Beyond Basic- What to Wear for Your Senior Photos: Ultimate Style Guide for Girls & Guys
- athousandwordstexa
- Sep 4
- 3 min read
If you're staring at your closet wondering what on earth to wear for your senior photo session—you’re not alone. The right outfit can take your senior photos from average to epic. Whether your style is sporty, glam, casual, or somewhere in between, I’ve got you covered with this ultimate outfit guide to help you look (and feel!) your best.
As a Sugar Land senior photographer who’s worked with tons of high school seniors from Fort Bend and Houston-area schools, I know what works on camera—and what doesn’t. Here’s everything you need to know about picking the perfect outfits for your senior photos.
Start with This: 3 Outfit Categories That Work for Everyone
To get variety in your final gallery, I always recommend bringing at least three outfits that fall into these categories:
1. Classic Look
Think timeless—outfits you won’t cringe at in 10 years. For girls, this might be a solid colored dress or neutral-toned blouse and jeans. For guys, a button-up shirt or polo with khakis or dark jeans.
2. Trendy or Personal Style
This is where your personality shines. Maybe it’s a leather jacket, bold earrings, a crop top, sneakers, or your favorite thrifted find. Show off what makes you you.
3. Sentimental or School Spirit
Letterman jackets, team jerseys, band uniforms, or your college t-shirt if you’ve already committed. Want to include your instrument, skateboard, or car? Bring it!
What Looks Good on Camera (and What Doesn’t)
Here’s what my camera loves:
Solid colors (especially earthy tones, muted jewel tones, or classic whites)
Layers + textures (denim jackets, sweaters, boots)
Fitted clothes (avoid baggy shirts or oversized hoodies—they can hide your shape)
Minimal logos (they can distract from your face)
What to skip:
Neon colors (they reflect on your skin)
Distracting patterns (too many stripes or tiny polka dots don’t photograph well)
Wrinkled or poorly fitted clothes
Don’t Forget the Details
Shoes matter! They’ll show in full-body shots—so wear something stylish (and clean). BUT- if you are planning on a heal, make sure you also bring some flats for easy walking between locations. During my shoots I love to walk around to get the perfect angle and so you have lots of variety in your gallery. Do yourself a favor and pack the sandals!
Accessories are great. Hats, rings, necklaces, sunglasses—yes, please! These are also easy to put on and take off during your shoot so that you can get a couple photos with a different look. Bring that old cowboy hat and get some extra style shots!
Hair + makeup: Go for a slightly more polished version of your usual look. Natural but elevated is always a win. And don't forget blotting paper or powder for the Texas heat. Shiny isn't always the best look- we're going for glow:)
Outfit Planning by Location
If you’re planning your session in multiple locations like Sugar Land Town Center, Cullinan Park, or Surfside Beach, here’s how to dress for the vibe:
Downtown / Urban: Edgy jeans, boots, crop tops, oversized blazers, layered jewelry.
Park / Nature: Flowy dresses, cozy knits, earth tones, natural hair and makeup.
Beach / Field: Maxi dresses, light fabrics, barefoot or sandals, light hair accessories.
Bonus Tips for Stress-Free Outfit Prep
Try everything on ahead of time and take mirror selfies so you can see how they look.
Iron or steam your outfits before the shoot.
Bring a bag or rolling suitcase to carry outfits, accessories, and touch-up supplies.
Bring a trusted friend, parent, or sibling to help you change and hype you up.
Final Thought: Be You (But the Camera-Ready Version)
Senior pictures are about more than a good photo. They’re a celebration of who you are right now. Your style, your personality, your story. So pick outfits that feel like YOU—but the best version for a day you’ll never forget.
Need help planning your wardrobe? I help all my clients with outfit selection, locations, and timing so your session feels fun and stress-free from the start.
Ready to plan your senior photo shoot in Sugar Land, Richmond, or beyond? Let’s chat about your dream outfits, perfect locations, and how we can make magic together.
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