What To Wear Boy’s Senior Session

Needing a little direction on what to wear for your upcoming senior session?

Senior sessions with Stephanie George Photography include three outfits, showcasing different parts of your personality and offering variety in the look and feel of your senior portraits.

During your session, we will spend about 15 mins per outfit with five minutes in-between each to change. When packing outfits, consider first wearing items which may wrinkle easily, then think about which outfits will be easiest to transition between (will you wear the same belt, undershirt, pants?). Pack items in an easy to carry bag and/or enlist a parent to carry your clothing on a hanger.

As you think about your outfits, the number one priority is feeling comfortable and confident. Try on outfits before your session - check yourself out in the mirror and strut your stuff a little! Self-confidence goes a long way in avoiding those “in front of the camera” nerves. Remember not to take yourself too seriously - this is a time to celebrate who you are in this moment! Just be yourself.

The following are a few “categories” you can think about when selecting what to wear and to maximize variety.

What to wear senior boy - “Senior’s Choice”

Choose something that truly reflects your own personal style. This outfit should be easy to select as it often is your go-to (or favorite) outfit in your closet. Are you Sporty? Trendy? Casual? This is the time to highlight your authentic style and will be a good reminder of this particular time in your life. Although our goal is to keep your senior portraits looking timeless, it’s always nice to be able to look back and remember the current trends and your favorite thing to wear.

Senior boy in high school sitting on park bench in black polo shirt and plaid pants.
High school senior boy in red plaid flannel shirt sitting under willow tree
High School senior boy with curly hair at Juanita Bay Park sitting on board walk

“Parent’s choice” or “Special occasion”

For your second outfit, ask yourself, “What would Mom want me to wear?” I promise, this is not about trying to earn brownie points with Mom. Moms typically choose classic, timeless attire that looks great on their senior. A classic polo, a short-sleeved button down, a light-weight sweater are all simple and casual but offer a timeless look. 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.

Consider which colors look best with your skin tones or compliment your eyes. Colors found in nature (olive, mustard, dark blue, burnt orange, navy) look great in an outdoor environment. It’s best to 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!).

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. A sweater (with or without a dress shirt underneath), a jacket (bomber, sport, or dinner), or even a tie can commemorate the moment nicely.

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. 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!

Want to see more? Check out Stephanie George Photography’s Senior portfolio.

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