Slay your session with a killer outfit
High school graduation season is upon us and the next class of rising seniors should be making arrangements to have their senior portraits taken this summer. These photos capture a pivotal milestone and will be cherished by parents and grandparents for years to come, so to do your part to make your photo session a success, it's essential to put some thought into your attire.
1. Reflect Your Personal Style
Your senior portraits should be a reflection of your authentic self, so choose outfits that make you feel confident and comfortable. Lean in to your interests and extracurricular activities. If you are captain of your athletic team, bring your team jacket or some gear as a prop. For musicians and creatives, go bold with a vintage t-shirt or a paint-splattered coverall.
2. Keep it Classic
While it's great to incorporate current trends into your outfit, remember that these photos will be displayed for years to come. Opt for classic pieces that won't look dated over time. Simple, solid colors and timeless silhouettes are always a safe bet.
3. Coordinate with Your Location
Consider the location and background of your photo shoot when selecting your outfit. If you're taking outdoor portraits in a natural setting, earthy tones and soft textures can complement the surroundings beautifully. Most importantly, choose footwear wisely. If we’re on the beach, sandals, flip flops or stylish sneakers (without socks) work best. Please do not wear socks and sandals.
4. Ditch the Branding and Busy Patterns
Steer clear of clothing with large logos or busy patterns that may distract from your face. Remember, the focus of your senior portraits should be on you, not your outfit. Opt for clothing with small, understated patterns or solid colors instead.
5. Layers of Possibilities
Layering can add depth and interest to your outfit, but be mindful not to overdo it. Choose lightweight layers that complement your overall look without adding bulk. Blazers, cardigans, or jean jackets can be great options for adding dimension to your ensemble.
6. KEEP IT SIMPLE
Don’t bring too many outfit options to your session. Only bring what you intend to wear. For Salty Broad Studios sessions, that’s just two looks. Any additional outfits will require a longer session because we want to use the bulk of our time together taking pictures, not trying on clothes.
7. DAZZLE WITH DETAILS
Incorporate little details to elevate your look with accessories like earrings, necklaces and belts. Select accents that complement your outfit without overpowering it. Make sure your hair and makeup are on point. Leave the Apple watches and hair ties at home, keep your wrists free and clear of distracting elements. Don’t keep your cell phone in your pocket either. Guys get a haircut a couple days before the session, not the day of. If you have facial hair, please arrive trimmed and lined up.
8. BE YOU
Above all, be yourself! Your senior portraits are a visual representation of who you are at this moment. Your personality should absolutely be reflected in your outfit choices. Whether you're a jeans and t-shirt kind of person or someone who loves to glam it up, embrace what makes you tick and wear it loud and proud.
9. TAKE THE EXTRA STEPS
This should go without saying but I’ll say it anyway: Make sure your outfit is steamed or ironed. Try on everything all together–the whole enchilada! Dress, shirt, pants and shoes! This is important. Just because you think it looks good on the hanger doesn’t mean it will work when you try it on.
10. FOR THE PARENTS
Make sure you approve of your senior’s outfit and that it is appropriate for the yearbook’s requirements. Once your senior arrives to his, her or their session, we’re jumping right in and getting started. There’s no time for a critique or reassessment of the wardrobe selections. Please help them arrive prepared so they have a positive experience and feel confident the whole way through.
More from the gurus...
Looking for even more guidance? Well you’re in luck, I’ve reached out to a couple local fashion experts for some additional tips and here’s what they had to say:
Taylor Brown, owner of Fisherman’s Daughter Eco Boutique in Chatham, prepared some looks for one of her associate's, Paola, to model, "I picked solid colored crops to accentuate Paola's youthful figure but also to create a photo that she would be proud to look at 20 or 30 years from now. Both tops have very different looks but the similarity in linen fabric creates a consistent story. Not everyone can pull off wearing a Kelly Green color but Paola has the ability to wear any color so she gets to embrace that in her wardrobe. The colors in Paola's outfits blend very well with the flowers and neutral white backdrop which makes for an even more timeless senior photo and pictures that any family member would love to post on their mantel."
Check out the photos below featuring the ruffled cropped blouse, at left, and a green linen top, at right, paired with wide leg white jeans and tan sandals. This Cape Cod Academy Class of 2023 graduate is now studying pre-law at Northeastern!
Newsday fashion writer Anne Reznikoff Bratskeir offers some trending advice and reinforces some of the guidelines mentioned above, “The girls this season are all about the white dress - and it’s late in the season to find them (the struggle is real!) Though there are often outliers who want to exhibit their personalities with bold prints and more Bohemian looks. For girls who aren’t fans of dresses there’s the newer wide leg -easy, comfy, cooler especially when cropped. Top with a lush shade, favorite hue or pretty floral (everywhere this season). Personally, my favorite for guys is basic, a collared polo or button down shirt - white or chambray - with jeans, khakis or nicer shorts. But some like to show off a vibe - just remember that slogan tee shirt or mega tie-dye job is a forever image.”
For the Fellas
Stephen Hooper, owner of menswear boutique store, Anchor2Anchor in Provincetown, starts off with a reminder that choosing your outfit is an expression of your identity: "Dressing is a reflection of your own personal style. How you dress expresses to the world who you are. Dress to impress whatever personality you are, be confident and comfortable."
He follows up with his sage advice, "I recommend a statement piece (pattern) with a solid. This can be a patterned short with a solid polo or classic button down shirt. Adding a fun belt can lift an outfit. Keep the footwear smart, hybrid sneakers that crossover with dress shoes are cool. Some guys are more comfortable with a solid short topped with a patterned item."
It's easy to be apathetic about what to wear because life is pretty casual for the average 17 or 18-year-old, but Hooper also offered some perspective for those who may be feeling indifferent, "Remember graduation only happens once, have fun with it."
