What to Wear for Senior Pictures in Minnesota
The complete style guide for seniors planning their Twin Cities senior session.
Planning your senior photos should be exciting—not stressful.
One of the first questions almost every senior asks is, "What should I wear?" The truth is, your outfits play a big role in the overall look and feel of your gallery, but choosing them doesn't have to be overwhelming.
After photographing seniors across Plymouth, Wayzata, Maple Grove, Minnetonka, and the Twin Cities, I've learned that the best senior photos don't come from wearing the trendiest clothes or buying an entirely new wardrobe. They come from wearing outfits that feel like you.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know - from choosing colors and planning outfits to shoes, accessories, and the little details that make all the difference. My goal is to help you feel confident before your session so you can focus on enjoying the experience while I take care of the rest.
Whether you're dreaming of wildflower fields, a lakeside sunset, or a modern city backdrop, these tips will help you create timeless senior photos you'll love for years to come.
Before You Start Shopping
Before you fill an online shopping cart or head to the mall, here's my biggest piece of advice:
Start in your own closet.
Some of my favorite senior sessions have featured outfits my seniors already owned. Maybe it's your favorite pair of jeans, a dress you always get compliments on, or a sweater that instantly makes you feel confident. Those pieces already feel natural - and that confidence shows in your photos.
If you'd like to add something new, go for it! But don't feel like you need an entirely new wardrobe just because you have senior pictures coming up.
Senior Photos Should Look Like You
One of my biggest goals is creating images that still feel authentic years from now.
Trends come and go, but your senior gallery should reflect who you are during this exciting season of life - not who social media says you should be.
If you live in sneakers, let's embrace sneakers.
If you love dresses, let's find one you feel amazing in.
If your style is classic, sporty, boho, modern, western, minimalist, trendy, or somewhere in between, we'll build your session around that.
The most beautiful senior photos happen when you feel comfortable enough to laugh, move naturally, and simply enjoy the experience. That's something no outfit can replace.
Building the Perfect Senior Session Wardrobe
Planning your outfits doesn't have to be complicated. In fact, the best senior galleries usually come from 2–3 thoughtfully planned outfits rather than a closet full of options. Instead of thinking about individual clothing pieces, think about creating complete looks. Every outfit should feel like a different side of your personality while still looking cohesive when your final gallery comes together.
Whether your senior session takes place in a flower field, along a lake, in downtown Wayzata, or at one of my favorite parks around Plymouth and the Twin Cities, the goal is always the same: creating a gallery that feels timeless, natural, and uniquely you.
Think in Complete Outfits
One of the biggest mistakes I see is planning only the clothes.
Instead, plan the entire look from head to toe.
Before your session, lay each outfit out on your bed or floor and make sure you have everything ready:
✓ Top or dress
✓ Bottom (if needed)
✓ Shoes
✓ Jewelry
✓ Jacket or layering piece
✓ Hair accessories
✓ Belt (if wearing one)
✓ Undergarments
✓ Props or accessories that go with that look
Taking a few minutes to see everything together helps you catch missing pieces before session day and makes outfit changes quick and stress-free.
Build a Gallery That Tells Your Story
The best senior galleries include a mix of looks that feel like different sides of your personality. Instead of bringing three similar outfits, I recommend planning 2–3 looks that each have a different vibe.
Everyday You
Start with something comfortable and authentic - an outfit you'd naturally wear and feel great in. Think your favorite jeans, a great top, clean sneakers, or a casual button-down.
Elevated & Timeless
Choose one outfit that's a little more polished. Whether it's a flowy dress, jumpsuit, matching set, or chinos with a polo, this look creates those classic portraits you'll love for years to come.
Bold & Fashion-Forward
Finally, have a little fun. I always encourage seniors to bring one outfit that pushes their style just a bit. Maybe it's a bold color, a trendy silhouette, a statement jacket, or cowboy boots - a look you've been wanting to try. It should still feel like you - just the most confident version of you.
✨ Anna's Tip
If you're unsure about an outfit, bring it anyway! We'll go through everything together before we start, and sometimes the outfit you're most hesitant about ends up being everyone's favorite.
Layers Make Every Outfit Better
If I could recommend one styling trick that instantly elevates almost any outfit, it would be adding layers especially in the fall!
Layers create depth, movement, and variety without requiring an entirely new outfit.
Some of my favorites include:
- Denim jackets
- Oversized button-down shirts
- Knit cardigans
- Blazers
- Leather jackets
- Quarter-zips
- Lightweight sweaters
An added bonus? We can easily remove or put on a jacket or layer halfway through your session for an entirely different look without changing outfits.
Don't Forget Texture
Texture is one of those details most people don't think about—but photographers definitely notice.
Natural fabrics photograph beautifully because they add depth without distracting from you.
Some favorites include:
- Linen
- Knit sweaters
- Lace
- Eyelet fabrics
- Ribbed knits
- Corduroy
- Suede
- Embroidered details
Flowy fabrics deserve a special mention. They move beautifully in the breeze and add a sense of motion that makes your photos feel effortless and alive.
Keep Accessories Simple
Accessories are the finishing touch - not the main event.
A few thoughtfully chosen pieces can elevate an outfit without making it feel overdone.
Some of my favorites include:
- Layered necklaces
- Small hoops or simple earrings
- Rings
- Watches/Bracelets
- A favorite purse for a few photos
Choose accessories that complement your outfit without pulling attention away from your face
Shoes Matter More Than You Think
Your shoes will appear in far more photos than most seniors expect, so don't leave them as an afterthought.
The good news? They don't need to be fancy. They just need to fit your style and be clean.
Some of my favorite choices include:
Girls
Neutral sandals
White sneakers
Fashion sneakers
Western boots
Ankle boots
Simple heels (if you're comfortable walking in them)
Bare Feet!
Guys
Clean white sneakers
Adidas Sambas
New Balance sneakers
Leather sneakers
Chelsea boots
Casual boots
Loafers
✨ Anna's Tip
Give your shoes a quick wipe before your session. It's one of the easiest ways to make your entire outfit look polished in photos.
The Best Colors for Outdoor Senior Photos
The colors you wear can completely change the look and feel of your gallery. The goal isn't to match your location - it's to complement it. Whether we're shooting in a flower field, by the lake, or exploring one of my favorite Twin Cities locations, choosing the right colors helps keep the focus where it belongs: on you.
Timeless Neutrals
Soft neutrals like cream, ivory, beige, tan, oatmeal, white, and light denim photograph beautifully in every season. They create a clean, timeless look that never goes out of style.
Don't Be Afraid of Color
While neutrals are always a great choice, don't shy away from color. Rich, earthy tones like emerald, burgundy, fushia, mustard, dusty blue, and sage green add personality while still photographing beautifully outdoors.
Skip the Distractions
To keep the focus on you, I recommend avoiding:
- Neon colors or pure black
- Large logos or graphics
- Tiny stripes or micro-patterns that can distort on camera
✨ Anna's Tip
If you're stuck between two outfits, send me a photo! I'm always happy to help you choose what will photograph best.
Need More Outfit Inspiration?
Still putting your outfits together? I've created a Pinterest board filled with outfit ideas for every style - from casual and classic to bold and fashion-forward.
Hair, Makeup & The Finishing Touches
The goal isn't to look like someone else - it's to look like the best version of yourself.
Professional hair and makeup can be a fun way to elevate your session, but it's never a requirement. Whether you book a stylist or do everything yourself, choose a look that still feels natural and comfortable/
A few things I recommend:
- Schedule haircuts or color appointments about a week before your session.
- If you're doing your own makeup, apply just a little more than you normally would, as cameras tend to soften makeup.
- Bring a small touch-up kit with lip gloss, powder, a brush, bobby pins, and hairspray if needed.
- If you wear glasses every day, wear them! They're part of who you are.
✨ Anna's Tip
Don't try a brand-new hairstyle, makeup look, or skincare product the day before your session. Stick with what makes you feel confident.
Things to Avoid
A few simple choices can make a big difference in your final gallery.
I recommend avoiding:
- Large logos or graphics
- Neon colors
- Tiny stripes or micro-patterns
- Clothes that don't fit comfortably
- Wrinkled clothing
- Dirty or heavily worn shoes
Where to Shop
Need a little shopping inspiration? Here are a few of my favorite places to find outfits for senior sessions.
Budget-Friendly
- Target
- American Eagle
- Aerie
- H&M
- Marshalls/TJ Maxx
Trendy
- Abercrombie
- Zara
- Princess Polly
- ASOS
- Mango
Timeless Investment Pieces
- Madewell
- Anthropologie
- Nordstrom
- Evereve
- Banana Republic
Remember - you don't need an entirely new wardrobe. One or two new pieces paired with clothes you already love is often the perfect combination.
A Note From Me
Senior year is such an exciting season of life, and I truly believe your photos should reflect who you ar - not just what was trending that year.
Don't stress about finding the "perfect" outfit. Together, we'll choose the best locations, the best light, and the outfits that photograph beautifully while still feeling authentic to you.
Most importantly, I want you to have fun. I'll guide you through every pose, help you feel comfortable in front of the camera, and make sure you leave your session feeling confident and celebrated.
I can't wait to create something beautiful together.
– Anna