KBP Portraits - What to Wear Guide
What to Wear for Senior Pictures: A Complete Guide
Figuring out what to wear for senior pictures is one of the biggest stressors for seniors and their moms — and honestly, it doesn't have to be. After more than a decade of photographing seniors in the Ashland and Hanover County area, I've seen what works, what doesn't, and how to make getting dressed for your session actually fun.
Here's everything you need to know.
Start With How You Want to Feel
Before you even open your closet, ask yourself: how do I want to feel in these photos? Confident? Relaxed? Dressed up? Like myself?
Your answer should drive every outfit choice. Senior portraits are about YOU — not a trend, not what someone else wore. The best outfits are the ones that make you feel like the best version of yourself.
How Many Outfits Should You Bring?
At KBP, we recommend 3–4 outfits for a full senior session, but this does depend on the session you choose. Ideally, you want variety without feeling rushed, and you want to have options for different looks — dressy, casual, and something that represents a hobby or passion.
A good mix might look like:
One dressed-up look (a favorite dress, a blazer, something you'd wear to a nice dinner)
One casual look (jeans, a cute top — something relaxed and you)
One that represents something you love (a sport, an instrument, a college shirt)
One wildcard — something bold or fun that you might not wear every day
Colors That Photograph Beautifully
Not all colors translate the same way on camera. Here's a quick guide:
Great choices:
Jewel tones — navy, emerald, burgundy, deep purple
Soft neutrals — cream, tan, blush, sage
Classic white and black (especially for studio shots, I avoid black outside usually)
Earth tones — rust, olive, warm brown
Be cautious with:
Neon colors — can cast color on skin
Head-to-toe bright red — can be overpowering
Busy patterns or logos — draw attention away from your face
What to Avoid
Clothes that don't fit well — even one size off shows on camera
Wrinkled clothing — always steam or iron before your session
Overly trendy pieces that might look dated quickly
Anything that makes you uncomfortable — if you're tugging at it, it'll show
Hair and Makeup
At KBP, professional hair and makeup is included with every senior session — so you don't have to worry about showing up camera-ready. Our artists are experienced with what photographs well, and they'll make sure you look like yourself, just polished.
Come to your session with clean, dry hair and a moisturized face. If you have inspiration photos for hair or makeup, bring them — or save them to show our artist.
The KBP What to Wear Guide
Every KBP senior receives our 128-page What to Wear and Color Guide — both digital and in print — that walks you through outfit planning, color coordination, and styling tips in detail. It's one of our most popular resources, and clients tell us it completely takes the guesswork out of getting ready.
Shop for Your Session at a Discount
KBP works with three local Style Partner boutiques where you can shop for your senior session at 15% off. Details are shared at your planning consult.
Still Have Questions?
We walk through all of this together at your in-person planning consult before your session — so you'll never feel like you're figuring it out alone. That's what we're here for.
Kristie Bradley Photography | 305 Ashcake Rd, Suite J, Ashland, VA 23015 | 571-236-6288 Serving seniors in Ashland, Hanover County, Mechanicsville, Glen Allen, Atlee, and the greater Richmond, Virginia area.
Don’t forget to grab our complete WHAT TO WEAR GUIDE!