Picking out the right outfit is one of the most important parts of planning for your portrait session. Finding cute outfits for every day life is easy, but finding an outfit that is cute AND photographs well can be a challenge! Having your pictures made is a special occasion so many of my clients go shopping for their senior pictures.
While it is important to remain true to who you are and wear clothes that reflect your personality, I always tell my clients to “be a little extra” for their portrait session. Wear a little more makeup, wear more accessories than normal, and wear an outfit that makes you feel like a rockstar and not like you’re going to school. You also want to consider textures and statement pieces when planning your outfits.
For example, a solid, cotton sundress might look beautiful in every day life, but if you want your photos to have a “special edge” to them, add a statement necklace, wedges and a jacket with texture (ex: denim jacket with rips or a jacket with fringe) to make something simple look extraordinary.
A few of my personal favorite things to photograph:
- Anything RED
- Red looks good on everyone and adds a glamorous vibe to any photograph.
- Anything with texture
- Lace, suade, leather, fringe, fur, embroidery and embellishments pop on camera. Adding texture to something that is simple (cotton shirt, romper or dress), gives the outfit an extra dimension and makes it more interesting.
- Outfits with movement
- A dress that has a skirt that moves makes for breathtaking images! Tell me one girl or woman that doesn’t like twirling in a dress!
- Pieces that flaunt your best assets!
- Don’t get me wrong, I love loose tops and dresses. However, pieces like this tend to not photograph as well because they do not show off your cute shape! Make sure the outfits you choose show off your waistline and cute figure! They don’t need to be skin tight, but they should “hug you in the right places”.
- Unique pieces that make your pictures look different than everyone else’s
- It is easy to want to play it safe when you’re planning your outfits for your senior pictures. You can still get a classic look while wearing something unique and special. You are a unique individual, so your outfits should highlight your unique personality and style and not blend in with everyone else.
Some of my clients feel lost when shopping for their portrait session, so I’ve included a few online stores with beautiful and affordable pieces that photograph like a dream.
Check out some of my favorite online stores for unique clothes that will make your portrait session stand out!
Red Dress Boutique
There isn’t an outfit from this site that I think would photograph poorly. They have the CUTEST jumpsuits, dresses and accessories that really make the subject pop!
Featured: Your Own Story White Midi Jumpsuit, Enjoy This More Red Jumpsuit, For The Details Blue Embroidered Dress, Need a Reason White Earrings, My Perfect Wish Pink Statement Earrings, For My Sweetheart White Off the Shoulder Top, Golden Hour Gold Statement Earrings
Shop Morning Lavender
I love the feminine pieces that this site offers. They have the most beautiful maxi dresses and skirts that create so much movement in photographs! Their pieces are so unique and fun! I’ve used that jacket before in a shoot and it photographs like a dream!
Featured: Petite Camille Mustard Yellow Pleated Midi Skirt, Nancy Stripe Button Down Shirt, Amelia Full Yellow Maxi Skirt, Elle Blush-Beige Faux Fur Jacket, Jordan Straw Wide Rim Fedora Hat, Kylie Straw Fan Earrings
Other stores I love: Hazel and Olive, ASOS, VICIDOLLS
*This is not an ad. These are personal recommendations and I am not being compensated to share these sites.
