How dressed up does a senior guy need to get for portraits?
Here’s Riley’s answer: a heathered quarter-zip, a white tee underneath, and jeans. That’s it. That’s the whole outfit.
Now look at the photo.
He’s standing on that bridge with the steel behind him like it was built just for this moment.
Meanwhile, Riley: Hands in his pockets. Completely calm.
And your eye goes exactly where it’s supposed to go...straight to his face.
That’s what a simple outfit does. The bridge brings the drama. The sweater stays out of the way. Riley just has to be Riley.
Somewhere between booking and session day, every family has the same exchange. “What are you going to WEAR?” followed by a shrug you can hear from the next room.
After fourteen years of photographing high school seniors, here’s the real truth: the plainest outfit in the closet wins almost every time. Maybe it’s not as exciting of an answer as you wanted, but it’s the truth.
Here are 5 simple wardrobe tips for your senior portraits:
SOLIDS BEAT GRAPHICS
A logo or a slogan grabs the first glance in every single frame. Ten years from now, nobody wants the first thing they notice to be a brand name.
TEXTURE DOES THE HEAVY LIFTING
Riley’s quarter-zip isn’t fancy. But that heathered knit gives the photo something to feel, which is exactly what a plain t-shirt can’t do on its own.
FIT MATTERS MORE THAN STYLE
Not tight, not swimming. Clothes that fit let a senior stand the way Riley’s standing instead of tugging at sleeves between frames.
LAYERS EARN THEIR KEEP
A tee under a quarter-zip reads relaxed. The same tee under a jacket reads sharp. Two looks, one change, zero stress. When in doubt, layer. Period.
COMFORT IS NON-NEGOTIABLE
A kid who feels like himself gives you the real smile. A kid in an outfit chosen by committee (sorry mom) gives you the school picture smile. You know the difference.
Class of 2027, most of you have your galleries by now (hi, I miss you already). Class of 2028 parents, bookmark this one. Your turn comes around faster than you think, and the closet conversation is easier when you’ve got a list.
PS: If the outfit debate at your house has reached a standstill, bring both options. Settling wardrobe disputes is a free service. (Ha.)
I photograph high school seniors from Wauwatosa West, Wauwatosa East, Brookfield, Elm Grove, New Berlin, Pewaukee and all over Milwaukee and Waukesha County, from my studio at 155 S. Executive Dr. in Brookfield to a park near you.
