Wardrobe

Senior Style Guide

One of the most common questions I get is, "What should I wear?" Your wardrobe is not just about looking great in photos. It is about feeling like the most confident version of you.

How Many Outfits Should You Bring?

I recommend bringing 3 to 5 outfits to your session. Why so many? Because variety is what makes your gallery feel like a magazine spread, not just a collection of pictures in the same look. Different outfits create completely different moods, and they let us take advantage of multiple locations and lighting conditions.

Think of your wardrobe in categories:

  • Dressy / Editorial: Think that outfit that makes you feel like you are on a magazine cover. A beautiful dress, a sharp blazer, heels or polished boots. This is the "wow" look.
  • Casual / Effortless: Your favorite jeans, a cozy sweater or a simple tee, and your go-to sneakers. This look says, "This is me, just being me."
  • School Spirit or Hobby-Related: Letterman jacket, cheer uniform, band gear, your jersey. Bring whatever represents a piece of your high school story. These images are the ones your parents will absolutely treasure.
  • Bonus: Something Bold: A statement piece you would not normally wear every day. Maybe a leather jacket, a tulle skirt, a hat. These create the most unexpected and striking images.

Do not stress about getting it perfect. We will talk through your outfit choices together during your pre-session consultation, and I will help you narrow it down if needed.

Colors That Photograph Beautifully

Color can make or break a portrait. The right tones complement your skin, enhance the natural surroundings, and create a timeless feel. The wrong tones can distract from your face and compete with the environment. Here is what works:

Earth Tones

Cream, tan, camel, olive, rust, and chocolate brown. These are universally flattering and blend effortlessly with Virginia's natural landscapes, like golden fields, red barns, and winding trails.

Jewel Tones

Emerald, burgundy, navy, mauve, and deep plum. Rich and saturated, jewel tones add depth and drama to your images, especially against green forests and moody fall backdrops.

Muted Pastels

Dusty rose, sage, lavender, and soft blue. These delicate tones create a dreamy, editorial quality and photograph gorgeously in spring and summer light.

Colors to Avoid

Neon or fluorescent colors cast unflattering reflections onto skin. Bright white can be overpowering in outdoor light. All-black can lose detail in shadows. Busy prints, large logos, and graphic text on shirts draw the eye away from your face, and that is the last thing we want.

Dressing for the Season

Virginia gives us four gorgeous seasons to work with, and each one brings its own styling magic. Here is how to make the most of yours:

● Spring

Light layers are your friend. Think flowy dresses, pastel blouses, and soft cardigans. Floral prints work if they are subtle. Go for small, ditsy patterns rather than bold tropical prints. The blooming dogwoods and fresh green backdrops pair beautifully with light, airy outfits. Avoid heavy fabrics that look out of season.

● Summer

Breezy fabrics like linen and cotton keep you comfortable and photograph with beautiful movement. Sundresses, rompers, and light denim are all great choices. Keep makeup minimal and natural. Virginia humidity is real, and less is more when the temperature climbs. Golden hour sessions in summer give us rich, warm light, so lean into warm tones.

● FallMost Popular

This is our busiest (and most magical) season, and for good reason. The warm tones of changing leaves create an unbelievable backdrop. Embrace layers. Flannel shirts, cozy knits, scarves, ankle boots, and denim jackets are all fair game. Rich colors like burgundy, mustard, forest green, and rust pair beautifully with autumn landscapes. This is the season to go all-in on texture and warmth.

● Winter

Winter sessions are underrated and quietly dramatic. Think rich textures, like chunky knits, faux fur, wool coats, and leather. Jewel tones like deep red, emerald, and navy contrast beautifully against bare trees and moody skies. Cozy accessories (beanies, gloves, scarves) add visual interest and make the images feel warm and inviting even in the cold.

The Art of Layering

Layers are a portrait photographer's secret weapon. They add visual interest, create depth and dimension, and give us so many more options during the session. A single outfit can look completely different when you add or remove a jacket.

Here are the layering pieces I love:

  • Jackets and blazers: A leather jacket instantly adds edge. A denim jacket keeps things casual. A tailored blazer gives an editorial, polished vibe.
  • Cardigans and sweaters: Chunky knits and oversized cardigans create a cozy, relaxed look. Draping a cardigan off one shoulder adds effortless movement to the image.
  • Scarves and wraps: Lightweight scarves add texture without bulk. They catch the wind beautifully and create organic movement in outdoor shots.
  • Hats: Wide-brimmed hats add instant editorial drama. Baseball caps work for a sporty, casual vibe. Beanies are perfect for fall and winter warmth.

The key with layering? Make sure each piece works as a standalone look too. That way, we can create three different looks from one base outfit just by adding or removing a layer.

Accessories That Elevate

The right accessories take an outfit from good to magazine-worthy. But the key word is right. Accessories should complement, not compete.

Jewelry

Delicate, simple pieces photograph well. Layered necklaces, small hoops, thin bracelets, and dainty rings add subtle sparkle without distraction. Avoid anything overly chunky or reflective. Large gemstones and statement pieces can catch light in unexpected ways.

Shoes

Yes, shoes matter. They are in more shots than you think! Boots (ankle or knee-high), clean sneakers, heels for dressy looks, and sandals for summer are all great options. Bring a variety and we will match them to the location and outfit.

Sunglasses

A great pair of sunglasses adds instant cool-factor. They are perfect for candid, editorial shots. Hold them, push them up on your head, or wear them mid-laugh. Stick to classic shapes that complement your face.

Meaningful Items

This is where it gets personal. Your letterman jacket, a musical instrument, your favorite book, sports equipment, your pet. These are the details that make your session uniquely yours. These items tell your story in a way that clothes alone cannot.

What to Skip

I would never tell you what not to wear without a good reason. These are items that consistently do not photograph well or tend to date your images quickly:

Neon or fluorescent colors

They cast colored reflections on your skin and overpower natural surroundings.

Large logos or text on shirts

Brand logos and graphic text pull attention away from your face and expressions.

Overly trendy items

Ultra-current micro-trends fade fast. Choose pieces with staying power. Your future self will thank you.

Brand-new shoes

Break them in before session day! Blisters and discomfort show in your expression and posture.

Heavy glitter or shimmer

Glitter catches light unpredictably and can create distracting sparkle in images.

Busy or oversized patterns

Large-scale florals and complex patterns compete with the background and your face for attention.

Tips for Guys

Guys, senior portraits are absolutely for you too. And no, they do not have to feel awkward or forced. Some of my favorite sessions have been with guys who came in a little skeptical and left saying, "That was actually really fun." Here is how to make your session look as effortless as it feels:

Wardrobe Essentials

  • Well-fitted jeans: Dark wash or medium wash, not ripped or overly distressed. A proper fit makes all the difference.
  • Button-down shirts: Rolled sleeves, top button undone. A classic look that photographs remarkably well. Stick to solid colors or subtle patterns.
  • Solid tees: A simple, well-fitted crew neck or henley in a solid color is effortlessly cool. Pair it with a jacket for a layered look.
  • Leather or denim jacket: The ultimate layering piece for guys. Adds texture and personality instantly.
  • Boots or clean sneakers: Leather boots give an editorial edge. Clean white sneakers keep things modern and casual. No worn-out athletic shoes.

What to Avoid

  • Baggy or oversized clothing: Fit is king. Clothes that are too large hide your frame and look sloppy on camera.
  • Athletic wear: Unless it represents your sport (jersey, letterman jacket, cleats), leave the gym shorts and basketball shoes at home.
  • Hat-hair: If you wear a hat to the session, bring a comb. We can absolutely incorporate your hat into some shots, but we need your hair looking good for the hatless ones too.

Grooming Tips

Get a haircut about a week before your session, not the day before. You want it to look natural, not fresh-out-of-the-chair. If you have facial hair, make sure it is trimmed and neat. Clean nails, moisturized skin, and a chapstick in your pocket go a long way.

Props That Work

This is where you get to show off who you are. Bring your guitar, football, skateboard, fishing rod, truck, dirt bike, whatever represents you. Some of the most impactful senior portraits I have taken feature something meaningful that tells the person's story. Do not be afraid to bring it.

Final Tips for Session Day

You have planned your outfits, you have read the guide, and now session day is almost here. Here are my last-minute tips to make sure everything goes smoothly:

01

Start Planning Early

Do not leave outfit planning to the night before. Start collecting pieces a few weeks out so you have time to try things on, mix and match, and even shop for anything missing.

02

Try Everything On

Put together your complete outfits, shoes and accessories included, and try them on. Check the mirror from different angles. Sit down, walk around. Make sure you feel comfortable and confident in every look.

03

Bring a Steamer

Wrinkles are the number one outfit issue on session day. A small travel steamer or iron can save the day. If you do not have one, hang your outfits in the bathroom during a hot shower the night before.

04

Hair and Makeup

Arrive with hair and makeup done, or book a professional. I am happy to recommend local artists. Keep makeup a touch more polished than everyday and skip the heavy shimmer. If you want your nails visible in shots, a fresh manicure goes a long way.

05

Pack Smart

Bring your outfits on hangers in a garment bag. Pack your accessories and shoes in a separate bag with labels. A small kit with safety pins, double-sided tape, breath mints, and blotting papers is a lifesaver.

06

Trust the Process

This is the most important tip. I will guide you through every movement, every expression, and every angle. All you have to do is show up, be yourself, and have fun. I promise you are going to love the result.

Ready to Plan Your Session?

Now that you have the style inspiration, let's talk about bringing your vision to life.

Let's Get Started