A solid top and a flowy skirt stand out in a field of sunflowers.
Not sure what to wear for senior pictures? You’re not alone. It’s the number one question I get from seniors and parents. The good news: it’s not as hard as it looks. This guide covers what works for guys and girls, how to match outfits to your location, and what to skip.
I shoot senior sessions all over Grand Junction, Fruita, and the Western Slope. These tips come straight from what works in front of my camera.
Start With Clothes That Fit Your Style
The best outfit is one you’d pick on your own. If you never wear dresses, don’t start now. If you live in boots and a ball cap, bring them. You’ll look confident and strong, and that shows in every photo.
Pick clothes that fit well. Try everything on a few days before your session. Check that nothing pulls, bunches, or needs constant fixing.
What to Wear for Senior Pictures: Guys
- Start with a solid shirt. A henley, button-up, or solid tee works. Skip big logos and busy prints.
- Add a layer. A jacket, flannel, or denim jacket adds depth. It also gives you a quick second look.
- Wear jeans or chinos that fit. Dark denim works almost everywhere.
- Don’t forget your shoes. Rugged boots or sharp sneakers. Shoes show up in full-length shots.
- Bring your gear. Letterman jacket, team jersey, hat, or work boots. Compete in a sport? Bring your jersey. Into hunting or fishing? Bring that gear. These show what drives you.
What to Wear for Senior Pictures: Girls
- Bring one dress or skirt. Loose fabric moves in the wind and catches the sunset.
- Add an everyday look. Jeans with a fitted top or sweater gives you range.
- Keep accessories simple. A watch, a ring, or a few pieces you wear every day look best.
- Plan your shoes. Bring boots for rocky spots. Dress shoes sink in grass and sand.
- Go bold if you want. Adventurous? Boots and denim hold up at the Monument and on rocky trails.
- Try texture. Knits, flannel, and linen add texture and depth.
How Many Outfits Should You Bring?
Most seniors bring two or three outfits. Decide early so you’re not rushing the night before. I suggest one everyday look, one dressed-up look, and one wild card. The wild card can be a sports uniform, hunting or fishing gear, your go-to jacket, or anything that shows who you are.
Lay each outfit out the night before, with shoes and accessories. Put each one on its own hanger. That makes quick changes easy and saves session time.
Match Your Outfits to Your Location
Your location and your clothes should match. Here’s a quick cheat sheet based on my top senior picture locations in Grand Junction and Fruita:
- Red rock at the Monument: Blues, greens, cream, and denim stand out against the orange canyon walls. Skip red and orange, since they blend in. Check the Colorado National Monument site for trail and road updates.
- Wildflowers and grassy fields: Neutrals and cream stand out here.
- Lakes and rivers: Blues and sage green match the water.
- Downtown streets: Denim, black, and bold colors pop against brick and murals.
- Grand Mesa in fall: Deep greens, rust, and mustard play off the gold aspens.
Colors and Patterns: What Works on Camera
Solid colors are the safest choice. They keep the focus on your face. Small patterns are fine. Big stripes, neon colors, and large logos pull attention away from you.
Pick colors that look good with your skin tone and hair. Ask a friend or parent which shirt makes you look your best. Go with their answer.
What Not to Wear
- Large logos or text on shirts
- Neon colors, which cast color onto your skin
- Clothes that are too big or too tight
- Brand-new shoes you haven’t broken in
- Wrinkled clothes (iron or steam them the night before)
Plan for Weather and Season
Fall evenings in the Grand Valley cool off fast after sunset. Bring a jacket or sweater, even if the day was hot. Up on the Grand Mesa, it can be 20 degrees colder than in town. Check the National Weather Service forecast for Grand Junction the day before your session.
Most of my sessions happen during golden hour. That sunset light makes most colors pop.
Hair, Grooming, and Final Touches
- Get a haircut about a week before your session, not the day before.
- Guys: trim or shave facial hair the morning of the session.
- Bring a comb, water, and a snack.
- Clean your glasses, or ask me about glare before we start.
- Drink water and get plenty of sleep the night before.
Worried about how to stand or what to do with your hands? Don’t be. I’ll coach you through every pose.
Book Your Senior Session
Now you know what to wear. The next step is picking a date. Senior portraits are due to schools by October 12, and evening slots go fast. Here’s how far in advance to book.
See my senior sessions or reach out to check dates. You can also read what my clients say. Planning family photos next? Check out what to wear for family photos too.
Emily O Photography serves seniors in Grand Junction, Fruita, Palisade, and across the Western Slope of Colorado.
