A Simple Outfit Guide
"What should I wear?" is the number one question I get from seniors (and their parents!). Good news: it's way simpler than it feels. You don't need a brand-new wardrobe. You just need a couple of outfits that feel like you, in colors that play nice with your location.
The short answer: bring 2–3 outfits, stick mostly to solid colors, skip big logos, and pick clothes you can actually move and sit in. Then add one thing that tells your story, like a letterman jacket, a team jersey, or your guitar.
Here's how I help my seniors around Denver and the Front Range put it all together.
How many outfits should you bring?
For most sessions, 2–3 outfits is the sweet spot. That gives you real variety in your gallery without spending half the session changing. (With the Ultimate session there's no outfit limit, so bring the extras if you love them!)
I like to think of it as a simple formula:
- The classic. This is your yearbook and graduation announcement look. Think a solid sweater, a button-up, a simple dress, or nice jeans with a clean top. Timeless, not trendy.
- The everyday you. What you'd actually wear on a Saturday: your favorite jacket, a band tee, boots, a hat. This is the one your friends will say looks most like you.
- The story piece. Your sports uniform, letterman jacket, dance outfit, work uniform, or something tied to what you love. Pair it with a prop (football, instrument, camera, horse, car) and it tells people who you are.
Start with the classic. It's the most important shot for the yearbook, and you'll be fresh and relaxed by then.
Pick colors that match your location
Your location is half the outfit. Colorado gives us everything from downtown brick to golden plains to mountain peaks, so here's what looks best where:
Easy rule: if your background is busy, keep your outfit simple. If your background is simple, you can go bolder.
Here are three go-to palettes to get you started. Pick 2–3 colors from the one that matches your spot:
Downtown Denver (Dairy Block, Union Station, RiNo)
Bold solids, black, white, denim, or a pop of red or mustard. Brick and concrete are busy and neutral, so stronger colors stand out.
Parks and open space (Standley Lake, the Arsenal)
Cream, rust, olive, navy, soft blues. Earthy tones blend with grass and golden light.
Mountains and foothills
Jewel tones like emerald, burgundy and sapphire. Rich colors hold up against big skies and evergreens.
Fall foliage
Navy, cream, denim, forest green. Lets the gold and orange trees be the star.
Winter and snow
Red, camel, charcoal, deep green. Warm colors keep you from blending into the white.
What to Skip
- Big logos and graphic text. They pull attention away from your face and date the photos fast.
- Tiny busy patterns. Small checks and thin stripes can look weird on camera. Bigger, softer patterns like plaid or florals are fine.
- Neon colors. They reflect color onto your skin.
- Anything brand new and untested. Wear it around the house first so you know it's comfy and fits right.
- Wrinkles. Hang your outfits up the night before. A quick steam goes a long way.
The details that make a difference
- Shoes: they show up in full-length shots more than you'd think. Clean sneakers, boots, or loafers all work. Just make sure you can walk in them, since we'll move around!
- Hair: get a haircut about a week before, not the day before, so it has time to settle. Bring a comb or brush for touch-ups between spots.
- Glasses: if you wear them every day, wear them! Ask your optometrist about anti-glare lenses, or I'll angle to avoid reflections.
- Nails and hands: your hands will be in a lot of shots, especially with props. Clean nails, and leave the hair ties off your wrist.
- Layers: jackets, flannels, and cardigans give you two looks in one, and they give your hands something to do.
- Props: anything that means something to you. Instruments, sports gear, your car, your dog, your class ring. Let me know ahead of time so I can plan the shot.
Your session-day bag
- Outfits on hangers (not folded in a backpack!)
- Shoes for each outfit
- Comb or brush, hair ties, lip balm
- Lint roller
- Water and a snack
- Your props
- A parent or friend to hold stuff and make you laugh
FAQ
Should I match my outfits to my friends or family for group shots?
Coordinate, don't match. Pick a palette (like navy, gray and cream) and let everyone mix within it.
Can I change outfits on location?
Yes! I'll plan our spots around nearby restrooms, or you can change in the car. Parents are always welcome to help.
What if I really don't know what to wear?
Send me a few options (pics of your closet totally count), and I'll help you pick.
What do guys wear for senior pictures?
Dark jeans or chinos with a solid button-up, a henley, or a quarter-zip is a great classic. Add a jacket or flannel for a second look, and your jersey or letterman jacket for the third.
What if the weather doesn’t cooperate?
Colorado weather changes fast. Overcast skies are great for portraits, but if it's raining (or hailing) or snowing hard, we'll reschedule.
When should I book my senior session?
Two to three months ahead is ideal, especially for fall dates and yearbook deadlines. Most Denver-area seniors shoot summer through early fall, so check your school's yearbook due date and plan back from there.
Ready to plan your session?
Outfits are just one piece of a great senior session. For more on locations, timing and what to expect, check out my Northern Denver Senior Portraits guide and the Colorado Senior Portraits Planning Guide for 2026.
I'm booking senior sessions now. Reach out and let's make something you'll love!
