One of the first steps in making your senior photos perfect is
deciding on the right outfits! It is important to wear things that show off your unique style and personality. And when it comes to what you wear, think about how you want to feel and what outfits will give you that feeling.
So ask yourself the following questions:
What do you want your clothing choices to say about you?
How do you want to feel when wearing the clothes for your shoot?
Once you think about your style, personality and the way you want to feel, you will be able to pick outfits that match. As Rachel Zoe said, "Style is a way to say who you are without saying a word."
The next step is to shop your closet first! Your perfect outfit may be hanging in your closet ready to be worn in front of the camera. Consider your absolute favorite outfit that you already own and determine if that will work for your senior photos. You may just need to add the right accessories to make that favorite outfit ready for the camera.
If you don't already own the perfect outfits, you may want to go shopping. Or if you are like me, you just want to go shopping! :). But before you head out to the stores, here are a few tips to make sure you shop for the right pieces:
LOOK FOR VARIETY You don't want all your outfits to be the same type of outfit as in all jeans or all dresses. You want to mix it up with the type of clothing you wear. And the same goes for color...look for variety. Wearing the same or very similar colors in all of your outfits, even if those outfits are different styles, will result in your photos looking very similar with little variety. So be sure to choose different colors or throw in a pattern to mix it up.
DON'T FORGET TO SHOP FOR ACCESSORIES One of the items most overlooked is accessories. Items such as belts, hats, scarves, sunglasses and more can really complete an outfit and make it look polished. Plus, accessories can be used as fun props or things to pose with in your photos.
SHOP FOR YOUR TONE When it comes to picking the right colors for clothing, make sure you know your skin tone and what colors work best for you. Do a quick vein test by flipping over your wrist and looking at the color of your veins. If they are bluish in color your skin has a cool tone. If they are greenish in color, your skin has a warm tone. Knowing this will help you determine what colors look best on you. There is a blog post about that here.
MAKE AN INSPIRATION BOARD before you go and take it with you! Pinterest is such a great tool to help you visually see what you want. Create one for the different outfits that you think will best display your style and personality and refer to it when shopping.
TRY THINGS ON Be sure to try on everything and make sure it fits properly before you purchase. Look at the length, the fit across your chest, how it hugs your curves or if the item just hangs on you. Make sure it looks great on you and you are able to move comfortably in it for posing during your shoot.
Now that you have the tips for shopping, where do you go? There are many great stores both online and locally but here is a list of my absolute faves! These stores always have something that looks great on camera and they carry a variety of styles sure to meet your unique personality.
WHERE TO SHOP:
Free People - This is one of my absolute faves for senior photos! They have amazing styles that look great in natural locations. Free people does an excellent job with pattern and colors that evoke a boho vibe. I recommend looking at their selection of dresses (both maxi and mini), flowy tops and jeans as well as jackets, pants and jumpsuits. They also have a great selection of accessories and jewelry so don't forget to check out that section. Pro Tip: Free People items tend to look much better on that simply hanging on the hanger. So be sure to try on things even if they are a question to you when on the rack.
Anthropologie - This store is great for pattern pieces and something quirky! They have great options for clothing and jewelry however, be sure to look behind items as they hang different clothes on the same rack. Often times some gems are hidden behind other clothing! Anthropologie has a great selection of tops, skirts and dresses! And if you are looking for the perfect prop to show off your love of coffee or cooking, be sure to check out their home section.
Forever 21 - This store may require a bit of patience and searching as it can be overwhelming but when you find something it is worth it! Forever 21 is great for finding current trends at low prices. Just take your time and really look through the entire store to find something for you style. They also have lots of accessories that look great in senior photos.
Urban Outfitters - This store is also great for finding the current trends at reasonable prices. They are especially good when it comes to an urban look. They have tons of variety for many styles so don't forget to check them out when shopping for your senior photos.
Revolve.com - This is an online only option but it has a huge variety! They have clothing to fit every style in a wide range of prices. Their shipping is pretty quick but make sure you shop in plenty of time to get items in and try them on. This is one of my go-to places to shop!
Nordstrom - This is one of the best department stores today and has many options for senior photos. Be sure to shop the Topshop and Trend section and of course, their shoe section!! You should be able to find any type of shoe you dream of at Nordstrom.
H&M
TJ MAXX- One of the best stores in Skagit, IMO!
Amazon- Classic black or white tops or dresses with two day shipping! Layer with a sweater or cardigan. Also type in keywords for clothing like Free People, many sellers have "dupes" for a fraction of the price!
No matter where you shop for your senior photos, be sure to remember to dress for YOU and your specific style.
For more help with what to wear for senior photos, all my clients receive a what to wear guide that completely details what looks best in photos and more! Contact me to book a session today!
photo: Downtown Mount Vernon, WA, Riverwalk
