Kelsea Schafer

Style Guides for Senior Photos

JANUARY 11, 2025

As we enter the spring semester of senior year, one of the most popular questions I get is, "What do I wear to my senior pictures?" Which is a great question! Because of that, I have formulated the best style guide that provides inspiration!

Before I begin sharing inspiration photos, please note that the BEST outfits to wear are ones that make you feel CONFIDENT and COMFORTABLE.

You always want to ensure you choose a minimum of 2 outfits for your senior photos. One neutral and one that displays your plans for next year.

Jerseys?

Jerseys, simple t-shirts, or just a sign.

College jerseys, simple t-shirt, to even wearing your college's colors and using a pennant, sign, shaker, or even their hand signal, is the best way to share your future plans!

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Confidence is key

Choose colors and outfits that you are confident in!

The camera can tell if you are unsure about your outfit. If you know you like jeans rather than a skirt, choose the jeans! If you know you like a collared college shirt instead of a college t-shirt, choose the collared shirt!

Linkedin?

One of the best photographs I always get is what I like to call the "Linkedin Shot." Take advantage of your photoshoot and consider wearing an outfit for photos to use for Linkedin, resumes, applications or other professional settings!

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Participating in Sorority Recruitment in the Fall?

That's wonderful! Senior photographs are the perfect way to make a first impression! Active members want to see your personality and confidence.

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Cap and Gown?

If your school passes out cap and gowns in time for your senior session, bring it! They make the best addition to senior photo sessions and give parents permanent memories of your big moment!

If your school doesn't pass out cap and gowns in time, don't fret! Contact me in May or whenever you receive your cap and gown, and we can schedule a cap and gown session!

What NOT to wear

We all fear at some point that we're going to be underdressed or overdressed. Use this guide to know what NOT to wear to your senior photo session!

01 Prints

Stripes, contradicting florals, graphic tees, or anything that takes the attention away from YOU! The best rule of thumb is to choose solid colors that help YOU stand out. Please note that whether or not you should wear floral print outfits depends on the location you and I choose together.

02 Your Apple Watch

While these are awesome, they WILL date the photograph, if you want to wear a watch, please consider a traditional face watch.

03 Sweatpants or old T-shirts

There are so many uses and benefits from your photographs from your senior session; please don't disadvantage yourself by wearing sweatpants, joggers, or old t-shirts.

I hope these answered your questions and provided inspiration on what to wear and what not to wear to your senior photo session! Please note that you don't have to buy a new outfit to take your senior pictures, as you probably have all you need in your closet! But, if you're using this as a reason to buy a new outfit, by all means :)

I look forward to working with you and capturing YOUR senior photos! If you haven't scheduled your senior photos, please visit my "investment" tab to do so now!

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