What to Wear for Senior Photos: Outfit Tips & Trends for Guys

familykansas city

Oct 23

Senior year is full of milestones, and one of the most exciting is capturing your personality and story in your senior portraits. I still remember helping one of my senior clients last spring — let’s call him Tyler. He walked into his consultation looking a little overwhelmed, clutching three mismatched shirts and a pair of worn sneakers.

We spent time pulling pieces from his closet, mixing and matching outfits until he had three completely different looks: a polished navy blazer paired with dark denim, a relaxed layered flannel with a henley, and his letterman jacket to show off his years of hard work on the field.

The transformation wasn’t just in the outfits — Tyler walked into his session confident and at ease, ready to have fun. That’s the magic of planning ahead. And if you’re gearing up for your own senior photos, I want to help you feel the same way.

Senior boy adjusts his collar as he walks in fall in Kansas City.

Start with Your Personality

Your senior portraits should tell your story. The best outfits aren’t just trendy — they reflect who you are right now.

Ask yourself:

Do you feel most comfortable dressed up or casual?
Are you all about clean, classic looks, or do you want to bring some bold personality?
Do you want your gallery to feel adventurous, laid-back, or timeless?

Here are a few personality-driven styles that photograph beautifully:

Classic & Clean: Crisp button-downs, neutral chinos, and fitted blazers.
Relaxed & Casual: Dark jeans, crewneck sweaters, henleys, or layered hoodies.
Athletic Edge: Letterman jackets, team jerseys, joggers, and sneakers.
Stylish Trendsetter: Slim-fit blazers, patterned shirts, statement shoes.

Choose Colors That Flatter You and the Setting

The right colors make a huge difference in how your photos feel. Here’s what works best:

Timeless neutrals: Navy, grey, tan, black, and cream never go out of style and pair well with almost any location.
Seasonal tones:
- Jewel tones like emerald, burgundy, and sapphire stand out beautifully in the fall and against Kansas City’s urban backdrops.
- Soft blues, sage, and cream create an airy, effortless vibe for spring and summer sessions.
Local pro tip:
- Loose Park: Soft neutrals and pale blues pop against lush greenery.
- Crossroads District murals: Stick with monochrome or simple solids to avoid competing with vibrant backgrounds.
- Liberty Memorial skyline views: Deep jewel tones stand out beautifully against cityscapes.

Skip neons, overly busy patterns, and large logos; they pull attention away from your face.

Teen boy and his skateboard in Kansas City.

Outfit Ideas for Every Style

1. Elevated Casual

The sweet spot between polished and comfortable. Perfect for most senior galleries.

Slim-fit dark jeans with a neutral crewneck sweater.
Henley layered under a bomber or denim jacket.
Clean white sneakers or boots for a pulled-together finish.

2. Timeless Suiting

Want a classic, sophisticated look? A suit or blazer photographs beautifully.

Stick with neutral suits like navy, charcoal, or grey.
Pair with a crisp white or pale blue shirt.
Add personality through patterned ties, pocket squares, or layered blazers.

3. Sporty or Hobby-Centered Looks

If sports, music, or other passions are a big part of your story, include one outfit that reflects it.

Letterman jacket layered over dark jeans.
Team jersey or branded gear styled casually.
Props like a guitar, baseball bat, or skateboard can be incorporated naturally.

4. Layer for Depth

Layering creates visual interest and gives you more variety without extra outfits.

Flannel shirt over a henley for cozy fall vibes.
Lightweight hoodie under a structured blazer for an urban edge.
Denim jackets, bomber jackets, or cardigans always photograph well.

Teen walks with backpack in Kansas City.

Accessories, Shoes & Grooming

Accessories

Less is more. Choose subtle details that enhance rather than distract:

Watches, leather bracelets, and simple chains work beautifully.
Avoid oversized, flashy pieces that compete for attention.

Shoes

Shoes matter more than you think; they finish the look.

Clean white sneakers, polished brown boots, or neutral loafers photograph best.
Avoid worn-out athletic shoes unless they’re part of your intended vibe.

Grooming

Confidence shows when you’re polished and photo-ready:

Get a fresh haircut one to two weeks before your session, not the day before.
Trim facial hair if you wear it.
Keep nails clean and moisturized; close-ups may capture your hands.

Prep Like a Pro

A little planning makes your session smooth and stress-free:

Bring 2–3 complete outfits: one casual, one dressy, and one personality-driven.
Try on everything beforehand, including shoes and accessories.
Steam or iron outfits the day before your session.
Pack a “just in case” kit with a lint roller, fashion tape, and wrinkle release spray.
Stick with a cohesive color palette so your gallery flows beautifully.

Senior boy plays guitar on roof in Kansas City.

Your Style, Your Story

Senior photos are about capturing who you are right now; your personality, your style, your energy. The best outfits are the ones that feel authentic to you and photograph beautifully.

If you’re ready to create senior portraits you’ll be proud to look back on for years, let’s plan your session together.