The number one question I get from seniors (and their moms) before a session: what should I wear?
After photographing hundreds of high school seniors across Chico and Northern California, I have seen what works, what doesn’t, and what makes the difference between “those are nice” and “oh my god, I love these.”
Here is the complete outfit guide.
The Golden Rule: Look Like You
The biggest mistake seniors make is wearing something that is not them. If you live in flannels and boots, don’t show up in a cocktail dress. If you have never worn a blazer in your life, your senior session is not the time to experiment.
Your senior photos should capture who you are right now. The best version of your everyday self. Not a costume. Not someone else’s Pinterest board. You.
How Many Outfits to Bring
For a 30 minute mini session: 1 to 2 outfits
For a 60 minute standard session: 2 to 3 outfits
For a 90 minute extended session: 3 to 4 outfits
Variety in your gallery comes from different outfits, locations, and poses. Even changing just a jacket or layer between locations creates a completely different look.
Outfit Ideas by Vibe
Classic and Timeless
These are the outfits that will look just as good in 20 years as they do today:
- Well fitted jeans with a tucked in blouse or button down
- A solid color dress in a rich tone like emerald, navy, burgundy, or rust
- Chinos with a crew neck sweater
- A white tee with a great jacket
Trendy and Fashion Forward
If fashion is your thing, lean into it:
- Matching set (crop top and wide leg pants)
- Oversized blazer with a bodysuit
- Leather jacket over anything
- Platform boots with a flowy skirt
Casual and Laid Back
Some of the best senior photos are the most relaxed ones:
- Your favorite band tee with high waisted jeans
- Flannel over a tank top
- Athletic wear if sports are your identity
- Letterman jacket (always a winner)
Dressy
One dressy outfit adds range to any gallery:
- A suit or blazer combo
- Cocktail dress or jumpsuit
- The outfit you would wear to homecoming
Pro tip: Bring one outfit that is “you on a normal day” and one that is “you when you want to impress.” The contrast creates a dynamic gallery.
Colors That Photograph Well
Always great: Earth tones (rust, olive, cream, brown, mustard), jewel tones (emerald, sapphire, burgundy, deep purple), neutrals (black, white, gray, navy).
Use with caution: Neon colors reflect onto your skin. All white in bright sun can blow out. Colors that exactly match your background will make you disappear.
Season specific:
- Fall sessions: warm tones, rust, olive, burgundy
- Spring sessions: pastels, soft colors, light denim
- Summer sessions: anything goes, bright and bold works
- Winter sessions: rich darks, cozy textures, layers
The Layering Hack
This is the single easiest upgrade to any senior photo outfit. A plain t shirt on its own photographs flat. Add a jacket, flannel, vest, or cardigan and suddenly there is depth, texture, and visual interest in every frame.
Layers also give us options during the shoot. Jacket on for some shots, jacket off for others, jacket over the shoulder for a third look. One outfit becomes three.
What to Avoid
- Large logos and graphics — They date your photos and pull attention away from your face.
- Brand new unworn clothes — Wear it around the house first. You need to know it fits and feels right when you move.
- Anything you constantly fidget with — If you spend the whole session pulling at your shirt, it shows.
- Shoes you cannot walk in — We will be moving around for 30 to 90 minutes. Comfort matters.
Hair, Skin, and Makeup Tips
- Haircut: 1 to 2 weeks before, not the day of. You want to look like yourself.
- Hair wash: The day before, not day of. Day old hair styles better.
- Skincare: Start a consistent routine 2 to 3 weeks before if you are prone to breakouts.
- Makeup: Less is more in photos. Matte foundations photograph better than dewy. Skip glitter and heavy shimmer.
- No makeup? Totally fine. Moisturizer and lip balm is all you need.
Props and Personal Items
Bring anything that tells your story:
- Musical instruments
- Sports equipment (letterman jacket, ball, jersey)
- Your dog (always a yes)
- A meaningful book, hat, or accessory
- Your car (trucks and classics photograph especially well)
The photos with personal meaning are always the ones that end up framed on the wall.
Want the Full Prep Guide?
This article covers outfits, but there is a lot more that goes into a great senior session. For the complete playbook including posing tips, day of timeline, location advice, and a note to parents, grab the Ultimate Senior Photo Prep Guide.
Ready to book your Chico senior session? Let’s talk.
Joel Jauregui is a portrait and wedding photographer based in Chico, California, specializing in senior portraits, family photography, and weddings throughout Northern California.