What Should Ladies Wear For Their High School Senior Photos?

One of the most asked questions is “What should I wear during my senior portraits? So today we’re chatting about all things senior portraits for girls!

The task of outfit coordination can be overwhelming, especially for senior girls!  Right?!  So many great outfit options but we totally want you to rock your senior session with wearing the right outfits!

Since every senior is different with unique hobbies, experiences and personalities, there isn’t a one rule or formula for creating a senior photo session. This is why I LOVE taking senior photos – it really gets my creative juices flowing.

If you want tips for senior guys, read the blog here: https://karahendricksphotography.com/2023/01/08/what-should-guys-wear-for-senior-pictures/

1. Your senior outfits should be comfortable and reflect your personality.

It is important that you wear clothing that is comfortable, and your outfit selections should match your personality and your own personal style. If you are comfortable your pictures will show that and you will much happier with the end result.

When I have a consultation with the senior and a parent, we talk about the locations first, because your outfits should be a style that fits with that location, for example, if your session is at an urban or downtown location, trendy casual outfits work best: jeans, beanie hats, trendy tennis shoes, etc. For a location like a flower field, a dress with some movement works well.

If a dress sounds like an option for you, tight dresses will limit the pose options during your session, so a dress that is at least thigh length and has some volume makes for great portraits.

This senior got the best of both worlds in locations – one urban and one in the desert!

2. The styling of your senior outfits should fit with the “theme” of your location.

It’s important to know your location first and then plan the outfits in the next step. If an urban location is your jam, casual jeans and a hip top will look great with this backdrop. Lots of seniors love the murals or graffiti background, which is super interesting and fun, so we bring along a solid shirt to compliment this type of background.

3. Add uniforms and outfits that show your high school experience!

Most high school senior girls choose to do more than one outfit and usually it’s a dress and a casual outfit. It’s important to document their senior year with all of their talents, hobbies and experiences, so we include other outfits like sport uniforms, a Letterman’s jacket, and a t-shirt announcing where their next path in life may be, like a college.

This senior celebrated her senior session with a dress, cap + gown, a casual outfit with jeans and white blouse and sports pictures with the many medals she won in track!

4. Accessories add interest and fun to your senior pictures.

Layering is a great look as well and provides variety for your portraits. Adding props and/or a piece of clothing from your activities or sports is an excellent way to showcase the interests you had during high school. Accessories like hats, jewelry, or interesting boots is fun to include too!

There is no right or wrong as to what your session will entail because it is ALL ABOUT YOU! I make sure to guide you from start to finish so your portrait session is what you want it to be!

Always start planning in advance so you are not stressed out trying to plan your once in a lifetime senior session! Start looking for a high school senior photographer right away (at least 3 months in advance) and one who specializes in senior portraits – they will know how to guide you in planning the session of your dreams.

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