Emily Cannata Photography: The Blog

The response to my Senior Guy Wardrobe post was amazing and a bit humbling; thanks y’all! 

It made me realize I was assuming you lovely young ladies had your wardrobe planned out and ready to go. I was wrong(ish). While the majority of you have an idea of what you will be wearing, our pre-session conversations alway cover the finishing touches and finalization of your selections. 

Below are my tips, tricks, and loads of inspiration to help you solidify the answer to: What do I wear to my senior portrait?

How do I prepare my wardrobe for my senior session?

Every client has some questions about clothing. Truthfully it’s the most frequently asked question and the one that tends to be the most anxiety inducing. I get it. I really do. As a fellow clothes wearing person, and a female at that, I know the struggle is real. Hopefully these tips, tricks, and images can ease your mind about clothing and makes the wardrobe part of your senior session an exciting process! Remember, the most important “what to wear” is what YOU want to wear for your senior session. 

Start with Simplicity.

Be 100% authentic to who YOU are! Everything you wear should be things you love, will wear again (or have worn), are comfortable, and reflect who you are. By keeping this simple fact that you love it at the forefront, your selections will be made easier. 

Easy transition pieces – jackets, sweaters, hats and even shoes, – are great to add in for layers and variety without doing a total wardrobe change. This is also a great way to add in a few “extra” looks with letterman jackets, Class of 20__ shirts, or collegiate wear.

Trendy fashion is okay, promise!

This is the season you are in so what’s fashionable is actually part of who you are, embrace it! Show off your fashionista ways and personal approach to current trends. At the rate our society recycles fashion trends what you are wearing now will eventually become “vintage” and come back (I’m looking at you 90’s bodysuits and Doc Martin’s). 

While we all love a good trend, be mindful of colors when looking at what’s “in” right now. Bright and bold colors can be great, but will cast color onto your neck and face. Opt for ways to incorporate super bold color into your accessories versus the main piece. The same goes with bold patterns, be mindful of how busy, and distracting, they can be. Make sure, no matter what you wear, YOU are the focus.

Fun Fact: Clothing that is pure white will photograph blue-ish when in shade. Stick with a shade slightly off white and you’ll be golden (not literally). 

Add in a classic look (aka: Mom’s choice)

Yes, I realize we are going in the opposite direction of what I mentioned above; and there’s a reason for it. As a mom myself, I know moms are planners and think long term as far as what images of their children they will always have on display. Maybe your mom loves when you wear a certain color or she wants to preserve a more timeless image of you on a wall. She may also know that you’ll need a more classic image to submit for various opportunities: internships, interviews, or Greek Life should you go that route. 

Classic doesn’t mean boring or having to channel your inner news anchor power suit! Think of basics that transcend time: a pair of well fitted pants and blouse, a simple A-line dress that can be worn to a lunch or wedding, and in Texas: a simple dress and your boots!

How to piece all the pieces together?

Now that you’ve been given some guidance as to what to wear, let’s talk about how to make those final selections to complete your session wardrobe!

Go shopping! No, this doesn’t mean to buy a brand new wardrobe. It means shop around – your closet, your best friend’s closet, and stores should that be an option. If you do buy new, please make sure it’s something you LOVE and will wear again and again and again. 

Be thinking of what style is true to you and your fashion persona. If you are more sporty, embrace it but don’t show up in gym clothing. Stick to joggers that you can elevate with a sporty top and/or hoodie. Also consider where your session is taking place. If we are on location at the Botanical Gardens, consider items that may be more whimsical or dresses that flow.

What small items can make a big change in your look? Think back to the transition pieces: jackets, sweaters, hats, shoes, belts, and colligate wear. A simple addition, or subtraction, of elements not only changes the look but gives added layers and texture to your images.

Best practice is having all your clothing neatly hung and in order of wear. If your first outfit is prone to wrinkle (think about sitting in the car with a seatbelt) definitely have it hung and ready to put on when you arrive. Moms and best friends are fantastic wardrobe assistants – let them tag along and carry all the things. Consider a pop up changing tent for sessions that won’t have easy access to a secure changing spot. Our beautiful open fields, trails, and even downtown don’t always have a reliable (or usable) spaces to change. 

What are the top 5 Must Haves to wear to my senior session wardrobe? 

• Layers! They add depth and dimension to your images. Plus they allow for easy transitions to a new look without having to truly change everything you have on. Hats, jackets, cardigans, and shawl like wraps bring in layers (and texture!) to your images.  

• Pockets! Dresses, skirts, pants/jeans, jackets, or even a hoodie will allow for easy posing, lines, and hand placement. Bonus tip: leave phones, wallets, and keys with mom!

• Textures & prints! Same as layers, these add depth to your images. You can use texture, prints, and layers all together for one look then transition into something else while keeping core pieces. 

• What defines you right now! Sporty? Incorporate your team, sport, or activity. Musician? Bring your instrument and let it be part of the session.

• Comfort! Everything you wear, and bring, should be comfortable. Do not hit the store on your way to your session; plan ahead. 

• Bonus Tip: TRY. IT. ALL. ON. That’s right, try on EVERYTHING you plan to wear (even your shoes!) and do these things: sit on a chair or couch, stand, walk up/down stairs, sit on the ground. If anything is tight, uncomfortable, or you find you are adjusting it – nix it and find something that doesn’t need your attention. Remember, simply standing in front of a mirror at home or in a store is NOT the same as walking along a trail or sitting on stairs. 

Looking for more wardrobe inspiration? Be sure to check out this fashionista’s Urban & Nature Blog Post, a perfectly planned wardrobe at Butler Park, the Basics for any senior session, as well as my Senior Gallery . If you’re on Instagram, be sure to follow me – it’s where I post my latest work!