This guide is a great place to start for picking your looks for a photoshoot. While this is mostly geared towards seniors, most of the tips still apply to any woman doing a solo shoot. If you’re doing a couple shoot or you’re looking for my Guys’ Style Guide, check out those links.
Styling is not something that should be put on the back burner for professional photos. It honestly plays a huge role in how your final gallery will look. Follow these tips for the best results.
The Number One Rules
If you take anything from this guide, let it be A) Be Comfortable and B) Be Yourself. These might seem corny or obvious, but they truly are sooo important.
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!
Before You Buy…
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.
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.
Look 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.
Okay, so what do I wear?
Most seniors opt for a photoshoot package with multiple outfits, so if you’re not sure what types of outfits to do, here’s my fool proof system:
The Casual
Pick one causal outfit. My favorite formula is your favorite jeans and a cute simple top. Jeans never go out of style!
The Formal
Next, we can get a little more dressed up. You can never ever go wrong with an LWD (little white dress) or a beautiful flowy dress or skirt that has lots of movement.
The Fun
Lastly, is the fun outfit! Maybe your fun outfit is your sports uniform or a t-shirt from the college you’re going to next year. This is also a great opportunity to wear something fun and bold and trendy. That super cool outfit you don’t have an occasion for yet? This is it! Maybe it’s a super cool pair of pants or a hot pink ruffled top. Maybe this is your chance to channel your inner cowgirl or barbie. Have fun with it!
The Extras
Accessories
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.
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. I always recommend wearing “the least amount of bra possible.” So if that’s no bra, nippies, a sticky bra, whatever. And wearing a neutral pair of undies is the best way to go to ensure it’s not showing through anything!
Do’s + Dont’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
Shopping Recs
Nuuly
So Nuuly isn’t actually a clothing store, it’s a clothing rental company. It’s owned by URBN, which is the company that owns Anthropologie, Urban Outfitters, and Free People, and Nuuly carries all of those brands and more. They charge around $100 to rent six items of clothing for one month. While it’s technically a subscription, you can cancel or pause your membership whenever you want with no penalties. I wanted to list this option first because it’s a service I’ve used several times and I love it. If you wanted to include some cool statement outfits in your shoot, but you were worried about re-wearability, Nuuly is a great (and sustainable!) option. I feel like that sounded like an ad, but I’m really just a big fan lol.
Petal + Pup
Petal & Pup has a TON of cute pieces to choose from, from classic to trendy, with a price range of around $60 to $150. I don’t have much to say about them, but I included them because they’re one of the first places I look when I’m shopping for a special occasion.
Nasty Gal
Nasty Gal is a cheaper to mid range priced brand with a ton of trendy and vintage inspired clothing. It’s a great place to find a statement piece or even some awesome accessories.
For Love & Lemons
For Love and Lemons is a clothing brand that is slightly on the pricier end, but if you’re looking for something unique to wear, definitely check them out. Some of their clothing is slightly risque (they did start out as a lingerie brand), they have a ton of beautiful pieces that would work for just about anyone.
Dry Goods
Dry Goods is a really awesome option because it has stores in both Wichita, and Kansas City, and I feel like they are definitely on the (slightly) more affordable end of clothing stores. They have great dresses and skirts, and they’re also a good place to look for nice basic tops.
Thrifting
I think thrifting is a great place to start when shopping for anything. Not only is it the most sustainable option, but you might find something really cool that will add a unique look to your shoot for a great price.
From the Pinterest Board
Pinterest is a huuuuge help with finding outfits. If you’re really struggling, find an outfit from Pinterest, and try to recreate it! Here are some photoshoot outfits from Pinterest that I love!
