal choice, it can make a big difference during your photoshoot, because wearing something unflattering or that doesn’t look good in camera can ruin your experience.

Here are my top 10 tips on choosing what to wear for your senior photos:

1. BEING COMFORTABLE IS KEY

Choose clothing that makes you feel comfortable and flatters your body. Find clothing items that you can move around and sit comfortably in. You will feel more like yourself and your confidence will shine in every portrait.

2. STAY TRUE TO YOUR STYLE

A great way to express yourself is through clothing. BE YOU and don’t get sucked into every trend. Choose outfits that are timeless and classic. Trust me. You’ll look back at your portraits 20 years from now and still love them.

3. PLAY WITH COLOR

Choose colors that compliment your hair and skin tone. Adding a pop of color may bring out the color in your eyes and make you sparkle. As a general rule of thumb, stay away from bright neon, they tend to reflect on your skin and distract from your face! Solids are always in style. Just remember, a simple white tee and jeans are super classic and timeless. You want to stand out and not be hidden in busy clothes.

4. ADD LAYERS

Layering can bring your outfit to the next level and make your portraits look stunning. When you layer with coats, flannel, vests or cardigans, it allows you to have more than just one outfit. Plus it adds so much dimension to your images and makes for super fun posing options!

5. TEXTURES ARE FUN

Don’t be afraid to pair different textures together. Think of lace, knits, leather, sequins and faux fur, they can add more depth to your portraits. Avoid high contrast patterns, prints, and logos, because they can be distracting and take away attention from you.

6. BRING SEVERAL OUTFITS AND MIX IT UP

I always recommend bringing 4-5 outfits and make sure that you have a variety of looks! Choose from different styles that best define you, like something casual, cozy, dressy, sporty, preppy or edgy, and plan your outfits accordingly. This way you’ll have different looks during your senior portrait session.

7. ACCESSORIES, ACCESSORIES, ACCESSORIES

When planning your outfits, don’t forget to include accessories! Hats, sunglasses, jewelry, scarves, shoes can make an outfit and bring your own personal touch to your portraits.

8. DRESS FOR THE SEASON

If you’re getting senior photos done in the fall, think of cozy sweaters and jackets. You want to be comfortable and not freezing because you are wearing a summer dress, so just plan accordingly. On that same token, it’ll look silly if you show up wearing snow boots in the middle of a flower field and green grass all around.

9. THE RIGHT UNDERGARMENTS

Consider the underwear you’ll need for each outfit. Certain looks call for a strapless bra, like that spaghetti strap spring dress, or nude panties for light color clothing

10. SHOWCASE YOUR PERSONALITY AND HOBBIES

Letterman jackets, sports uniforms, dance attire, musical instruments, books are all part of your senior year and are a trademark of who you are. Incorporating these items will help create unique portraits that bring out the real you.

I hope you find these tips are helpful! If you have questions or want more information about booking a senior portrait session, please feel free to contact me. I’m always happy to answer questions and help make the process easier for you.

I can’t wait to make your senior session amazing!

With love,

Mariela