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Style guide for seniors

The right outfit can make your senior photos shine even brighter. I’ve gathered some outfit tips to help you look and feel like your best self.

Two Outfits

Typically, a session lasts about 1 hour, and that’s enough time for two outfits — a formal and an informal one. If we add a bit more time, we can include a third outfit — perhaps sports or hobby-related.

👍 What works great

  • Solid colors and simple patterns

  • Colors that complement the photoshoot location. Neutrals and earth tones for the woods, or opt for something bold in an urban setting.

  • Well-fitted clothing that flatters your shape. Can you sit, stand, and twirl comfortably?

🚫 What to avoid

  • Loud patterns or big logos

  • Neon colors (they reflect weird light on your skin)

  • Small stripes (they can distort on camera)

  • Shoes that don’t match the outfit

  • Wrinkle-prone fabrics

Above all… wear something that makes you feel like you. You know what looks best with your hair and skin tones, so plan towards whatever makes you the most confident! Comfort breeds confidence, and confidence looks fantastic on camera.

: Two girls jumping joyfully off concrete steps in an urban setting with modern buildings and white canopy structures in the background.

Casual Outfits for Girls

hanging out in style

A pair of well-fitting jeans, a solid-colored top, and some simple jewelry can create a great look in senior photos. Want to elevate it a bit? Swap in a chic blouse for a look that’s polished. This kind of outfit lets your personality stand out without stealing the show in the photos.

: Young woman with long dark hair, wearing a white short-sleeve top and denim skirt, leaning on a wooden fence in a sunlit forest path with greenery around.
: Young woman with long blonde hair walking through tall grass in a field, wearing denim overalls over a floral tank top, looking back over her shoulder.
: Young woman with long brown hair wearing a white sleeveless top and blue jeans, standing and smiling in front of a colorful mural with the words "LIFE IS GOOD IN GREEN" and illustrations of a coffee cup and a white mouse sitting at a table.
: Young woman with long blonde hair, wearing a black one-sleeve top, ripped light blue jeans, brown knee-high boots, and large white flower earrings, sitting and laughing in front of concrete steps.

There are other options besides jeans. A breezy, flowery sundress is perfect for senior photos. The light fabric will give some nice movement and make the pics more dynamic. For a natural location, the Bohemian style would work well. And lastly, rompers & jumpsuits are chic and allow for a lot of movement.

: Young woman in a white lace camisole and a flowy floral skirt standing barefoot on grass with eyes closed, backlit by warm sunset, with trees and picnic tables in the background.
: Young woman with long dark hair and glasses wearing a white dress with a pink floral pattern, standing among tall bamboo stalks outdoors in sunlight.
: Young woman with long red hair wearing a light blue and white striped dress standing sideways near rocky terrain with a waterfall in the background, looking at the camera with a slight smile.
: Young woman with long black hair wearing a blue and white patterned dress, standing on stairs and resting one hand on a metal handrail while the other touches her hair, smiling gently at the camera.
: Young woman in a white dress standing amidst tall wild grass during dusk, gently holding the grass with both hands, with a calm expression and soft, natural light.

Formal Outfits for Girls

classic elegance or bold statements

Typically, the formal dress is a white dress worn beneath the graduation gown. White looks classy and sophisticated. It stands out beautifully and reflects beautiful, neutral light onto your skin.

: Young woman standing on a brick path in a garden, wearing a long, off-the-shoulder white dress and white sandals, with a decorative stone gazebo in the background.
: Young woman in a white floral lace dress wearing a blue graduation gown with a BJA emblem, standing outdoors with trees and greenery in the blurred background.
: Young woman in a white sleeveless dress walking on a brick path in a garden setting, with trimmed hedges and an ornate stone gazebo in the background.
: Young woman with curly light brown hair wearing a white dress and white sandals, standing outdoors near a tree trunk on a forest floor covered with pine cones and pine needles at sunset.
: Young man in a dark blue checkered suit with a red and white striped tie standing confidently with arms crossed in front of wide white stairs in a modern, spacious interior.

Looks for Guys

sharp suits, casual vibes

A trendy blazer can be a great way to add some style to your senior photos. Or if you want to up your game, a suit could be a powerful option.

Formal Outfits

: Young man in a blue plaid suit with a white shirt and brown belt, leaning against a reflective glass wall with his hands in his pockets, looking directly at the camera.
: Black and white photo of a young man wearing a suit and tie, leaning against a glass wall with his reflection visible, looking directly at the camera with a neutral expression, hands in pockets, standing on an outdoor concrete walkway near a modern building.
: Young man in a navy blue suit with a red tie, white shirt, and black shoes, standing indoors leaning against a large metallic column with hands in pockets, looking slightly to the side.
: Black-and-white portrait of a young man with short curly hair wearing a blazer and a t-shirt, seated indoors against a dark feather-patterned background, looking confidently at the camera with one hand resting on his knee.

For a relaxed look, a well-fitted pair of jeans and a stylish button-down or polo shirt. Or for a more casual and laid-back look, a graphic tee looks great. This can be a good option for both urban and nature locations.

Casual Outfits

: Young man with light hair wearing a blue, white, and red plaid button-up shirt, dark jeans, and turquoise sneakers, crouching on a large rock in an outdoor natural setting with blurred greenery and rocks in the background.
: Young man with short light brown hair wearing a denim jacket over a light blue button-up shirt, standing in front of a weathered brick wall, looking slightly to the side with a neutral expression.
: Young man with short dark hair leaning against a textured rock wall outdoors, wearing a light short-sleeve button-up shirt and jeans, with a blurred background of rocks, greenery, and flowing water.
: Young man with curly hair wearing dark denim overalls and a black t-shirt featuring an American flag patch on the sleeve, sitting confidently in front of a large, vintage-style American flag backdrop.

Personality Look

show off your passion

Do you have a sport or hobby that holds special significance for you? Bring a prop or uniform to share with the world your passion.

: Young woman with long wavy brown hair wearing a red traditional dress with an artistic floral and female figure print, smiling and touching her hair, standing near a concrete staircase with metal railing.
: Young man in a navy blue suit and red striped tie holding an oversized wooden gavel resting on his shoulder, standing indoors with a neutral expression.
: Young woman in a white dress sitting on a dark leather couch, holding an open book, looking over her shoulder towards the camera in a dimly lit room.
: Young woman with long blonde hair sitting on a rock near water, smiling and playing an acoustic guitar, wearing denim overalls and a floral top.