What to Wear for Senior Photos: Girls Edition / Charlotte Senior Photographer

Charlotte Senior Photographer Guide

As a Charlotte Senior Photographer, I photograph high school seniors throughout Charlotte and the surrounding area. Spring is one of the most popular seasons for senior portraits. The blooming flowers, fresh greenery, pretty lighting and beautiful outdoor locations around our city make for gorgeous photos with you in them.

Senior portraits in Eastover neighborhood area of Charlotte, NC

If you’re planning your senior portraits in Charlotte, choosing the right outfits can make your photos even more special.

One of the most important parts of preparing for your senior photo session is choosing outfits that make you feel confident and comfortable. Wear a dress or outfit that fits well, makes you happy, and reflects your personality. When you feel good, it shows in your photographs. These images will become special memories of your senior year, so take the time to choose outfits you’ll love looking back on.

3 outfits for your seniors pictures

Many seniors choose to wear a white dress for part of their portrait session. A white dress looks beautiful in almost any location and really pops against greenery and spring flowers. It’s crisp, clean, and timeless.

Personally, I love photographing seniors in dresses. Dresses have a natural flow and femininity that photograph beautifully. They’re fun to walk in, twirl in, and even hold onto and gently sway side to side. These small movements often create the most genuine smiles and authentic moments, which parents absolutely love.

Senior girl portraits in crisp white dress

I recommend bringing two or more dresses to your senior portrait session. Floral dresses are always a wonderful choice for spring senior photos. They’re colorful, add variety and photograph well. Stripes, polka dots and gingham can also photograph nicely. Most prints work well, so feel free to choose something that reflects your personal style.

Having a colorful dress is nice to have for options - lavender, pink, and yellow are especially pretty in spring. Go with the color that is best for you and your skin tone. I do suggest avoiding neon colors and extremely bright reds and oranges. These shades can sometimes reflect onto your skin and distract from your natural look in photos.

Another great outfit option is a skirt paired with a cute top. Choose colors that complement your skin tone and tops that feel like “you.” Your senior portraits should reflect your personality and style.

During your session we’ll take photos sitting on the ground, on benches, stairs, and other locations. When choosing a skirt or dress, think about the length and make sure you feel comfortable sitting in that dress. If an outfit is shorter and you prefer standing photos, that’s perfectly fine too.

Variety of clothing patterns for senior photographs

White denim paired with a cute top is another fresh and fun look. It creates a relaxed, playful style that photographs beautifully. Blue jeans are also a great option. Many seniors bring either classic denim or white jeans for a casual outfit that still looks polished.

A fourth outfit idea is your chosen college t-shirt. Pair it with jean shorts, white jeans, or a denim skirt. This is a fun way to celebrate where you’re headed next and recognize all the hard work you’ve put into getting there.

Before your session, make sure your clothes are ironed so they look neat and polished. It helps to hang them in your car so they stay wrinkle-free until your session begins.

Nail polish is perfectly fine if you like wearing it—just make sure it’s fresh and not chipped. Natural nails without polish also look great.

For shoes, many seniors bring cute sneakers, sandals, or wedges. Cowboy boots are also a fun option and always add personality to photos.

Jewelry is wonderful as well. We’ll just make sure everything is lined up and sitting nicely during the session. I always appreciate reminders if something needs adjusting.

Hats can also be a fun accessory and add a little variety to your photos.

Hats are fun addition to your senior pictures

If there’s an activity that has been a big part of your high school years—sports, music, dance, or another hobby—you’re welcome to bring something that represents it. A uniform, ball, instrument, or prop can make your senior portraits even more meaningful.

A white dress is perfect to wear under your cap and gown, if you’d like these photos. Not every senior chooses to do cap and gown portraits. It only takes a few minutes during your session to capture a few momentous photos to represent this occasion.

You can also wear a college t-shirt underneath your cap and gown. Just be sure your gown is nicely pressed before your session.

We’ll usually start with your dressiest outfit first. If that outfit wrinkles easily, it’s best to bring it and change when you arrive. If the fabric doesn’t wrinkle, you can wear it to the session.

No matter what you wear, your senior portrait session should feel fun and relaxed. Together we’ll create beautiful photographs that celebrate your senior year and this exciting chapter of your life.

If you're looking for a Charlotte senior photographer and would like to plan your own senior portrait session, you can learn more about my senior photography sessions on my website.