If you're about to book senior portraits, the outfit question is probably stressing you out more than the actual photo shoot. I get it. Good news: you don't need a capsule wardrobe, and the rules are simpler than Pinterest makes them look. Here's my actual playbook — the stuff I tell every senior before their session.
Start with one word
Before you try on anything, pick one word that describes how you want to look back on these photos in ten years. Confident. Soft. Bold. Playful. Moody. Clean. That word drives every decision that comes after. If your word is "soft" and you try on a loud neon print, you'll know immediately it's not right.
Pick 2–3 outfits, not 5
More outfits = less shooting time per look = weaker photos per look. Two strong outfits beat five okay ones every time. A reliable combo:
- Look 1: Polished / classic — something your parents would want in a frame
- Look 2: You / casual — the outfit you'd actually wear on a Saturday
- Look 3 (optional): A wildcard — your sports jersey, dance costume, letter jacket, or an outfit tied to something you love
Colors that photograph well in Colorado
Earth tones dominate Colorado senior photos for a reason — they match the landscape. Think camel, cream, rust, olive, forest green, navy, denim, dusty blue, burgundy, and charcoal. Jewel tones (emerald, sapphire, ruby) also work well, especially in fall.
Colors to approach with caution: bright white (blows out in sunlight), neon, and anything with a busy logo. Not forbidden, just harder.
Patterns: one per outfit, max
A small floral, a subtle plaid, or a soft stripe can add interest. Big, high-contrast patterns fight the background and your face. If you want a pattern, wear solid shoes and a solid bag — let one thing pop.
Fit matters more than brand
A $40 shirt that fits you perfectly will outperform a $200 shirt that's a size too big. Before the session, try everything on in the lighting you'll be shooting in (so, outside, during the time of day we're scheduled). Walk, sit, stretch. If it looks weird sitting on the couch, it'll look weird sitting on a rock at Roxborough.
Shoes that match the location
We're shooting in Colorado. If we're headed to Deer Creek Canyon, a hiking-friendly boot beats heels. If we're in downtown Littleton, your favorite clean sneakers or boots work great. Pro tip: bring whatever shoes make you feel like you — even if they don't match the outfit perfectly. Nobody looks at the shoes; they feel the confidence.
Accessories do the heavy lifting
A great jacket, a hat you love, a necklace you always wear, or a jersey slung over your shoulder — small props say more about you than the outfit itself. Bring 2–3 accessories even if you're not sure you'll use them. We can decide on the day.
What to avoid
- Anything itchy or stiff (you'll fidget and it'll show in your face)
- Brand-new shoes you haven't worn (blisters = misery)
- Matching too hard with family members (if you're including them) — coordinate, don't uniform
- Fresh haircuts the day of (get them 1–2 weeks before)
- A fake tan that day (go natural)
What to bring to the session
- All your outfit options in a garment bag
- A small mirror and hair tools for touch-ups
- Lip balm and unflavored lip gloss (not lipstick)
- Water and a snack
- A trusted person if you want — but only one. Too many voices overwhelm.
Hair and makeup
Go with what you normally do, slightly amplified. If you never wear makeup, don't start on your session day. If you always wear a full face, do your usual. Most important: do your hair first, makeup second, and budget extra time.
The look you'll love most
Every year, the photos my seniors reprint and hang in their dorms are the ones where they look most like themselves — not the most styled. If you leave the session feeling like you showed up as you, the photos will show it.
Ready to plan your senior session? Start your inquiry here. I photograph seniors across Littleton, Highlands Ranch, Centennial, and the greater Denver metro — with plenty of open weekend spots in late summer and early fall.