What to Wear for Senior Pictures (Girls Edition)
A Style Guide From Your Photographer + Hype Woman
EEEEeeeee! It’s finally here—your senior year! Cue the confetti 🎉
This year is all about celebrating YOU and everything you’ve accomplished so far. And senior pictures? They're one of the highlights of the whole experience. But let’s be honest—figuring out what to wear can be totally overwhelming.
I remember feeling the same way. What’s cute? What’s too much? Is this trendy or just weird? How many outfits is too many?
Good news—you don’t have to figure this all out alone. I’m here to help make this fun, stress-free, and full of confidence. Let’s break it down.
How Many Outfits Should I Bring?
I always recommend planning for 2–3 looks:
Something a little dressy (great while hair & makeup are fresh!)
A casual outfit that still feels put together
And if you’re feeling it—a fun, relaxed look with sweats or an oversized hoodie to close things out
Bonus tip: Bring more than you think you’ll wear. That way, we can make day-of decisions based on how you’re feeling and what looks best at your locations.
If you want my opinion ahead of time, send me pics! Flat lays are fine, but try-ons are even better. I love helping you pull it all together.
Where Will I Change?
Don’t stress about gas station bathrooms or hiding behind your car door—I bring a full-size portable changing tent to every session. It pops up anywhere, gives you full privacy, and makes outfit changes easy peasy.
What to Wear: My Favorite Outfit Tips
1. Be Comfortable
Seriously. If you’re not comfy, it’s going to show in your face, your posture, your everything. Choose outfits that you actually like wearing—not just stuff that looks cute on a hanger.
We’ll be walking, sitting, twirling, maybe even laying in the grass. If an outfit is stiff, itchy, or makes you feel self-conscious, it’s not the move.
Try your clothes on a week before your session. Move around. Sit down. Raise your arms. Make sure everything fits the way you want it to—and don’t forget a bra that works with each top!
2. Choose Colors That Pop
Soft pastels and bold jewel tones photograph so well. Think lavender, sky blue, peach, emerald, royal blue, deep purple, or burnt orange. These colors add life to your photos and look great on every skin tone.
Avoid:
All white or all black (they tend to wash you out)
Neons (they reflect onto your skin and can make editing a nightmare)
Shiny fabrics that reflect too much light
Let’s choose colors that make you the focus—not the outfit.
3. Think About Your Location
Planning your outfits around your location can really make your pictures shine. For example:
Sunflower field? Skip yellow and dark green.
Wooded area? Try lighter or brighter colors for contrast.
Urban downtown? Let’s get trendy with bold patterns or edgy layers.
When you fill out your pre-session questionnaire, I’ll help you match your outfits to your shoot spots so it all ties together beautifully.
4. Add Layers + “Completer” Pieces
A good outfit has three parts: a top, a bottom, and a little something extra—a jacket, belt, scarf, vest, hat, statement necklace, etc.
Layers = more dimension and more posing variety.
In cooler months, layers keep you warm and stylish. In warmer months, try a sheer cardigan, a cute wrap, or even just bold accessories to finish the look.
5. Mix Up Textures
Texture keeps your outfits from falling flat in photos. I’m talking:
Knit sweaters
Denim jackets
Lace, corduroy, suede, or sequins
Even faux fur if you’re feeling bold
If sequins or sparkles feel like too much, don’t worry—something as simple as a textured blouse or ribbed sweater goes a long way.
6. Accessorize Like You Mean It
Accessories are your best friend. They help tell your story and give your hands something to do in photos (which makes posing way easier).
Try:
Hats
Layered necklaces
Stacked bracelets
Bold shoes
A fun purse or bag
You don’t have to wear something in every single shot—we can mix it up! But definitely bring options.
Things to Skip on Picture Day
There are a few things that don’t work so well in photos. Here’s what I usually suggest leaving at home:
Logo tees or big brand names (Unless it’s your school or college—then YES, rep it!)
All baggy or all tight clothing (Balance is key)
Leggings (They attract lint and can be unforgiving on camera)
Distracting prints (Like tiny stripes or super loud patterns)
Your pictures should feel timeless, not trendy in a way that you’ll cringe at in five years. (Looking at you, 2012 chevron everything.)
Should I Wear Makeup?
Totally up to you! But even if you’re a no-makeup kind of girl, I do recommend a touch more than usual—especially on your eyes, lips, and cheeks—so you don’t look washed out on camera.
A little blush, mascara, and tinted gloss makes a huge difference. If you’re unsure, let’s talk! I can even point you to budget-friendly makeup recs that photograph well.
Don’t Forget the Nails
Your hands are going to be in a lot of pictures—posing near your face, holding flowers, tucked into your hair. Chipped polish or old glitter from last month’s mani? Not the vibe.
Keep nails clean and simple
Light, neutral colors or no polish at all photograph best
A Note on Tanning…
I get it—it’s summer, and the sun is calling. But try to avoid tanning right before your shoot. A sunburn or peeling skin can’t be edited out easily, and I want you feeling your best.
Let’s Make This Easy
Still not sure what to wear? Text me your outfit options, try them on at home, or ask for my input—I love this part.
At the end of the day, the best outfit is the one that feels the most like you.
Can’t wait to create something amazing together.
