Seven Senior Session Wardrobe Mistakes to Avoid
When it comes to senior portraits, what you wear can make or break your confidence and your photos. We want you to look and feel amazing on camera, so let’s make sure to dodge these common wardrobe mistakes. Here are 7 senior session outfit pitfalls to steer clear of, and our tips on what to do instead:
1. Wearing Wrinkled or Dirty Clothes: This might seem obvious, but it’s worth a reminder because it’s a mistake we see too often. Shoving outfits into the bottom of a bag at the last minute? 😬 That’s a recipe for wrinkles. Wrinkled clothing can come across as sloppy and signal that you didn’t put care into your session . The camera will catch those creases. The fix: plan ahead. Launder and iron or steam your clothes the day before. Hang each outfit on a hanger (with its coordinated accessories) for the trip to the studio or location. This way everything stays pressed and photo-ready. Also, do a quick check for any stains or missing buttons. Freshly cleaned and pressed outfits will help you look polished and put-together, letting you shine instead of your wrinkles!
2. Choosing Ill-Fitting Pieces (Too Tight or Too Loose): Fit is everything in photos. If your clothes are pinching or squeezing, you’ll likely feel uncomfortable and it will show in your expressions and posture. On the flip side, drowning in overly baggy clothes can hide your shape and make you look larger or untidy. For example, guys often wear shirts a size too big which can look sloppy in pictures . And super-tight dresses or jeans can restrict movement and create unflattering angles. The key: wear clothes that fit just right. You should be able to move, sit, and pose without adjusting constantly. When shopping or pulling from your closet, do a test: can you squat, sit, and raise your arms comfortably in this? If not, size up. If something is very loose, consider getting it tailored for a better fit. Well-fitted outfits will boost your confidence – you’ll stand taller and pose more naturally when you’re not worried about a wardrobe malfunction.
3. Going Overboard with Trends: We get it – that fashion-forward outfit is so in right now. By all means, express your style, but be cautious with ultra-trendy pieces. The problem with some trendy outfits is that they can date your photos. What’s “hot” in 2025 might look odd by 2030. For example, if everyone is into loud neon camo this season, maybe incorporate it in a small way (like a jacket or accessory) rather than your whole outfit. Strike a balance by pairing trendy items with classic basics. This way, your photos will feel fresh and stylish now and years down the road . Remember, these portraits are meant to last a lifetime – you’ll want them to age gracefully. So maybe save the wildest fashion experiments for weekend fun, and choose outfits for your session that reflect you without solely relying on of-the-moment fads.
4. Distracting Patterns, Colors, or Logos: Bold prints and bright colors can be fun, but in photographs they often steal the spotlight – and not in a good way. Tiny patterns (like very small stripes or houndstooth) can even cause a weird moiré effect on camera, making your photos look odd. Neon colors might cast an unnatural color glow onto your skin . Large logos or graphic tees draw attention to the brand on your shirt rather than your face. The goal of your outfit is to complement you, not compete with you. So, what to do: opt for solid colors or subtle patterns that flatter your skin tone and eye color . Rich jewel tones, soft pastels, and neutrals are often winners. If you love patterns, try a larger floral or a classic polka dot – something not too busy. And keep logos to a minimum (or better yet, none at all). For instance, a small Polo pony logo is fine, but a giant shirt with the brand name across the front? Skip it. Trust us, your photos will feel more timeless and keep the focus on your expression.
5. Ignoring Undergarment Basics: One often overlooked mistake is not planning your undergarments to match your outfits. Stray bra straps, see-through issues, or lumps from the wrong undergarments can sabotage an otherwise great outfit. If you’re wearing white or light colors, bring skin-toned (nude) undergarments so nothing shows through. If your top has an open back or thin straps, consider a strapless bra or adhesive support so straps aren’t peeking out . For guys, make sure your undershirt (if you wear one) doesn’t sag or show at the collar if you’ll remove layers. Also, remove any tags or stickers (like on new jeans) – it sounds silly, but in the excitement of new clothes people forget and those can show in poses. The solution: Do a full dress rehearsal for each outfit. Check yourself out in a mirror and in photos taken with your phone from different angles. Ensure everything underneath stays unseen and supportive where it should. This extra step prevents surprise flashes of a bright patterned bra or boxers when you move around.
6. Lack of Variety in Your Outfits: One mistake isn’t about a single outfit, but rather your collection of outfits. If you bring only very similar looks (say, three blue sundresses or all jeans and t-shirts), your photo gallery could end up looking one-note. Even if each piece is cute, you might regret not showcasing different sides of your style. Avoid having all outfits be the same style or color family . Instead, aim for balance: perhaps one casual outfit (jeans and a nice top), one semi-formal or dressy outfit (a dress or suit), and one outfit that’s totally “you” (like a sports uniform, dance costume, or whatever makes you unique). Vary the color palette, a mix of light and dark, warm and cool tones, for variety in your backgrounds and settings too. By diversifying your wardrobe choices, you’ll have a richer, more exciting collection of photos: some playful, some elegant, some authentic everyday looks. It’s your personal fashion showcase!
7. Forgetting to Accessorize (or Over-Accessorizing): Accessories deserve a Goldilocks approach – not too few, not too many, just right. Forgetting accessories altogether can make your outfit feel incomplete or plain. Something as simple as a belt on a dress, a statement necklace, or a cool jacket can pull the look together and add visual interest. On the flip side, piling on every accessory you own can distract and overwhelm. The fix: choose a couple of key accessories per outfit. Maybe a necklace and bracelet with one look, a scarf and hat with another. Make sure they complement the outfit’s style and colors. A general rule: once you’ve added your accessories, do a quick test – is the first thing you notice you, or the giant hat/bling? If an accessory steals focus, dial it back. Pro tip: Also think about shoes, they are part of the “accessory” lineup. Avoid super old, dirty shoes or ones that don’t match the level of dressiness of your clothes. Clean, coordinated footwear ties everything together from head to toe.
By avoiding these wardrobe mistakes, you set yourself up for a smooth, confidence-boosting senior session. At Aimee Sue Photography, we provide all our seniors with a detailed style guide (because we love helping with this stuff!). We’ll talk through your outfit ideas together, ensure everything is camera-friendly, and even help with final touches on the day of the shoot (lint roller and fashion tape in hand!).
Remember: the best outfit is one you feel great in. When you feel good, you look good – that joy and confidence will shine through the camera. So plan ahead, try on everything, and avoid those common pitfalls. Then get ready to slay your session in style!
Need more guidance or want a second opinion on your outfit choices? We’re here to help. Reach out anytime, or even send us snaps of your outfit options. I will even come to your home to make sure you do not make any of these Senior Senior Wardrobe Mistakes! Serving seniors in the Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill areas, Aimee Sue Photography is all about making your senior portrait experience fun, empowering, and totally you. Happy planning, and we can’t wait to see your carefully chosen outfits on photo day!
Go ahead and book your senior session today!
Need to prep the day before your session? Check out this blog post!
