Alright, senior portraits are kind of a big deal. They’re your chance to show off that you’ve survived high school (congrats!) and give your future self & family members something to cringe over in 10 years. But hey, no pressure. The right outfit can make the whole experience way less awkward, so here are a few tips to help you look like the best version of you. Let's keep it simple and stress-free, shall we?


1. Wear What Feels Like You

Don’t overthink it. If you’re a jeans-and-hoodie kid, cool. If you’re more into button-downs or you’ve got a favorite bomber jacket, rock it. The goal is to look polished but still like yourself. These pictures should feel like you, not “who am I trying to be?” That's not to say that you shouldn't strive for variety. Consider a polished version of an everyday outfit, a date outfit, a job interview outfit... variety is good.

Love sports? Bring your jersey. Into music? Throw on a band tee. Just leave the joke shirts and neon Hawaiian prints at home, unless you really want those immortalized forever.

2. Layers = Style Points

Layering is your secret weapon to looking put-together without actually trying too hard. Toss a jacket over your T-shirt or layer a sweater over a nice button-down. Not only does it look like you made an effort, but it also gives your photographer more options to work with.

The jacket stays on for some shots, off for others. Boom. You’ve got two different vibes without a full outfit change.

3. Think About the Background

Not meshing with the background is a common mistake. If your photos are happening on the beach, a suit and bare feet might look weird. Bring the suit to the Old Port! If you're in an outdoor space with a lot of green, consider a contrasting color to help to stand out from the folliage. On the beach, you can lean into neutrals if that matches your vibe, or be more bold in contrast to the beach tones. If you're thinking of using spots with bold murals or graffiti, maybe your outfit shouldn't have a lot of patterns.

4. Don’t Neglect Grooming

You don’t need a glam squad or anything, but a little grooming goes a long way. Plan ahead for a haircut about a week before the shoot, so your hair’s had time to settle into its groove. If you’ve got facial hair, give it a quick trim or neat shave. There's nothing like golden backlight to highlight stray hairs.

If nothing else, swipe on some chapstick and use moisturizer. Boom, you’re good to go.

Oh, and clean nails. Random? Yes. But if your hands end up in the shot, you’ll thank me later.

5. Keep Accessories Simple

When it comes to accessories, less is more. A leather watch, a bracelet, or a subtle necklace can add some style without taking over the photo. If you wear glasses, make sure they’re clean (seriously, smudges show up in photos).

Shoes matter too, so give them a look before the shoot. Clean sneakers, boots, or even loafers work depending on your vibe. Just maybe don’t show up in your beat-up slides unless you’re deliberately going for casual-on-a-whole-other-level.

6. Outfit Ideas That Actually Work

Not sure where to start? Here are some foolproof combos that’ll keep you looking good:

  • Chill but Sharp: A nice pair of dark jeans, a plain T-shirt, and a bomber or denim jacket. Sneakers? Yes, please. The fresher the better.
  • Classy Vibes: Chinos, a crisp button-down shirt, and a light blazer... or, gasp! a suit! Toss on dress shoes and you basically look like you know how to adult.
  • A Bit Edgy: Black jeans, a graphic tee, and a leather jacket. Bonus points if you add boots.
  • Preppy but Cool: Tailored slacks, a sweater layered over a collared shirt, and loafers. If sweaters aren’t your deal, swap it with a cardigan or jacket instead.

7. Confidence Is the Secret Sauce

Here’s the thing that ties it all together. Wear stuff that feels comfortable. If you’re constantly fixing your collar or fidgeting with your shoes, it’s going to show in your photos. When you feel good in what you’ve got on, you’ll look confident, and confident you equals photogenic you.


At the end of the day, these pictures are about celebrating who you are right now. Think of your outfits as a little time capsule you’ll be happy to look back on, and don’t forget to just have fun with it.


I can't wait to take your picture,

`Meg