Now What to Wear?!

If I haven’t told you already, I am SO EXCITED to capture your senior session. Now it’s time to start planning your outfits. I truly believe that thoughtfully planning your outfits (and locations) in advance is the recipe for jaw dropping senior photos. I’ve put together some information to help guide you as you put together your outfits. While it can be fun to shop for new pieces, don’t feel like you have to buy brand new items for each of your outfits. You likely already have some great pieces in your wardrobe that will photograph beautifully.

If you booked the Diamond or Sapphire Senior Collection- I ask that you bring photos of your outfit selections to your Outfit and Location Consultation with me! At this consultation we will plan the rest of your senior session around these outfits. If you booked the Opal Senior Collection- please email me photos of your outfit selection two weeks prior to your session.

As a reminder, Diamond Seniors will wear four outfits for their session, Sapphire Seniors will wear three and Opal will wear one. It also doesn’t hurt for anyone to bring a backup just in case of any unforeseen outfit catastrophes. I hope you find the information below helpful- I can’t wait to see what you create!

Think about these things when planning your outfits...

Comfort

Your photos will turn out the best if you are comfortable and confident in what you are wearing! You should be able to move freely in each outfit. Tight/short skirts and low cut tops can sometimes limit the posing and camera angles available. These items are not off limits, but just make sure you incorporate other outfits where you can do all of the movement. I want you to feel like yourself in each outfit! Look for outfits that highlight your personality and style.

Texture

Lace, fringe, or feather details, chunky sweaters, flowy maxi dresses, fluffy skirts are what I dream of! Incorporating these details will help your photos look more polished and interesting.

Colors

Consider colors that will compliment your skin tone. Royal blue or light blue, soft pinks or bubblegum pinks, olive greens or emerald greens, and jewel tones, are all examples of colors that photograph beautifully! Try to mix in some neutral pieces as well.

Accessories

Accessorizing your outfits is the icing on top of the cake! Some accessories I love are stacked bracelets, layered necklaces, or statement earrings. Accessorizing doesn't just have to be just jewelry either. I LOVE a cool pair of boots! You could also choose a pair of sunglasses, a floppy hat in the warmer months, or a scarf or cute beanie in the fall. Try to incorporate some type of statement accessory into each outfit and mix them up throughout.

Variety is Key

It’s important to add variety to your outfits so that you are getting the most out of your senior session. When you choose outfits that look similar, (ex. Pink tank with light jeans and white tank with dark jeans) your final gallery may turn out a little bland. Instead try to focus on incorporating a variety of outfit styles. This will ensure your final gallery feels fresh and interesting. To help visualize a variety of different outfit selections, I’ve created some categories for you to create within. Choose the categories that speak the most to you, and create within those suggestions. These are meant to inspire you- feel free to break the “rules” as you see fit!

Elevated Casual

Jeans and a nice top paired with a cute sneaker or heel. Think of a basic outfit that you would wear to school or to the mall but level it up a little bit with accessories!

Dressy

Rompers, skirts, dresses, etc.! Pretend you’re dressing up for a boujee brunch date with the girls. I also love when seniors take a little bit more of a boho dressy vibe like a long flowing dress on the beach.

Timeless/Classic

This one screams white dress, or white tank with jeans to me. That is a classic senior session outfit that will never go out of style or look dated. Don’t be afraid to put a twist on this one. Could also be a little black dress! This outfit will also look great at a variety of locations, but most often my seniors choose the beach.

Personality/Something Unique to You and Props!

I LOVE when my seniors incorporate their interests and hobbies into their session. Maybe you’re an avid horseback rider and want to show off your boots! (Can we also take photos with your horse, please?!) Maybe you want to show off all those medals you won in your high school track career. Maybe you’re a dancer and you want to show off those pointe shoes! Maybe you’re a bookworm and we’ll photograph you on a blanket surrounded by stacks of books. Do you drive an epic car? Is your grandma’s vintage pantsuit special to you? Etcetera, etcetera! This is your chance to really show off who you are in this era of your life and often the ones that bring back the most memories when you look back on them years later.

Statement/Trendy/Bold

This is your chance to step out of your comfort zone a little bit. Have that one statement piece in your closet but you haven’t had any opportunity to wear it out yet? Jean jumpsuit, leather pants, big faux fur jacket, etc.!

For the Guys...

Guys! I'm so glad you're here. A lot of the same advice provided above is applicable to you as well! Variety is key and I encourage you to create outfits within the categories above. Some men's clothing items that photograph well are henley shirts, Polos, button up shirts, letterman jackets, flannels, suit jackets... the possibilities are endless! Don't forget to accessorize by incorporating your favorite sneakers, a watch, or your beloved guitar or hockey stick!

Let's Shop!

As you likely know, our shopping options in the Upper Peninsula can be limited. That is another reason why it is important to start planning early. If you find something you love online, it is imperative you have enough time to order/try on/exchange if necessary before your shoot. Here is a list of local and non-local places I love for senior session pieces.

• Red Jacket Boutique - 107 S Front St, Marquette, MI 49855
• COVE Boutique - currently 209 West Ohio Street, Marquette, Michigan 49855 but moving to 110 North 3rd Street
• Fancy Free - 131 E Michigan St, Marquette, MI 49855
• Modern Drift Boutique - 803 N Teal Lake Ave, Negaunee, MI 49866
• T. J. Maxx - 3540 US-41, Marquette, MI 49855
• Target - 3250 US-41, Marquette, MI 49855
• Altar'd State
• Dry Goods
• Free People
• H&M
• Abercrombie

Wow! After sitting down and getting all of my thoughts about what to wear to your senior session out on paper, I’m even more excited to get back behind the camera and shoot your session! In the meantime, don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or want my opinion on anything. I can’t wait to see what we will create together!

xoxo, Bri