One of the most common questions I hear before a senior portrait session — right after "where should we go?" — is: what should I wear?
It's worth taking seriously. Outfit choices have more impact on senior photos than almost any other variable. The location, the light, even the photographer — all of that can be working perfectly and still be undermined by a shirt that pulls attention or an outfit that doesn't look like the person wearing it.
Here's how I think about it, built from years of shooting seniors across New Jersey.
Start With One Outfit You Love
If you're only bringing one look, make it the one that feels most like you — not the one that feels most "photogenic." The seniors who look the most natural in their photos are always the ones who were comfortable in what they were wearing. Comfort reads on camera.
After that, plan one or two additional looks that offer contrast. Light and dark. Casual and elevated. Relaxed and intentional. You don't need five outfits. Two or three focused looks almost always produces better results than cycling through everything in your closet.
Solid Colors and Simple Patterns Win
Avoid loud graphics, busy patterns, and anything with large logos or text. These pull the viewer's eye away from your face — which is the actual subject of the photo.
Solid colors photograph cleanly and keep the focus where it belongs. Subtle textures — a knit sweater, a linen shirt, a well-fitted jacket — add visual interest without competing. When in doubt, reach for earth tones, deep neutrals, navy, burgundy, or forest green. These colors work in almost every NJ landscape and in the studio.
Neons and very bright whites can be tricky outdoors — bright sun blows them out, and shade makes them look cold. If white is important to you, an off-white or cream is usually a safer choice.
Fit Matters More Than Brand
A well-fitting outfit from a basic retailer photographs better than an expensive piece that doesn't fit right. Baggy sleeves, bunching fabric, and anything that reads as "awkward" in the mirror will read the same in photos.
If you're bringing multiple outfits, try them on before the session — standing, sitting, and moving around. You'll quickly find out which ones work. Bring the ones that feel good in all three positions.
Consider the Location
If your session is at Duke Island Park, Colonial Park, Washington Valley Park, or another outdoor location in Somerset County, lean into the setting. Natural textures and muted tones blend beautifully with NJ landscapes. Dark jeans and a solid crewneck against fall foliage photograph differently than a flowing summer dress against the Raritan River — both can be stunning, but the outfit should feel intentional in that environment.
For studio sessions, you have more latitude. Contrast works well against a dark or neutral backdrop. A sharp blazer, a well-fitted dress, a leather jacket — the studio is where bolder choices pay off.
For Athletes: Bring Your Sport
If you play a sport, bring your gear. Uniform, equipment, the whole thing.
Athlete seniors who include their sport in the session end up with photos that actually look like them. The lacrosse stick, the wrestling singlet, the softball glove — these aren't props. They're the context that makes the image mean something.
This is also where the poster option comes in. Athletic seniors who bring their gear and uniform give me the raw material to build a senior poster — a composite that puts your sport front and center. It's become one of the most popular add-ons I offer, and it starts with the session.
A Few Practical Notes
Iron or steam your clothes the night before. Wrinkles are much harder to fix in editing than they are with ten minutes and a steamer.
Avoid brand-new shoes if they're uncomfortable. You're going to be walking. Blisters are distracting.
Hair and makeup don't need to be dramatic — they need to be you. The goal is to look like your best version of yourself, not a different person. Subtle always ages better than heavy.
Bring layers. Even on a warm day, early morning sessions can be cool. A light jacket or flannel you can peel off gives you wardrobe options without adding bulk to your bag.
The Simple Version
Choose outfits that feel like you. Solid colors, good fit, nothing that pulls attention away from your face. Bring your sport if you have one. Iron everything the night before.
The rest is my job.
Booking senior portraits in New Jersey? See available packages and reach out — most families book 4–6 weeks before their ideal session date, and spring and fall dates fill quickly.