Anna Lisa Photography » Custom high school senior portrait photography on location in the Tacoma and Seattle Washington area

Hello there!

This post is for all the senior girls out there who are looking for some guidance and inspiration on what to wear for your portrait session.

This is a momentous occasion!  Senior portraits celebrate what you’ve accomplished so far and will be a lasting memory of an important life transition.  My goal here is to help you determine what kind of items to pull out of your closet or look for while shopping.

Here are a few general things to consider:

• Choose colors that compliment your skin tone, bring out your eyes and/or provide a little pop against the background.
• Stick to solid colors or small patterns.  You want your eyes and face to be the focal point, not neon colors or busy patterns.
• Try on all items in front of a mirror and see how they look and feel in a variety of poses.  Keep in mind that you will be standing, sitting, squatting, and even lying down.  Watch for areas that gap or pull or material that easily wrinkles.  You want to have freedom of movement so you not only feel comfortable but look comfortable as well.  Avoid too tight, too short or too low cut clothing.  A classy, polished look never goes out of style!
• Make sure that you have the proper undergarments, such as a strapless bra or shape wear, for each outfit as needed.  Neutral colors work best and are less likely to show.
• Adding layers, like a cute sweater or jacket, are a great way to add depth to your outfit choices.
• Remember the accessories but avoid trendy items or really large jewelry pieces that divert attention away from your face.  Hats, scarves, belts, shoes, cool shades, and simple jewelry pieces can be the perfect finishing touch to a classic and well put together outfit.
• Pinterest and Instagram are great places to find inspiration, but the important thing to focus on is choosing looks that match your personality and your own style. What you wear can say a lot about you.  Are you adventurous, dreamy, joyful, sporty, the center of attention or a little on the shy side?  No matter your personality, you can have an awesome senior session and come away with classic portraits that are a reflection of your beauty, style and personality for a lifetime to come.
• I recommend AT LEAST 3 outfits, so think casual, semi dressy or dressy and either fun, glamorous or something unique to you.  Mix it up and have jeans or shorts as well as a skirt or dress to add variety to your images.  You should feel and look comfortable and fabulous in all of them!

Let’s look at a few examples.

This is the perfect color for Bailey.  It’s muted but still adds a soft pop against the background.  The little pleats and stitching on her top also add some fun interest but don’t distract the eye.

Madison looks amazing in this blue dress.  The bold pop of color works great here against the golden tall grass.

Alyssa’s simple black and white striped dress provides a nice contrast to the driftwood.

Jewel tones are also a perfect pick for our PNW beaches.  This burgundy T-shirt is so pretty on Molly.  Her simple pendant necklace, cuffed jeans, and booties finish off her look.

Here, Elizabeth pairs a classic black dress with simple, understated jewelry.  This portrait is timeless.

Annaliese topped her faded denim jeans with this blush sweater.  The cowl neckline and ribbed texture add subtle interest.  Her earrings are simple and classic.Combining a striped bottom with a solid top is the way to go here.  Adriana’s face remains the focus and the textured fabric and ruffles at the shoulders are just enough detail.  She smartly finishes off her look with a few bangles.

Here’s where cute jackets come into play.  Katherine’s denim is an easy layer over this sweet yellow dress.
If you choose to wear a pattern, topping it with a solid jacket, like this denim, is the perfect way to make your face doesn’t get lost.  Jazalyn looks amazing in combination!

 

This is a perfectly pulled together look.  I love the color and zippered detail of Elizabeth’s jacket.

Brooke pairs this denim jacket with a striped jumpsuit and a cute pair of Converse sneakers.  Her fresh and crisp look fits right in at the marina.

Here’s an example of how a jacket can bridge the seasons when worn over a delicately patterned blouse and paired with jeans and sandals.  Great job by Emily for her UW senior shoot!

Sweaters also make for good layers.  These twin sisters top off their jeans and tees with complimentary colors and different textures.

Katherine shows off her casual chic style on the UPS campus.  This look is on point with a long cardigan, cuffed jeans and strappy sandals.

Now, let’s talk about details.  We’ve got layers, shredded denim and a statement piece of jewelry.  This pendant necklace has a lot of versatility, and I like how Rachel uses it as a choker here as well.

Details can be as simple as strappy heels.  Abbey pairs hers with a pretty summer dress.

Or, you can rock your strappy heels with your cap and gown like Selena.

Alyssa lets her personality shine through with cute manicured nails.  The lace detail in her dress adds interest as well without taking the focus off of her.  I’m totally drawn to Alyssa’s bright eyes and smile first.

 

Extracurricular activities are a big part of a senior’s life so whether it’s sports, cheer, dance or something else, why not make what you love a part of your senior session, too?  Adriana is a huge soccer fan and plays competitively.

Bring your sports jersey if hoops or volleyball is your thing.

Or your lacrosse stick.  Gear is a fun visual.

Even your pom poms are welcome!   Abbey cheers on the Bishop Blanchet Braves when she isn’t running track and field.

I hope this helps you dive into your closet or shop with confidence.  Remember, look for colors that compliment your complexion and pop against the background, add layers for depth, don’t forget the little details to dress up and complete your look and embrace your own style and unique personality.  Happy outfit hunting!