What Should Guys Wear for Senior Pictures?

If you’re reading this you’re probably one of two groups of people... 

A senior guy who did (or didn’t) want to take senior photos, and you’ve got no clue how to dress for them.

Or the mom of a senior boy who may have nudged/begged/pleaded/forced your son into taking senior photos. And now you’ve got to figure out what is best for guys to wear in senior pictures, because he’s not going to.

Whichever group you are in, I’m here to help! Here are some quick tips and ideas to help you choose the best clothes for boys to wear in their senior pictures.

The most important tip.

Whatever clothes you choose to wear in your pictures, make sure they fit you well and are comfortable. This will make the entire experience at your session so much better and when you are comfortable, it will come through in your pictures.

When choosing your photo outfits, an easy way to start is take what you wear in everyday life and elevate it a little more for photos. So if you typically wear a graphic tee with jeans and sneakers, for your photos upgrade to a non-logo tee and nice jeans. Consider adding a top layer like a collared jacket or flannel. If you typically wear a collared shirt and khakis, throw a sport coat over it. 

If it fits your personality (or your mom really wants it) you could even wear dress pants or a suit. This doesn’t mean you have to go full-on three piece suit either. This senior wore a simple suit with no tie and it looked so sharp and dressy in his photos.

Most senior boys don’t want to change clothes a bunch of times at a photo session, but I do recommend planning at least two different looks. Why? Because you will really appreciate having the variety of different outfits in your final gallery! 

Before you boys roll your eyes, hear me out. That doesn’t mean you have to completely change outfits every time. You can easily keep the same bottoms and change out the top half and/or shoes to switch up your look. You can wear a neutral tee and jeans and then change up the jackets and top layers. Or bring a few different colored shirts and quickly change them. It doesn't have to be a big deal.

Here’s my pro list of do’s and don’ts.

• Do wear solid colors that flatter your skin tone. Have your mom or girlfriend help you with this if you don’t know what that means. 
• Don’t wear shirts with words and big logos or crazy patterns. (Subtle patterns can be ok)
• Do have some variety in your looks. Have at least one casual and one dressier outfit.
• Don’t wear shorts. 
• Do make sure the sneakers and shoes you wear are clean and polished.
• Don’t wear sandals or flip flops. 
• Do think of your clothes in layers: add a third layer of interest to the top of your outfit, add a layer of accessories for a final touch.
• Don’t be afraid to accessorize. Cuff links, belts, and watches can really add polish to your outfits. 
• Do bring props, athletic gear, letterman’s jackets, etc with you. Make your photos really represent you. I guarantee you will have the most fun taking pictures with these things because they show what you love to do. 
• Do be freshly groomed. Get your hair cut, be clean shaven or manicure facial  hair, make sure your nails look clean and wear some lip balm to keep lips from looking chapped.
• Do try on your outfits well before the session and move around in them. 
• Don’t wait to pick your outfits until the night before.

Choosing outfits as a guy for your senior photos doesn’t have to be a chore. 

Follow my tips above. Look on Pinterest for ideas. Reach out to your photographer for advice if you’re having trouble. I promise it only takes a little thinking and planning, and you will come up with some great clothing choices for your senior pictures!