A guide for your senior session
What to wear so the photos still feel like you in twenty years
A few simple choices about color, texture and fit make the difference between outfits that fight for attention and ones that let your face be the thing people remember. This works for every senior, so here's how to plan yours.
Start with color, not clothes
Before you open your closet, pick a palette. Two or three colors that sit comfortably together will carry an entire session, including looks for anyone joining you, without anyone needing to "match."
Coordinate, don't match. Matching looks like a costume. Coordinating looks effortless.
Muted over bright
Soft, richly saturated tones photograph better than neons or pastels. They hold detail in both sunlight and shade instead of blowing out or going flat.
Texture is your friend
Knits, denim, flannel, suede and corduroy add depth a flat cotton tee can't. If a color palette feels plain, add texture before you add another color.
Solids lead, patterns support
Let one piece carry a subtle pattern (plaid, stripe or floral) while everything else stays solid. Two patterns in one frame compete with each other.
Mind the logos
Big brand names and graphic tees date a photo the moment it's taken. Save them for everyday life and keep session pieces clean.
Know your best colors
The right colors make your skin look bright and rested instead of washed out. Try this quick check in natural daylight: hold a pure white shirt and a cream or ivory shirt up to your face and see which one makes your skin look clearer.
White looks better
You likely have cool undertones. Try blues, greens, grays and jewel tones.
Cream looks better
You likely have warm undertones. Try olive, rust, camel, mustard and warm browns.
Both look great
You likely have neutral undertones and can wear almost anything. Lucky you!
Want a more detailed answer? This free quiz takes about 3 minutes, with no app or signup needed.
Palettes that work in the Cedar Valley
A starting point for three sessions I shoot often. Pull two colors from a palette as your base and use the third as an accent, like shoes, a jacket, a watch or jewelry.
Harvest Gold
Fields, fall light, October sessions
Classic Neutral
Timeless, works anywhere, any season
Soft Jewel
Downtown Cedar Falls, indoor light
Build each outfit in three layers
Plan for two to three outfit changes. For each one, work through this order rather than picking a single piece and hoping the rest falls into place.
- 1
Base
One solid piece in your main palette color, like a sweater, a button-down, a henley or a dress. This is what most of the frame will read as.
- 2
Layer
A jacket, flannel, cardigan, vest or scarf that adds texture and can come off between shots for a second look without a full outfit change.
- 3
Accessorize
One or two finishing pieces in your accent color, like a watch, a belt, a hat or jewelry. If in doubt, take one off before you shoot.
Outfit ideas for every senior
Plan a mix of looks so your gallery has variety. Here are four that work for anyone.
Casual favorite
Dark or medium wash jeans with a fitted sweater, henley, flannel or simple top. The outfit that feels most like an everyday you.
Dressed up
A button-down with chinos or dress pants, a sweater over a collared shirt or a simple dress. Think senior banquet or family dinner out.
Your thing
Your jersey, letterman jacket, uniform or the gear from what you love most. Bring the props too: a ball, an instrument, a truck, a horse.
Fall layers
A denim or canvas jacket, a quarter zip, a chunky cardigan or a vest over your base. Easy to add or remove for a second look.
Quick reference
If you only remember one column, make it this one.
Bring
- Fitted, tailored pieces over baggy ones
- Comfortable shoes you can actually walk fields or sidewalks in
- A backup top in case of spills or wind
- A comb or brush, lip balm and any touch-ups you like
- Anything that tells your story, like a letterman jacket, your jersey, an instrument or a family keepsake
Leave home
- Neon or fluorescent colors
- Busy patterns paired with other busy patterns
- Large logos, graphic tees, character prints
- Brand-new shoes you haven't broken in
- Anything you'll spend the session tugging at or adjusting
Shop the looks
I keep a running list of pieces, colors and accessories I love for sessions like yours, updated as I find new favorites.
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Katie McBride Photography
Cedar Valley, Iowa · Questions about your session? Just reach out.