One of the best parts about senior portraits is deciding what to wear!
How do you want to be remembered? What do you want the photos to say about you? Big questions right? We are here to help you make these choices easier!
1. Show off your personality!
Most importantly show off your style. If you would never wear a bowtie or bellbottoms then do not wear them for your portraits! Are there accessories that you wear daily? Then those are a must!
Does your school have a uniform? If so bring that too! Are you in sports, band or another team? If so bring the attire that goes with those too! Do you love to wear bold colors or earthy tones?
1. You do you!
Senior Portraits are all about encapsulating who you are right now! You don’t have to get new clothes for Senior portraits (unless you find some you just LOVE). We want you to be comfortable. If there is one outfit that is a staple in your life then that is an absolute must.The more comfortable you are the more relaxed you will be for the session and the more amazing you will look! Think about where we will be for your session; for example looks awesome with Downtown Tulsa’s Deco Buildings or an Oklahoma Sunset in a field?
2. It’s all about the pattern, no the style, no the solid… ok it is about all of the above.
Bring a myriad of styles with solids and patterns (nothing too busy). Solids are great for a classic portrait because then the focus is all on you. They are great for the outdoors where things can get distracting in the background. Avoid large patterns, wide stripes, and big logos. They pull the attention from your face and this is all about y-o-u. Solids with texture are a huge win because they create drama without distraction. Lace and even a waffle weave thermal can do amazing things!
3. Pick colors that flatter your natural coloring
By your senior year most of us have or colors figured out. There are two basic skin tones — cool and warm. For example I look ill in some shades of green or yellow, so those are two colors you will never catch me in. Fall tones look good on the majority of people. Hold various colors up to your and see if you notice any changes? When in doubt the following are pretty safe: Blush Pink, True Red, Teal, Eggplant, and Black.
4. I’m ready for my close-up!
For close-up or yearbook poses, no wide necklines! The last thing you want is to look topless in the yearbook! Long sleeves and ¾ sleeves work best; they are a staple for a polished look. Shirts with collars or v necks frame your face and lengthen your body. Wide open necks can also make your neck appear thicker.
5. Bags are great for storing things, not for portraits!
Baggy clothes are great for laying around the house or wearing when you are ill or relaxing. However, they are not good for senior portraits. Now this does not mean skintight is your friend either! Wear things that are form fitting or have a tailored look, show a waistline and make you look good! Clothes that hang on you (big shirts, ponchos, and baggy pants) make you appear wider than you really are!
6. Be All American!
Jeans are the All American Favorite! They can be dressed up or down. If you have wider hips look at a boot cut, these can really show off your look. Guys, sagging rarely looks good in photos (think oompa loompa). Jeans just like chocolate: the darker, the better.
7. It’s fun to get dressed up!
Gals: don’t be afraid to wear a dress; it’s a great way to create a more formal look. We recommend dresses that have a cinched waist (think 1950’s) that flares out at the hips. This is a hugely flattering look! Flowing skirts are great too! Just look for waist lines! If you don’t have a waistline, dresses will make you appear wider than you really are!
8. Accessories add the finishing touches!
Personal props, hats, jewelry and purses can take a great outfit to “oh wow” fast! Be creative and find things that add more of you to the image! Guitars, cars, pets, or a favorite book can do so much!
9. Trouble deciding?
If you are having trouble deciding bring EVERYTHING! I will be happy to look through the options and help you narrow down your choices!
10. The devil is in the details!
Ironing is a huge drag, of this we are sure! But nothing is worse for a photo than little hairs or wrinkles left on the shirt (and no I will not photoshop those out!). Taking care of this before we step in front of a camera takes 15 minutes while editing wrinkles out can take hours! Same goes for nail polish: touch it up or leave it off.
