What to Wear for Senior Photos in Colorado
Choosing outfits for senior photos can feel overwhelming at first, but it doesn’t have to be complicated.
The goal is simple: choose clothing that reflects your personality and feels comfortable and confident, obviously let’s avoid pjs, though I can tell you I feel both comfortable and confident in mine.
Senior portraits should feel like you, just a little elevated from everyday. The good news is this is a time to go buy that shirt, dress, hat or jacket that has caught your eye.
Here are a few tips to help seniors plan outfits that photograph beautifully in Colorado’s scenic landscapes.
Bring Two to Three Outfits
First of all you need to know how many outfits to bring. Whether you are someone like me, who would bring their whole wardrobe, or someone who wants to bring one outfit and call it tday, it is important to know how many outfits to plan on.
Most seniors bring two or three outfits to their session. This would be a standard number of outfits for one location or two locations.
This allows us to create variety in your gallery while keeping the session relaxed and easy without too many outfit changes.
A common and advised combination is:
• one casual outfit - this is the outfit you start with!
• one outfit that shows personality or interests - think cowboy hats, cowboy boots, guitars, violins, lettermen jackets, track shoes anything that shows who you are! This is your second outfit.
• your show stopper - this is the finale and it needs to feel that way. This is your least causal most inspiring outfit, for girls this is often the flowing maxi dress
This mix helps create a gallery that feels natural and balanced and a flow to your session.
Choose Colors That Work with Colorado Landscapes
Colorado’s landscapes are often filled with natural greens, warm grasses and mountain views.
Clothing that complements those tones photographs beautifully.
Colors that work especially well include:
• soft neutrals
• earth tones
• pastels
• warm tones like rust or sage
Avoid overly bright neon colors or large logos, which can distract from the overall look of the portrait.
Think About Movement
Movement is huge part of our session. I want you moving, walking, skipping, jumping (I am only kind of joking). Outfits that have movement often photograph beautifully, especially in outdoor settings.
Flowy dresses, skirts,and lightweight fabrics catch the light and breeze in a way that adds natural energy to photos.
This is one reason many seniors love wearing a long dress for part of their session.
Layers Add Variety
Simple ways to add interest to your outfit is layers. Layers can help create different looks without completely changing outfits. Statement pieces that can be taken on or off - statement jewelry, hats, boots or fashion sneakers. Truly the sky is the limit on what you can bring along.
Examples include:
• denim jackets
• sweaters
• scarves
• hats
A simple layer can quickly change the feel of a photo and layering pieces can be added or deducted from a outfit easily!
Choose Something That Feels Like You
The most important thing is choosing outfits that reflect your personality. This is not the time to try out a new look. These photos are meant to feel like you elevated.
Senior portraits should celebrate who you are during this season of life, your style, your interests, and your confidence as you step into the future.
If an outfit makes you feel great, it will show in the photos.
Planning Your Senior Session
After booking, I guide families through the planning process, including outfit ideas and location recommendations.
The goal is always the same: to create images that feel relaxed, authentic and beautifully Colorado.
Senior portraits are about celebrating who your senior is right now and preserving that moment before the next chapter begins.
✨ If you’re planning senior photos in Boulder or the surrounding Colorado area, I’d love to help create a session that captures this milestone in a natural and meaningful way.
Learn more at
www.kimgravesphotos.com
