That “I Have Nothing to Wear” Feeling

Picture this: It’s 1 PM on a Tuesday. Your senior session is in three hours. Figuring out what to wear for senior pictures feels impossible when you’re standing in front of your closet in your pajamas.

That cute top? Too wrinkled. Meanwhile, those jeans that felt perfect last week are now too tight. Additionally, the dress your mom bought you is hanging there with the tags still on because it just doesn’t feel like you.

I see this panic in almost every senior girl who walks into my studio. The pressure is real. These photos will be in your yearbook forever. Furthermore, they’ll sit on your parents’ mantle for years. Your friends will see them on Instagram.

However, here’s what I tell every single one of my clients: You already have everything you need to look amazing. You just need guidance on choosing senior photo outfits that show off who you really are.

After photographing hundreds of seniors in Lawrence, I’ve learned something important. The best photos happen when you feel comfortable in your own skin. In contrast, trying to be someone else never works.

Let me help you figure this out together.

What to Wear for Senior Pictures: Dress Like You, Not Like Pinterest

I had a client last year named Emma. She came to her session with three senior portrait outfits that looked like they came straight from a Pinterest board. Everything was perfectly coordinated. The colors matched. The accessories were on point.

However, when she put them on, something was off. She kept tugging at the sleeves. She walked differently. As a result, she wasn’t smiling with her eyes.

Then she pulled out her backup outfit. Ripped jeans, a vintage band tee, and her dad’s old leather jacket. Immediately, her whole face lit up. She stood taller. She laughed easier.

Those photos? They were magic. This is because she looked like Emma, not like a Pinterest model.

Here’s what I’ve learned after years behind the camera: Your personality shows up in photos way more than your outfit does. Therefore, when you wear something that feels like you, you relax. Your smile becomes real. Consequently, your confidence shows.

The best senior pictures happen when you forget about the camera and just enjoy being yourself.

So bring outfits you’d actually wear to hang out with friends. Clothes that make you feel good when you put them on. For example, pieces that your best friend would look at and say, “That’s so you.”

Save the Pinterest looks for Pinterest. Your photos should look like you on your best day.

How Many Senior Photo Outfits Should You Bring?

This is the question I get asked most. Fortunately, my answer is always the same: bring 2-3 outfits per session.

Here’s how I break it down:

Casual Senior Photo Outfits

1 casual/everyday look This is your go-to outfit. The one you’d wear to school or hanging out with friends. For instance, think jeans and a cute top, or a casual dress you actually love wearing.

Elevated Senior Portrait Looks 

1 elevated or glam outfit Step it up a notch here. Similarly, maybe it’s that dress you wear to family dinners. Or nice jeans with a blouse. Something that makes you feel put-together but still like yourself.

1 sentimental outfit This is where you get personal. Your soccer jersey. Your letter jacket. A college sweatshirt. Your band uniform. Something that tells your story.

Now here’s a tip that will save your back: bring all your options in a clean laundry basket. Trust me on this one. In contrast to trying to carry five hangers while walking to different locations, which is a nightmare, the basket keeps everything wrinkle-free and makes your life so much easier.

I always tell my clients to bring more rather than less. We can narrow down the choices when we meet. However, if you forget that perfect top at home, we can’t magically make it appear.

What to Wear for Senior Pictures: Camera-Friendly Tips from a Photographer

After taking thousands of senior photos, I’ve noticed some patterns. These are my top tips for what to wear for senior pictures that photograph beautifully. As a result, certain things just work better on camera than others.

When choosing colors and styles, I often recommend checking Refinery 29 for additional inspiration.

Senior Picture Clothing That Works Best

What works well:

Solid colors over patterns Plain colors are your friend. They keep the focus on your face, not your shirt. For example, navy, burgundy, cream, and soft pastels always look great.

Fitted over baggy You don’t need tight clothes, but make sure things fit well. In contrast, baggy tops can make you look bigger than you are. Well-fitted clothes show your shape in a flattering way.

Layered textures add visual interest A cardigan over a tank top. A denim jacket with a flowy dress. Therefore, layers give your photos depth and make them more interesting to look at.

Neutrals and earth tones work great for nature shoots If we’re shooting outdoors, think browns, creams, soft greens, and warm grays. Consequently, these colors look amazing with natural backgrounds.

What Not to Wear for Senior Pictures

What to avoid:

Skip the neon colors, bold graphics, and busy patterns. They can be distracting in photos. Additionally, avoid wrinkled fabrics and flip-flops (unless we’re doing beach shots).

Here’s a bonus tip: certain colors work better at certain locations. For instance, soft colors look great in nature settings. Meanwhile, darker, edgier pieces pop against urban backgrounds. When we plan your session, I’ll help you match outfits to locations.

5. Add Personality to Your Senior Portrait Outfits

This is where you get to have fun. Your senior photos should tell your story, not just show a pretty outfit.

Senior Picture Accessories That Make a Difference

Statement jewelry can change everything. A chunky necklace or cool earrings can turn a simple top into something special. Similarly, your favorite hat adds instant personality. Furthermore, those boots you wear everywhere? Bring them.

For example, if your letter jacket means something to you, wear it. If you play guitar, bring it along. Additionally, love to read? Grab your current favorite book. These pieces make your photos uniquely yours.

Real Senior Photo Client Examples

I had one client who brought her grandmother’s vintage scarf. Meanwhile, another brought his drumsticks. One girl wore her lucky friendship bracelet in every shot. As a result, these little touches made their photos so much more personal.

However, the key is balance. Pick one or two meaningful pieces per outfit. You want to add personality, not create a costume.

Here are some ideas that work well:

• Sports gear or team jerseys
• Musical instruments
• Your car (if it’s special to you)
• A favorite book or journal
• Jewelry with meaning
• That jacket you’ve worn to every important event

Therefore, remember: if it matters to you, it belongs in your photos. These are the details you’ll love looking back on in ten years.

Seasonal Senior Picture Outfit Ideas (Quick Hits)

Knowing what to wear for senior pictures in each season makes planning easier. The season of your shoot changes everything. Here’s what works best for each time of year:

For current weather considerations when planning your shoot, check Weather.com for Lawrence conditions.

Fall Senior Picture Session Looks

Fall Sweaters are your best friend. Additionally, add boots, scarves, and layers. Warm tones like burgundy, mustard, and burnt orange look amazing with fall leaves. Furthermore, don’t forget a cute jacket for those crisp days.

Spring Senior Photo Outfits

Spring Think fresh and light. Flowy dresses work great. Similarly, pastels and soft colors match the season perfectly. Light denim jackets are perfect for layering. However, florals can work if they’re not too busy.

Summer Senior Portrait Attire

Summer Bold colors shine in summer light. Sundresses are always a win. Meanwhile, tank tops with your favorite jeans never go out of style. Just make sure you’re comfortable in the heat.

Winter Senior Photography Clothing

Winter Cozy is key. Thick sweaters, scarves, and boots create great texture. For instance, if we’re shooting outside, bring a warm coat you actually like. Alternatively, for studio sessions, you can wear lighter pieces and still get that winter feel with props.

Consequently, each season gives us different backgrounds and lighting. I always recommend booking your session during the season that matches your style. For example, love fall colors? Book in October. In contrast, prefer bright, sunny vibes? Summer sessions are perfect for you.

Local Shopping Spots in Lawrence, Kansas

Need to pick up a few pieces before your session? Here are my favorite local spots where my clients always find great options:

For additional shopping inspiration, check out Arizona Trading Co.’s website before your visit.

Bohemian Senior Picture Styles

Arizona Trading Co. Perfect for that boho, free-spirited look. For example, they have amazing jewelry and flowy pieces that photograph beautifully. Great for adding texture and personality to your graduation photo outfits.

Classic Senior Photo Looks

Francesca’s This is where my clients find those elevated, put-together pieces. For instance, think cute blouses, statement jewelry, and accessories that add just the right touch of glam.

Unique Senior Portrait Pieces

Eccentricity Local and unique. Therefore, if you want something nobody else will have, this is your spot. They carry pieces with character that really show your individual style.

High-End Senior Picture Options

Nordstrom at Oak Park (KC area) Worth the drive if you want higher-end pieces. Consequently, great for finding that perfect dress or elevated casual pieces that photograph like a dream.

As a result, each store fits different style types. Arizona Trading Co. works for free spirits. Meanwhile, Francesca’s is perfect for classic looks with a twist. Similarly, Eccentricity is for the girl who wants to stand out. Nordstrom covers all bases with quality pieces.

Furthermore, shopping local also means supporting our Lawrence community. Additionally, you might run into other seniors getting ready for their sessions too.

Final Senior Picture Outfit Tips from Megan Bowers

After shooting hundreds of sessions, I know exactly what to wear for senior pictures that creates amazing results. Therefore, these are the things I wish every client knew before walking into their session:

Want to see examples of successful senior sessions? Check out my senior photography portfolio.

Senior Picture Pre-Session Preparation

Try on each outfit before the shoot. Sit down in it. Walk around. Raise your arms. Consequently, if something feels off at home, it’ll feel worse during photos.

Don’t forget shoes. I know it sounds obvious, but shoes show up in more photos than you think. Therefore, bring options that match each outfit and that you can actually walk in.

Additionally, steam your outfits the night before. Wrinkles show up big time on camera. Alternatively, if you don’t have a steamer, hang everything in the bathroom while you take a hot shower. The steam works wonders.

Day-of Must-Haves for Senior Pictures

Pack a survival kit. Hair ties, bobby pins, a lint roller, and some lip balm. As a result, these little things save the day when you need them.

For makeup tips if you’re doing your own glam, I recommend checking makeup tutorials for natural looks that photograph well.

The Most Important Senior Picture Advice

Here’s the most important tip: wear something that makes you smile when you see yourself in the mirror. Consequently, if you love how you look before we even start shooting, that confidence will shine through in every single photo.

Your senior pictures should capture who you are right now. Not who you think you should be. Furthermore, not what looks good on someone else. You.

Ready to start planning your session? Learn more about my senior photography process.

Therefore, trust me on this. The photos where you feel most like yourself are always the ones you’ll treasure most.

FAQs: What to Wear for Senior Pictures

Q1: Can I bring more than 3 outfits? Yes! I help you narrow down the best fits based on time and location. Always better to bring more than less.

Q2: Should I wear makeup or get my hair done? If it makes you feel confident, go for it. Many clients get a blowout or light glam. But you don’t have to. Natural is always in style.

Q3: What should I avoid wearing? Avoid neon, small stripes, big logos, and anything that doesn’t fit well. If you’re tugging at it in the mirror, it’ll show in photos.

Q4: Should I match my outfits to the location? Kind of! You don’t have to be color-coded, but soft earth tones look stunning in nature. Edgy pieces pop downtown. I’ll help guide you when we choose your locations.

Q5: Can I bring props or accessories? Yes! Props that mean something to you make your photos personal and fun. Sports gear, instruments, even your dog are all welcome.

Ready to Plan the Senior Shoot of Your Dreams?

You’ve got the outfit tips. You know what works on camera. Furthermore, you understand how to add your personality without going overboard.

Now comes the fun part: putting it all together for a session that feels completely you.

Want help picking the perfect outfits and locations so your session feels natural and stress-free? Therefore, I guide every client through outfit choices, location planning, and all the little details that make your photos stand out.

No cookie-cutter poses. Similarly, no generic backgrounds. Just photos that capture who you are right now, in this moment of your life.

Click here to book your Senior Session with Megan Bowers Photography