Dreamy golden hour portrait session in a wildflower field with soft natural lighting and summer fashion styling.

 

What to Wear for Senior Photos | Senior Style Guide for Michigan Seniors

 

 

Planning outfits for senior photos can feel overwhelming at first — especially when you want photos that feel stylish, natural, timeless, and still like YOU. The good news? You do not need a completely new wardrobe or perfectly curated Pinterest outfits to have beautiful senior photos. The best senior sessions happen when seniors feel confident, comfortable, and genuinely themselves.


Whether you're planning senior photos in Ann Arbor, Plymouth, Brighton, Detroit, or anywhere in Southeast Michigan, this guide will help you choose outfits that photograph beautifully while still fitting your personality and style.

 

Book your summer session (daytime)
Book your evening session (summer + fall)

How Many Outfits Should You Bring?


Most seniors bring two and three outfits for a 60 or 90-minute session.


Outfit One: The "dressy" look.

For girls, maxi dresses are definitely having a moment — from soft tiered skirts and floral prints to vintage-inspired or trendier editorial looks that create beautiful movement in photos. Think of this as your “wow” outfit: something that makes you feel confident, elevated, and a little extra in the best way.


For guys, this could mean anything from a classic button-down and dress pants to a full three-piece suit. Unless we plan otherwise, I usually recommend starting the session with your dressier outfit first - easiest to get dressed at home- and don’t forget that details like shoes and socks help pull the entire look together.


Outfit Two: Casual but still elevated.


For girls, a jeans-and-top outfit adds great variety to your gallery while still feeling relaxed and stylish. Textured tops, puff sleeves, skirts, skorts, or wide-leg pants paired with cute sandals or heels photograph beautifully and allow for a lot of posing opportunities. Bringing at least one outfit that you can comfortably sit  in will add to your overall posing variety.


For guys, the next outfit is usually the perfect in-between look — polished but still comfortable. Quarter-zips, flannels, denim jackets, letterman jackets, or short-sleeve button-downs layered with simple accessories create an effortless look that photographs really well.



Outfit Three:

This is where girls and guys typically go different directions.


Many girls want to showcase another dress, and the short white dresses are very popular. They photograph beautifully at almost every location and creates a timeless, glowy look. If white isn’t your style, a shorter dress in a soft neutral or pastel works beautifully too. This is also the perfect outfit to showcase fun accessories like cowboy boots, layered jewelry, or a letterman jacket.


For guys, the final outfit is usually your most casual and personal look — something that genuinely reflects this season of life. This is a great time to include favorite teams, hobbies, sneakers, hats, or everyday outfits that feel the most like you. The goal is a look that feels comfortable, authentic, and personal.


Remember that changing and drive times are part of your session, so plan outfits you can change quickly and locations that are nearby.

Choosing Outfits Based on Location


Your location can help guide outfit choices too. If your location is bright and your session is earlier in the day go for lighter outfits and soft prints and textures. If you have a city location or sunset session you can go with deeper tones to complement.


Matthaei Botanical Gardens Senior Photos


Soft colors, florals, flowy dresses, linen, and romantic textures photograph beautifully surrounded by greenery and flowers.


Downtown Detroit Senior Photos


Structured outfits, darker neutrals, sneakers, denim, leather jackets, and editorial-inspired looks work especially well in urban settings.


Law Quad Senior Photos


Classic and timeless outfits photograph beautifully here — think elevated neutrals, dresses with movement, polished casual outfits, and softer color palettes.


Wildflower or Nature Sessions


Natural textures, soft movement, earthy tones, and relaxed styling work beautifully in open outdoor spaces.

Ready to shop?



Start planning your looks with these keyword searches-- they may not be something you'd think to look for, but give it a google and it might just be the style you're going for.


For girls: Coastal cowgirl, old money inspired, clean girl aesthetic, editorial style, cottagecore, romantic florals, model-off-duty, sporty chic, western inspired, Pinterest-inspired looks.


For guys: country boy aesthetic, vintage athletic, varsity inspired, golf-inspired looks, neutral basics, laid-back style, casual cool, outdoorsy and rugged looks.


Where to shop:

Abercrombie, Altar'd State, Nordstroms, Princess Polly, Wrangler and  Lululemon (great elevated guy looks!) are some of the most popular. Many grads are also snagging basics on Amazon, Target or Kohls. Make sure to order 4+ weeks in advance so you can return or exchange.


Final tips:

  • Bring your outfits grouped together and on hangers. At most locations we can keep outfits in the car and circle back for changes.
  • Plan out socks, shoes and accessories for each look
  • Plan on keeping outfit changes short so they don't cut in to your photo time
  • Steam clothes and hang before your session- don't arrive wrinkled or stained


Where will I change?

Many of my go-to spots have public restrooms (Matthaei botanical gardens when they're open, Plymouth/Northville, Maybury). Some spots have bathrooms seasonally - for example, the law quad does when school is in session, but buildings are typically closed summer nights.  

I have a pop-up tube tent to make changes easy and quick when there isn't anything nearby, and at more rural parks many grads choose to change in their cars with the AC on in the summer. Whatever the plan is, it's really important to make outfit changes fast so we can focus on capturing great photos!



Get inspired with my amazon lists!

Outfit Inspo Lists
A person poses in a black top and denim shorts against a backdrop of golden wildflowers during sunset.
Smiling teenage boy with red hair in plaid shirt standing outdoors amid vibrant autumn foliage near a stream.
Street style photos showcasing a varsity-style jacket with blue lettering against an urban backdrop.
A dreamy golden hour photoshoot in a wildflower meadow with soft sunlight filtering through the tall grass.
Smiling young woman in white top and jeans poses outside brick building with potted shrubs.
Young woman in blue floral tiered midi dress smiling on a tree-lined gravel path in summer.
Teen boy in white dress shirt and navy pants standing outdoors at sunset.
Young man in plaid shirt and jeans stands with arms crossed among tall pine trees on a forest floor covered with pine needles.
A person in a flowing white dress poses gracefully among vibrant wildflowers in a garden during golden hour.
Young man in dark suit and striped tie smiling while walking outside a glass greenhouse conservatory.
Young man in plaid shirt and khakis sitting relaxed on urban sidewalk, smiling confidently in casual outdoor portrait.
Young man in black suit and red tie posing under stone archway at university campus.
Woman in white dress twirls playfully in an ornate stone colonnade with natural lighting.
Young woman in white top and black maxi skirt smiling on marble steps.
A white lace dress and blue heels are shown in a series of photos against a stone building and rose garden backdrop.
A person poses in a white top and denim by a sunflower garden during golden hour sunset.
Casual summer outfit featuring light wash denim and white top photographed in warm evening sunlight.
A graduation photoshoot featuring a white summer dress and black graduation gown with red stripes.
Woman in white dress poses gracefully against rustic brick wall backdrop with columns.
Casual portrait session on stone steps with architectural backdrop.
Red sandals and a checkered dress complement a rustic brick wall and garden backdrop.
A garden pathway lined with bright red and orange flowers surrounded by verdant summer foliage.
Young man with curly hair sits relaxed in urban parking garage, wearing black tee, khaki pants, and red sneakers.
Young man smiling in green floral shirt standing in front of a decorative fountain in an outdoor plaza.
Natural light portrait in a blooming wildflower field wearing a white summer dress.
Young man in white polo and khaki pants crouching on a wooden bridge surrounded by lush green foliage.
Young woman with pink hair wearing a black leather jacket and checkered pants poses in an urban brick alleyway.
A flowing white and red floral dress creates movement in a golden meadow filled with summer wildflowers.
A white lace dress and brown boots create a rustic woodland portrait scene among tall pine trees.
Woman in yellow summer top poses in garden with blooming coral roses and greenery.
Smiling young man in gray button-up shirt leaning on wooden fence with colorful autumn trees behind him.
Young man in gray sweater and jeans leaning against brick wall with iron fence, fall foliage background.
Young person in white sweater and jeans sitting on wooden railing in outdoor nature setting.
Smiling young woman in white mini dress standing on brick sidewalk near lamp post and flowers.
Whimsical summer portrait among wildflowers and tall grass at sunset.
A peaceful garden scene with pink flowers blooming along a stone pathway at sunset.
Young man with curly hair crouching on grass in a park, wearing a plaid jacket and white sneakers.
A joyful moment captured in a garden setting with tropical plants and a sunlit concrete path.
Teen boy in plaid shirt leaning against tree with arms crossed, smiling outdoors in autumn park setting.
A person in a white top and light denim overalls poses in front of blooming pink wildflowers at sunset.
Young man in olive Carhartt t-shirt leans against tree with arms crossed in lush green outdoor park setting.
A person in a floral tiered maxi dress stands smiling on a garden path with orange and yellow flowers blooming behind.
Smiling young man in a maroon varsity letterman jacket sits casually on the ground outdoors.
A series of elegant stone archways create a dramatic architectural corridor with natural lighting.
Young woman in varsity jacket and ripped jeans posing confidently in a wet urban alley with string lights.
Portrait session in a wooded area with pine trees and natural lighting.
A summery outfit featuring a light blue ruffle top and high-waisted jeans photographed in a garden with pink flowers.
A figure dances and twirls joyfully beneath a grand stone archway on a university campus.
Smiling teen boy in casual outfit standing on wooden bridge in lush green park on sunny day.
Smiling woman in white strapless tulle dress sits on wooden fence surrounded by blooming pink and red roses in garden.
Rustic wooden bench portrait session in a grassy field during golden hour.
Young redhead man in burgundy sweater leaning against brick wall with arms crossed, confident pose.
A person in a white dress poses for graduation photos in front of a Gothic university building.
Blonde woman in green floral dress posing under ornate stone archway corridor.
Young man in white graphic tee and jeans stands on rooftop at golden hour, gazing into the distance.
Young man in navy suit and brown dress shoes sitting on stone steps outside an elegant building.
Young woman in navy dress holding varsity jacket poses on brick walkway with colorful flowers.
A person in a blue floral dress poses joyfully among yellow wildflowers and daisies in a summer meadow.
Young man in a beige North Face jacket sitting on metal stairs with hands clasped, wearing Jordan sneakers.
Young man in maroon Under Armour polo smiles with arms crossed in front of a decorative fountain outdoors.
A white dress contrasts beautifully against a garden bench surrounded by blooming purple flowers and lush greenery.
Young man in brown jacket and jeans sitting on stone steps outside a classic building.
Teen boy in blue hoodie with cross necklace smiling on wooden bridge surrounded by green trees.
Portrait session in a field of vibrant yellow wildflowers with a white dress creating a dreamy summer atmosphere.
Young man in gray sweater and jeans leaning against brick wall with ornate iron fence in autumn setting.
A young person in a purple shirt and black shorts leans against a building wall on a sunny urban sidewalk.
Young man with curly hair leans against brick wall wearing blue plaid flannel shirt and jeans in urban alley.
Smiling teen in varsity letterman jacket sitting on bleacher steps for senior portrait photo.
White columns and brick walkway create an elegant architectural setting with soft natural lighting.
Young man in plaid flannel shirt stands in autumn park with vibrant red foliage and wooden bridge backdrop.
Young man with beard in plaid shirt leaning against tree trunk in forest with arms crossed.
Young man in navy jacket and khaki pants crouching on grass with vibrant autumn foliage in background.
Smiling young Asian man in dark shirt leaning on metal railing against brick wall wearing necklace.
A person in a purple knit cardigan poses on a wooden bridge against vibrant autumn foliage in the background.
Young man with red hair wearing a dress shirt and tie stands confidently on a street in an outdoor dining district.
A person in a black jacket and jeans poses in a series of shots under stone archways of a historic building.
Young woman in pink mini dress smiling on charming brick alley with string lights in urban setting.
A casual summer outfit featuring wide-leg jeans and a white top photographed under a stone archway on a university campus.
Young woman in a white and blue floral mini dress posing outdoors near blooming white flowers and potted plants.
Smiling young Black woman in black pleated skirt and boots posing on brick alley with greenery and string lights.
A summer portrait session in a field with wildflowers and natural sunlight.
Stone archway corridor with gothic architecture and natural lighting creating dramatic shadows.
Outdoor photoshoot in a meadow with yellow wildflowers and blue clothing.
A sequence of joyful poses in a navy blue dress against a lush green garden background with wildflowers.
Smiling teen boy in beige shirt and jeans leans on wooden bridge railing in lush park setting.
A woman in an emerald green sundress poses in a garden filled with vibrant pink flowers and yellow blooms.
A series of outdoor portraits in a golden wildflower field during sunset with tall grass and natural lighting.
Young woman in striped strapless tiered mini dress and white cowboy boots smiling in a lush garden path.
A series of casual outdoor portraits on a wooden boardwalk surrounded by sunlit trees in a natural setting.
Young man in gray t-shirt and jeans stands on rocky shoreline at sunset with city skyline reflected on calm water.
Two people stand in a vibrant garden filled with colorful tulips and spring flowers during golden hour.
Young man in blue floral shirt sits on bench before a fountain, smiling outdoors in natural light.
Young man crouching on rooftop parking lot, wearing gray t-shirt and black pants, with cloudy sky backdrop.
Young woman in white lace mini dress holding red folder, posing by flowering tree and brick wall.
Young man smiling on a lush garden path with a wooden bridge and green foliage in the background.
Young man in blue shirt and black pants smiling on urban sidewalk near bench and outdoor cafe.
Young man in navy blue suit and light blue tie leaning against brick wall outdoors.
Teen hockey player in white jersey carrying stick and gloves on rooftop at sunset.

FAQ's


How many outfits should I bring?


Two or three outfits is the sweet spot, above I have recommendations for each outfit choice for both girls and guys


What colors photograph best outdoors?


Aim to match your color palette with your session- bright and airy park = pastels, light earth tones. Sunset = deeper jewel tones

City= dark neutrals, denim

What should senior guys wear for photos?


Don't overthink it! Plan 2-3 outfits with a range of dressy-casual. Think about layers and details like chains and watches to bring your outfits together.



What should I avoid wearing?


Uncomfortable outfits, too-short dresses or other pieces that are hard to move in. Bright neon colors or plain black, bright red, or white can be difficult to photograph. Think about adding textures to your solid colors for the best photos.


Do I need professional hair and makeup?


It depends on what makes you feel your best. If you're used to a more stylized look then getting your hair and makeup done can add to your experience. But many grads are loving keeping things natural and doing their own hair and makeup at home. When to consider it- if you're worried about frizzy hair or acne then having a professional step in can really add to your confidence.


Do letterman jackets or other props "count" as an outfit?


I don't get knit-picky about this- I recommend 2-3 outfits for longer sessions and I limit it at 2 for 30-minute senior sessions. The full outfit changes are what eat up your time, not throwing a jacket on or off. Bringing layers to your late summer/fall sessions can really add to your gallery variety and help you get the most out of your time.