Style Guide
For Him
Senior year is a big deal, even if you don’t always feel like celebrating it with a photo shoot. This guide is here for you—and your mom, sister, or anyone helping you prepare—to make the whole process easy and stress-free. It’s designed to take the guesswork out of what to wear and how to get ready, so you can focus on just being yourself.
What should I wear?
Your senior photos aren’t just about the background or the camera — they’re about showing who you are at this exact moment in life. And believe it or not, what you wear is one of the biggest pieces of that story. The right outfit can completely change how you carry yourself. Even if being in front of the camera isn’t your favorite thing, having the right outfit adds a level of confidence that can make the entire session feel more natural.
The best starting point is simple: choose the best version of what you already wear. If jeans and a tee are your everyday style, pick the cleanest, best-fitting pair of each. You’re not trying to reinvent yourself for these photos — you’re taking what’s already you and turning up the polish just a little. And when you’re choosing between brands or fit, remember this: prioritize fit over labels. A shirt that sits right on your shoulders and pants that move with you will always photograph better than something expensive that feels stiff or awkward.
QUICK TIP:
Make sure all your outfits are freshly washed and wrinkle free. Even the best outfit can look sloppy if crumpled.
Once you have your colors nailed down, it’s time to decide exactly what to bring. Plan for one to three outfits, depending on your session length. If you’re going with just one, make it count with a clean, polished look — dark or medium-wash jeans or nice, well-fitting shorts with a button-up or Henley, paired with clean shoes, is a timeless combination that will never go out of style. You can also add variety to a single outfit with layers, like throwing on a jacket, flannel, or sweater midway through—this creates a fresh look in seconds without needing a full change. If you are brining two outfits, consider adding something more relaxed — well-fitting jeans or chinos with a casual tee or polo and your everyday shoes. This keeps things neat but still feels like the real you on a regular day, and offers a nice balance to your more polished look. If you’re going all out and bringing three complete outfits, most bring a slightly dressier option that still feels comfortable. A crisp button-up shirt (sleeves rolled or worn under a fitted sweater) with chinos or dark jeans works great. You can keep it casual, or add a tie for a classic touch—perfect for a few “mom’s favorite” shots before switching back to a relaxed vibe. Another great is something personal to you—a team jersey or uniform, which adds personality and variety to your gallery. By being intentional with your outfit choices and planning a thoughtful mix of styles, you ensure your photos capture different aspects of who you are.
Once you’ve got the style in mind, it’s time to think about colors and patterns. Patterns and colors matter more than you might think — the right choices make you stand out in the best way, while the wrong ones can distract from the photo. In general, solids and textured fabrics like denim, flannel, or knitwear work beautifully, while loud prints, busy patterns, or large logos can compete with the scenery. Earth tones and muted shades are your best friends here — think olive greens, rich browns, warm tans, deep charcoal grays, and navy blues. These colors blend naturally with outdoor backdrops like fields, woods, and open skies. You can also pull inspiration from modern palettes that look great on camera:
Cool neutrals: Charcoal gray, slate blue, soft black
Warm naturals: Rust, burnt orange, mustard yellow, olive
Classic denim tones: Indigo, faded blue, stone wash
The goal isn’t to match every piece exactly, but to coordinate your tones so they complement both each other and the environment.
SIZING CHECKLIST
Shoulder seams lay on your shoulders
Pants stay up without a belt
Nothing is stretching or bunching
You can move comfortably
You feel confident wearing it
Grooming and Confidence
Alright, let’s be real—most guys aren’t exactly lining up to talk about grooming. But trust me, just a few small details can make a big difference in how your photos turn out. You don’t need to go overboard or spend hours in front of the mirror, but putting in a little effort helps you look sharp and feel more confident when the camera’s on you. Think of it like tuning up a bike before a ride—it’s the little tweaks that make the whole experience smoother.
A sharp outfit is only half the job. Even if you’re not into spending a lot of (or any) time in front of the mirror, showing up well-groomed instantly boosts your confidence and makes the photos look sharper. Get a haircut about a week before your session so it has time to settle in but still looks fresh. If you have facial hair, keep it trimmed and intentional, whether that means a clean shave, stubble, or a short beard. Avoid making big changes—like trying a new cut or shaving off a beard you’ve had for years—right before the shoot.
On the day of your session, spend an extra minute in the shower and really wash your face to keep your skin looking smooth and reduce shine under natural light. Check your nails—clean and trimmed nails look better than you’d think, especially if your hands are in close-up shots. If you have longer hair or your hair tends to misbehave in the wind, consider a light styling product to keep it in place. Finally, relax and be confident. Finally, relax and be confident. Stand tall with your shoulders back, take a deep breath, and remember to stay present in the moment. Confidence isn’t just about how you look—it’s about how you carry yourself, and that energy will shine through in every photo.
QUICK TIP:
If you wear glasses, consider anti-glare lenses or bringing a lens-less pair to reduce reflections in photos.
