Picking outfits for your photoshoot can be one of the most fun parts of the process, but it can also be overwhelming and difficult to know where to start. Here are some tips and tricks to follow to help plan your outfits. Remember that styling can really change the vibe or look of your photos. It can even play a big part in how things like skin tone look. Following this guide will help you end up with the best possible result.

Be Comfortable

The NUMBER ONE, most important thing to remember when planning your outfits: if it’s not comfortable to wear in real life, it won’t make you feel confident on camera!

If you do not like fitted clothing (super tight dresses or pieces that fit awkwardly) then leave them at home! If you think you need to “suck it in” to feel good in the outfit, just assume you’re going to forget while you’re taking photos and there is not a world in which I will ever tell a client to “suck it in.” So, if there are pieces in your closet that make you feel self- conscious or uncomfortable, don’t include them in your senior portrait wardrobe! I also recommend trying to steer clear of anything that you have to constantly adjust or is at risk of being revealing. You’ll be doing lots of moving and posing, so if the outfit is super low-cut…you’re at risk of things slipping while we shoot!

Be Yourself

At risk of sounding cheesy…staying true to yourself with your outfits is so, so important. When you look back at these images in 20+ years…you’ll want them to truly reflect YOU! If you aren’t someone who ever dresses up or enjoys being fancy…don’t feel like you need to go buy a fancy dress just for photos. If you don’t enjoy being girly and wearing frilly dresses or lots of makeup…then leave them at home! Don’t feel pressured to buy anything new or outside of your usual style just because you are getting photos taken. This entire shoot is meant to be about who YOU are in this season of life…so don’t change a single thing about ya!

Let’s Talk Color

It can definitely be fun to add a bold outfit, but this is just a reminder that neutrals and earth tones never go out of style and can still make your photos POP (trust me!). If you want to go bold, stick with a solid bright color instead of a bold pattern (although I do love a polka dot moment these days). I would also try to avoid colors like bright reds, neons, and corals, just because they tend to reflect on the skin weird.

Accessories + Layers

If you opt for only one outfit during your session, use accessories and layers to change up your look! You can add on a hat, scarf, jacket, necklace, or whatever you want to switch it up at your session.

Textures

Sometimes textures like feathers, furs and 3D florals can be considered too extra…but, in portraits, they are the BEST! Adding texture to your outfit can make a huge difference. I also love to photograph pieces with MOVEMENT: long, flowy dresses with epic trains or fun feathers that move when you twirl. It adds a super fun element to your pictures!

Dress for the Season

I cannot stress this point enough. Dressing for the weather goes back to comfort – if you’re uncomfortable, it’ll show! If you’re really set on wearing a beautiful strapless dress, wait till the spring or summer to shoot in it. Another thing to consider is seasonal colors. Bright colors and pastels might look a little funky with a fall background.

Consider Location

Sometimes you might pick the location before the outfits. Sometimes you might pick outfits before locations. Either way, it’s important to make sure they suit each other.

Looking Good From Every Angle

Make sure your fit looks good from behind and from the side, as well as the front. Lift your arms up, move around, and make sure that your outfits will look good in lots of different poses because you’ll probably end up doing a wide range of motion during your shoot.

Shoes

When it comes to shoes, I definitely recommend wearing something comfortable. Heels are great, but sometimes the perfect location can include a little off roading. If you’re set on heels, think about bringing a pair of sandals or sneakers to wear until you get to the exact spot you’ll be shooting. Whatever shoe you wear, I would try to make sure that they aren’t dirty on top. Shoes are also a fun way to add a pop of color to your fit.

Undergarments

This is something that may slip your mind as you are planning your outfits…but it is SO important! Be sure to bring along multiple bras if you are wearing something strapless or that requires a sticky/backless bra. And wearing a neutral pair of undies is the best way to go to ensure it’s not showing through anything!

Do’s + Don’t’s

Yes!

• Neutrals and earthy tones
• Denim jeans and jackets
• Cute hats or hair accessories
• Flowy dresses or skirts
• Chunky knits and layers
• Boots, comfy heels, fashionable sneakers

Leave it at home

• Neons
• Restricting fabrics (stiff clothing means stiff photos)
• Anything with logos or writing
• Running shoes or dirty sneakers
• Sunglasses

Helpful Hints

• Try to pick outfits that suit the backdrop (or vice versa)
• Opt for multiple outfits to switch up the vibe
• Go on a shopping spree and blame it on me!
• Bring makeup and hair stuff to touch up
• Simple lipstick or gloss helps you from looking washed out
• Find outfits you like on Pinterest and try to replicate them