The Perfect Outfit for Your Senior Portraits

A high school senior girl in a red dress smiling as she twirls in the French Quarter for a story about the perfect outfit for senior portraits.

Senior year is finally here! And getting senior portraits is the perfect way to memorialize this time in your life. The only thing you need to figure out once you book a senior session in New Orleans is the perfect outfit for your senior portraits! This milestone should be marked stunning and meaningful photos you will be proud to share. Check out my essential tips below and keep in mind your personality needs to shine.

Whether you pick your location or your outfit first, as a New Orleans senior you have some incredible options to stand out and get great senior photos.

What to Wear for Senior Photos:

3 photos of a senior student wearing different outfits as she is photographed for the perfect outfit for senior portraits in New Orleans.

Reflect Your Personality

The most important thing to keep in mind when choosing one or two outfits for your senior photos in New Orleans is to keep it authentic to who you are at this point in your life. Think about your interest and personality, if you are an artistic soul a stylish creative attire that shows your unique flair will shine. If you are more sporty senior, think of a casual outfit. If you are an old soul, a vintage dress and shoes can look amazing. The goal is to highlight who you are, not just what’s trending. And the best part is you can bring two outfits to wear for your portraits. Start with the one that takes the most to put on and don’t be afraid to go big!

A high school senior girls posing for portraits in front of a red fire house door in a vintage dress. The Perfect Outfit for Senior Portraits

Incorporate Personal Elements

Your outfit for your senior photo shoot doesn’t have to be just about the clothes. If you have a ring or necklace that has sentimental value, a car that holds your heart, or a coffee shop that has been key to your high school experience, let’s include these memories in your portraits. These touches add depth and individuality to your photos making them more meaningful in the years to come.

Several pictures of a senior wearing her senior cap in a lush garden neighborhood of New Orleans.

Coordinate with Your Location

Consider the location of your New Orleans senior photos when selecting your outfit. There are so many iconic locations around New Orleans it’s important to think about what colors you will be around, bold or more natural. Senior photos in the French Quarter, for example, will be utilizing rich, weathered and bold colors of the historic homes of the Vieux Carré. Bring on the fancy dress for one outfit option to add to the drama of the French Quarter. For senior photos in City Park, consider more neutral colors, jeans and a polo shirt for boys always look stylish and pulled together.

A high school senior girl posing in the French Quarter wearing a blue dress in front of jewel colored buildings for a story about the perfect outfit for senior portraits.

Choose Complementary Colors

Pick colors that complement your skin tone and eye color. Soft, neutral colors are often flattering and provide a timeless look. Avoid overly bright colors, neons, fluorescent pink and busy patterns that draw attention away from your face. Instead, opt for clothing in shades that enhance your natural features and blend harmoniously with the background. Take a look at some of the Best Photo Locations in New Orleans for some inspiration on where to take your senior photos.

A young high school age girl posing in front of the bright houses of the Bywater for senior portraits in New Orleans.

Avoid Logos and Text

Outfits with large logos or text can be distracting and dated. Stick to solid colors or subtle patterns for a more classic and timeless look. Plus we might add some of your new college swag!

A high school senior holding a sign and smiling for Auburn University.

Pay Attention to Fit

Ensure that clothing fits well, avoiding items that are too tight or too loose. Properly fitting clothes that look good while standing and sitting will help you feel more comfortable and confident.

A high school senior sitting on a newspaper stand in front of a brightly colored wall in the French Quarter for senior photos in New Orleans.

Incorporate Textures & Layer

Textures like knits, denim and silk can add visual interest to your final portraits. Mixing textures can create a rich layered look that enhances your look and give you more options to play with jackets, scarves and color. Or bring on that prom dress that you love, it might be time to let it shine one more time!

A woman in an orange dress and cowboy boots on a brightly colored stoop and pink house in New Orleans for senior portraits.

Think About Footwear

Make sure the shoes you bring are on the newer side, clean and comfortable to walk in. Footwear is always a great place to add personality for both boy and girl seniors. Bring on the color and pattern! If you are going from a more elevated dress to casual outfit, bring shoes for both options.

A high school senior wearing a green dress in a field and a sequence gown sitting in a tree.

Prepare for Changes

The final checklist should include up to two outfits and your gap and gown (if ready) for your senior photos in New Orleans. Start your session wearing your favorite outfit, ironed and prepared. During our session we can stop at a place to change if possible but practice doing it quick so you don’t loose too much of your photo time.

The Perfect Outfits for Your Senior Portraits take a little bit of planning and creativity but by paying attention to details and keeping your clothing authentic to you, capturing this time in your life will be effortless. If you are shopping locally in the crescent city, here are a few of my favorite boutiques to find something unique!

Peony NOLA

Century Girl Vintage

Trashy Diva

West London Boutique

For Guys:

Tasc NOLA

Perlis

Vegas New Orleans

A senior boy reflected in the rearview mirror of his red jeep for senior portraits at Lake Pontchartrain in New Orleans.

The Perfect Outfit for your Senior Portraits

What to wear for your senior photos can be a lot of fun when you are awaiting your session date. Mix it up, casual and fancy, high heels and tennis shoes, bring your class ring or your cap and gown. And most of all, any outfits for your senior photo shoot should show off your personality. If you are a dancer, bring your pointe shoes and let’s take a one-of-a-kind photo in an epic location that speaks to your years of training. If you just got your first car, let’s highlight how much you love it. Senior photos in New Orleans can be unlike anywhere else, using creative locations and creating an ensemble that you feel great in can lead to incredible senior photos that help you remember who you are this year and all that you have accomplished.

a woman in a dress dancing on a dock for high school portraits in New Orleans.

Are you ready to book your senior portraits in New Orleans? Let’s chat! Senior photos are about you and what makes you excited in this time of your life. Let’s talk location and let me know what perfect outfit you plan on wearing to celebrate the end of high school and the start of your next chapter in life.

About Jennifer

When you work with me for your family, maternity + newborn photos, you’re getting a lifelong, professional in my field (not just a photography enthusiast) dedicated to providing families with meaningful portraits of the most special time in their lives whether it's the big moments or the smaller ones.

Interested in booking a session?

CONTACT JENNIFER

504-388-8739
mail@twirlphotography.com

New Orleans Family Photographer