What to Wear?

Ready for your Senior portraits? Navigating the scary waters of  how to dress for senior portrait can be daunting.  After all, your portrait will be hanging on the walls of your home like an art show piece for years to come!  This is the biggest, scariest part of booking someone to do your pictures. It shouldn’t be.  With a few pointers, you too, will be able to successfully put together a killer outfit for your senior pictures using items you already own. Yes, you read that correctly, with items you already own. It’s less about buying all new things and more about how you put them together. 

The Old Standard But Better

 I think all of us are guilty of falling back on the jeans and a white t-shirt look.  It’s easy. It’s safe.  Can we say, “boring?”  I have a few suggestions (not rules) that will help point you in the right direction! With some tweaking you can go from blah to boom!  If you want to stop reading and go through your closet right now, check out this article on dressing up a white t-shirt for women or for men . Amazing! To understand how they got to those great looks, keep reading!  

 #1  Color (3 Neutrals and  a POP )

You can dress for Senior portraits like you decorate a room.  The most successful looks combine 2-3 neutral colors and then an accent or POP color!  Let’s go back to our classic jeans and white shirt combo!  Now, using our new rule, throw in one more neutral, khaki for example, and then an accent, like Coral or Navy Blue!  Now you really have something to shout about!   Wasn’t that easy?  Everyone has jean, khaki, and white in their wardrobe, buy a coral scarf, handbag, piece of exquisite jewelry, shoes, or even a cocktail ring in a spot of coral and you have a smokin’ look! For a great guys look layer a t-shirt under a cargo jacket or a hooded sweatshirt.   Now, before you tell me, you don’t like coral, you can substitute almost ANY other color under the sun that you DO like as your  pop and still look fab! Besides, you probably have these items already in your wardrobe and that is a bonus!  This is just ONE example,  I have tons of wonderful color palettes to choose from on my pinterest boards or you can check out my favorite place to discover new color palettes at The Perfect Palette.  You can put in your favorite color and they will suggest multiple palettes that coordinate with it! Also, keep your photo location in mind.  You want your color palette to compliment your surroundings. Now, before you run off with excitement because I just solved your problem,  consider two more factors prior to falling in love.  Keep reading. 

#2 Dress From Head to Toe

This one is a no-brainer, to have a successful complete look you need to think about your outfit right down to your shoes.   I’m going to shoot your head and your feet so don’t forget to do your hair or accessorize if you need a little help! Hats are always welcome, and they flatter those with a thinning hair line.

Shoes, people, don’t forget to polish ’em, and pack ’em! That goes double for men! Most importantly, if you are wearing open toe shoes, make sure your feet and nails are clean and done!

#3 Layer, Texture, & Accessorize! 

Oh I am a HUGE fan of both of these.  Take a look at any magazine ad or Hollywood maven, you will discover that stylists use both layers and textures to polish an outfit! I say, the more, the better!    Again, go back to our original color scheme,  jeans and a t-shirt become Top Gun when you throw on a rugged leather jacket, cowboy boots, and a pair of aviator shades! Layered outfits are interesting and flattering. The photograph of Carly above is a great example. Not only is wearing an interesting layered necklace but the turquoise echoes in her unusual ring. Below, check out the recent photograph of senior Justin. He has a combination of interesting things happening. It starts with a plain dark t-shirt tucked into dark jeans, an understated look. The leather jacket with lamb skin collar detail is thrown over the top along with a necklace, belt, and a pair of dress shoes. This look is easily achieved with items already found in your closet but comes together for a polished look.

I love accessories, they are the touch of sparkle and shine that every outfit needs.   This can be anything that adds a bit of interest (ie. belt, hat, jewelry, scarf, handbag, cuff, watch and the list goes on).  In my book, this one is a RULE not a suggestion!  Don’t leave home without something!  This is always a good place to let your personality shine!  Make your outfit unique and personal with the finishing touches!  Even James Bond brings a cool watch or a great pair of shades with him to head out!  Celebrities always look fabulous in their portraits because they don’t ditch the details! Check out the photo above.  Model Carly has on a terrific pair of boots, at least three layers and a great ring!  This photo would not be the same without those items! Besides looking great, accessories do something even more important.  They give your hands something to do!  Hands speak volumes and they say things like, “I’m nervous and uncomfortable.”  A beautiful bag, or long chain for example gives your photographers a place to put your hands to work! Check out this is a step by step article on exactly how to accessorize your outfits. When choosing a necklace, try to choose the best one for the neckline of your outfit. 

Don’t stop short at clothing accessories.  Thing that make you, you are great too! Do you play the guitar? Personal items are wonderful for adding a touch of flare or whimsical character to your photo.  Do you paint?  How about a palette and brush?  Love to read?  Bring your reading glasses and a stack of your favorite vintage novels.  I frequently take photographs of my own children in customs because that is how we roll!  What makes you unique and interesting?  Bring it!

Makeup & Hair

Wearing the right makeup is equally important. Having your hair and makeup down by a makeup artist is a really great idea for pictures.  A professional makeup artist will help you with the right look for your pictures.  Alternatively, you can do your own makeup. I use light almost 100% of the time while shooting so there are a few things you should keep in mind when applying your makeup.  Under normal circumstances sparkles makeup or highlighting is an attractive look; however, sparkly makeup and photography don’t mix well!  Matte make-up is best for all types of lighting.  You should wear your makeup a touch heavier than you would usually and don’t forget the blush, it makes you look alive and youthful! 

How to Flatter and What To Avoid!

If you want to flatter yourself, wear clothing that fits!   If you are a figure conscious person stay away from large busy patterns, baggy or excessively tight clothing.  Also, longer sleeves and pants are more flattering that shorter ones.  Alternatively, darker colors are more flattering than lighter ones.  When possible, avoid clothing with logos or large patterns or horizontal stripes.  Don’t be a walking billboard for a clothing company during your portraits, unless that is your specific purpose!  Be conscious of choosing the right neckline for your body type.  I also have a collected a large gallery of images of flattering clothing choices for women, men, accessories, and curvey women!

Be You

When considering clothing choices it’s important to use the rules in your own style. You still want to look like yourself. If you are into an alternative look, use the pieces of your own wardrobe as a foundation to build a finished look that is still you.

Ready to Book Now?

Tami Siriani is a Liberty Lake, WA Based photographer specializing in Portraits for seniors, children, families, and headshots. Tami is pleased to serve the Inland Northwest as a photographer since 2009. Tami is known for her close and colorful styled photographs along with special attention to flattering her subject through careful posing and attention to detail. Contact Tami today to inquire about openings for your portrait session.