Getting ready for your senior photo session and not sure what to wear?

Senior boy in high school sitting on park bench in black polo shirt and plaid pants.

I’ve got your back! Senior sessions with Stephanie George Photography include three outfits, each showing a different side of your personality and adding variety to your final gallery. We’ll spend about 15 minutes on each outfit with a quick change in between, so plan how you’ll transition between each (can you use the same shoes or belt, swap outer layers, etc.).

Pack your clothes in a bag or on hangers, and—pro tip—enlist a parent to be your wardrobe assistant. If you have a shirt or item that will wrinkle easily, wear it first!

Above all, choose outfits that make you feel comfortable and confident. Try them on before your session, check yourself in the mirror, and do a little test strut. When you feel good in what you’re wearing, you’ll look good in your photos.

1. Senior’s Choice: Elevate Your Everyday Style

Start with your favorite outfit—what you’d wear if you're out with friends or grabbing lunch. But let’s tailor it a bit for the occasion. Well-fitting pants with pockets (jeans or chinos) give you somewhere to put your hands instead of just hanging them awkwardly by your sides.

Layering adds interest and natural movement—like throwing on a flannel over a tee or a light jacket over a hoodie. Avoid baggy sweats or ultra casual looks; instead pockets, textured layers, and accessories like a watch or cuff give you something to do (roll a sleeve, adjust a collar, fidget with a watch)—functional and photogenic, yet still you.

If choosing a fitted tee or henley, consider which colors look best with your skin tones or compliment your eyes. Colors found in nature (olive, mustard, dark blue, burnt orange, navy) also look great in an outdoor environment. Avoid neon and primary colors as their vibrant nature can cast color on your skin (looking like a red lobster or green ghoul is only suitable for halloween!).

High School senior boy with curly hair at Juanita Bay Park sitting on board walk

High school senior boy in red plaid flannel shirt sitting under willow tree

2. Parent’s Choice (or Special Occasion): Polished, Not Stuffy

For your second outfit, ask yourself, “What would Mom want me to wear?” I promise, this is not about trying to earn brownie points; moms typically choose classic, timeless attire that looks great on their senior. A classic polo, a button down, a light-weight sweater are all simple and casual but offer a timeless look. A bomber, sport, or dinner jacket can really take the look up notch and again give you something to interact with.

Solids are great as long as the fabric has weight or texture to it. When selecting a pattern, choose a small print that is not too distracting.

If “mom” no longer has an influence on your attire, think about what you might wear to an outdoor wedding, a nice dinner out, or a job interview. We don’t have that many occasions to dress up anymore, so what better time to do so than when celebrating this milestone year.

Senior boy in blue dress shirt and jeans sitting under a willow tree on a stump at Juanita Bay Park

Teenage boy in maroon sweater and jeans looking in the distance sitting on park bench at Juanita Bay in Kirkland

Senior boy in high school wearing a suit jacket and tie buttoning coat and looking down

Incorporate Your Hobby, Interests, or Future Plans

Finally, it’s time to get personal and make sure your senior photos reflect your interests, favorite things to do, or where you are headed. What item could you bring that would give a nod to your hobby of choice? Sports are always easy to incorporate by simply bringing a ball, gear, or jersey.

If your interests lie more in books, games, music or other special interests, we can incorporate these items by photographing you interacting with them or by snapping a few detail shots of you holding them.

Bringing a pet along to the session such as a beloved dog always brings natural smiles and will remind you of your favorite childhood buddy. Just make sure you have a “dog wrangler” along to help when it’s not Fido’s time in the limelight.

Showcasing your future plans can be done by bringing a pennant from your college of choice or wearing a sweatshirt or t-shirt that announces where you’ll be going next. If you are undecided about future plans, give a nod to your final high school year with a school t-shirt or sweatshirt.

Basketball player in jersey for senior portraits holding basketball

Most importantly, remember to have fun and enjoy celebrating this big accomplishment! You have spent 18 years defining who you are and you’ll change a lot over the next 18. Take the time to honor who you have become and who you are right now. You won’t regret it!