What to wear for senior pictures
It's easier than you think. Wear what you'd actually wear on a good day, bring one outfit that feels a little extra, and let the location do the rest.
Wear clothes that fit well and feel like you. Solid colors and textures photograph better than big logos or busy prints. Bring two outfits for an hour session: one everyday and one dressed up. Pick colors that work with where we're shooting.
Jump to: Pick your vibeFor guysMatch your spotSeasonsWhat to bring
Booked with me? You'll get my complete Senior Style Guide after booking: session day walkthrough, location and parking tips, cap and gown prep, gallery and prints, and more.
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Find your vibe in 3 taps
No wrong answers. Tap what sounds like you and we'll jump you to the outfit ideas that fit.
Pick your vibe
Most seniors land somewhere in here. Mix two if that's more you.
Classic
Clean and timeless, the photos your grandma frames.
Try: a solid sweater, button-down, or simple dress, with dark jeans or chinos. Neutral colors.
Soft and romantic
Light, pretty, a little vintage.
Try: lace or eyelet tops, flowy dresses, cream and blush tones, delicate jewelry.
Editorial
Bold and confident, like a magazine cover.
Try: an oversized blazer, gold jewelry, all black or one bold color, or all black with a sharp jacket.
Outdoorsy
For the ones who would rather be on a trail.
Try: earth tones, flannel, a utility jacket or vest, boots you can walk in.
Downtown
Brick walls, city light, easy style.
Try: denim on denim, a leather jacket, cool blues and grays, clean sneakers.
Artsy and moody
Bookish, creative, a little dramatic.
Try: chunky knits, a long coat, dark colors, glasses, a book or sketchbook.
Bring your thing
The jersey, the guitar, the camera, the horse, the truck.
Try: the stuff you love. It makes the photos yours. Tell me ahead of time and we'll plan around it.
What photographs best
Wear
- Solid colors and rich textures like knits, denim, linen, and suede
- Layers you can add or take off to get two looks from one outfit
- Clothes that fit well, not too tight and not too loose
- Shoes you can walk in (we'll move around)
Skip
- Big logos and graphic text, unless it's your team or your thing
- Tiny busy patterns, which can look fuzzy on camera
- Anything you keep adjusting. If you're tugging at it, you'll see it in the photos.
- Brand new shoes you haven't broken in
For guys
Most guys want to look good without looking like they tried too hard. Good news: it's mostly about fit and one or two easy layers.
Everyday look
Jeans or chinos that fit well, a solid tee or henley, and clean sneakers or boots. Throw a flannel, denim jacket, or quarter-zip over it for a second look.
Dressed-up look
A button-down with the sleeves rolled, or add a blazer or sport coat. No tie needed. A full suit works too if that's you.
Your thing
Jersey, letter jacket, gear from the sport you play, your guitar, your truck. These end up being the favorites.
Colors that work
Navy, olive, gray, rust, black, and denim. They look good on almost everyone and match every NWA location.
Skip
- Big logos and graphic tees (your team shirt is the exception)
- Wrinkled shirts, so hang them up the night before
- Beat-up shoes
Grooming
Get a haircut about a week before, not the day before, so it has time to settle. If you shave, do it the morning of or the night before.
Match your spot
Old Main and the U of A campus
Brick and classic architecture. Deep colors like navy, burgundy, forest green, and cream look great here.
Dickson Street
Downtown energy. Denim, leather, bold colors, and street style fit right in.
Downtown Bentonville Square
Clean and bright. Neutrals, light denim, and one pop of color.
Crystal Bridges grounds
Trails, trees, and modern architecture. Earth tones and soft neutrals blend with the woods, or go all black against the buildings.
Tanyard Creek
Waterfall and woods. Greens, rust, mustard, cream, and boots.
Gulley Park, Fayetteville
Open lawns and big shade trees. Soft neutrals, denim, and warm fall colors all work here.
Osage Park, Bentonville
Boardwalks and trails. Earth tones, greens, and cream blend with the setting, or add one bold color to stand out.
Dressing for the season
NWA gives us four very different looks. Here's how to dress for each, with a color palette to shop from.
Fall
Leaves usually peak around late October and early November.
Wear: Knits, flannels, jackets and boots in warm, earthy colors.
Winter
Crisp light and fewer crowds. Sunset comes early.
Wear: Coats, scarves, turtlenecks and rich textures.
Spring
Blooms and fresh green trees, usually from April on.
Wear: Light colors, florals, linen and light denim.
Summer
Long days and golden evenings, so we shoot close to sunset.
Wear: Breathable cotton and linen, sundresses and sandals.
How many outfits to bring
- 1 hour session: 2 outfits. One everyday, one dressed up.
- 90 minute session: 3 or 4 outfits, changed as time allows.
- Cap and gown session: your cap and gown, plus one outfit.
Hang everything on hangers the night before. I bring a pop-up changing tent, so outfit changes are quick and private wherever we're shooting.
Before your session
Hair, makeup, and grooming
Totally your call. Some seniors book a pro, some do it themselves, and both look great.
- Do it the way you normally would, just a little more polished
- Skip anything brand new the week of your session, like a new haircut or a new product
- Guys: get a haircut about a week before, and shave the morning of or the night before
What to bring
- Your outfits on hangers
- Shoes for each outfit
- Any props or your “thing”
- A brush or comb, lip balm, and hair ties
- Water
- A parent, if you want a few photos together
For parents
You don't need to plan anything. Help your senior pick outfits that feel like them, and come along if you'd like a few photos together.
Those are often the ones families love most years later.
Outfit questions
Can I wear the same outfit as my yearbook photo?
Sure, but this is a chance to show more of you. Save the formal look for one outfit and keep the rest relaxed.
What if I hate dresses?
Then don't wear one. Jeans, a great jacket, or a suit look just as good.
Should my outfits match each other?
No. Pick outfits that feel different from each other so your gallery has variety.
Can I bring my letter jacket or jersey?
Yes, please do.
What colors should I avoid?
Neon colors and head-to-toe bright white can be tricky in direct sun. Everything else works if it feels like you.
Where do we change?
I bring a pop-up changing tent to every session, so you can change right at the spot. No running back to the car.
Ready to book your session?
Cap and gown sessions start at $300, senior sessions at $450, and senior year bundles save up to $250. Sneak peeks in 48 hours.
Every booking includes my complete Senior Style Guide, with everything on this page and a lot more.
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