Senior Portrait Guide

What to wear for your senior pictures.

A quick guide for seniors and parents — how to choose outfits, colors, and accessories that photograph beautifully and look like you.

Dress like the best version of you

Senior portraits are a milestone — the photos you and your family will keep for years. The right outfit helps you feel confident and relaxed, and that always shows in the final images.

This guide walks through the simple choices that make the biggest difference. None of it is complicated: when you feel good in what you are wearing, the camera sees it.

For our paid on-campus sessions, you will be photographed in yearbook attire and in cap and gown. The free headshot session is formal head and shoulder poses only, with no cap and gown, and formal wear is provided by the photographer. If you add the extra-outfit option, that is your chance to show a sport, club, or personal style — so plan one look you are excited about.

Yearbook Portrait Requirements

Your school mandates the use of a tuxedo or drape for your yearbook portrait.

Tuxedos and drapes will be supplied by BNC Images.
Gentlemen should wear a white t-shirt, while ladies are encouraged to wear either a tube top or a spaghetti-strap tank top for comfort beneath the velvet drape.

Caps and gowns will also be available for the paid sessions. If you wish to include an additional outfit, please remember to bring it along.

Outfits

Choosing your outfits

A few guidelines to help you pick clothes that look great on camera and feel comfortable through the session.

Fit, comfort & timeless style

Choose clothes that fit well — not too loose, not too tight.
Press or steam everything the night before so it looks crisp.
Solid colors photograph better than busy prints.
Skip large logos and trendy graphics that will date the photo.
If you cannot stop fidgeting with it, leave it at home — classic styles you will still love in ten years win every time.

Make it personal

Adding the extra-outfit option? That is your chance to show a sport, club, or personal style.
A team jersey, instrument, or club shirt adds real personality.
Bring something that tells your story this year.
When it means something to you, it shows in your expression.

Color

Colors that photograph well

Pick shades that flatter your skin tone and keep the focus on your face.

Two easy rules

Match your undertone. Warm skin tones glow in earthy shades — gold, rust, olive, and warm reds. Cooler tones pop in blues, greens, purples, and deep jewel tones.

Let your face lead. Solid, richer colors keep attention where it belongs. Neutrals like cream, gray, and navy are timeless; deep tones like burgundy and forest green add a little drama.

Tip: avoid neon brights and tight stripes or small checks — they can buzz or distract on camera.

Quick reference

Do this, skip that

Do

Wear solid, flattering colors
Bring layers — a jacket or cardigan adds options
Keep jewelry simple and meaningful
Get a fresh haircut a week before (not the day of)
Steam or iron everything ahead of time
Choose clothes you can move and sit in comfortably

Skip

Loud patterns, stripes, and big logos
Shoes — they won't be in the photos (see note below)
Heavy or distracting makeup
Sunburn or fresh tan lines from the day before
Anything that does not quite fit
Trendy pieces you will not like in a few years

No shoes needed

All senior session poses are head & shoulder, three-quarter, and close-up posed portraits — there are no full-body shots, so your shoes will not appear in any of the images. Focus on your top, and come comfortable.

Day-of checklist

A little prep goes a long way. Run through this before your session.

Outfits clean, pressed, and ready the night before
Hair styled the way you feel best in
Natural makeup that enhances, not hides
Nails tidy if hands may show
Simple, meaningful accessories packed
Extra-outfit look ready (if you added it)
Get good sleep — it really does show
Arrive a few minutes early and relax