If you are a mom to a graduating high school senior guy in Edmond or the greater OKC area, I bet you need some help coordinating outfits for your son’s senior pictures. As an Oklahoma senior photographer for several years now, I have come up with some tips and tricks to helping your son look his best for his senior photos! Let’s dive in!

Tips For What to Wear For Senior Pictures for Guys

1. FORMAL: A sharp, well-fitted suit is always a classy way to dress up your senior session. Want to elevate this option? Select a suit outside of the expected colors of black, gray, or navy. Suits in burgundy, emerald green, or light blue can create a modern look when styled well.

2. CASUAL: No, this doesn’t mean gym shorts or sweatpants. This is the area for jeans, shorts, and fashionable tees. Keep it modern and fresh by adding some color and layer coordinating tones.

3. SOPHISTICATED: This is where dressy meets casual – think of this as an outfit you would wear on a date. Pro tip: layers are the trick with sophisticated outfits – sport coats over button-ups, or a button-up under a sweater, for example.

General Tips and Tricks for Outfits for Guys Senior Pictures

I know that most of our guys aren’t super interested in fashion, but you, their Mommas, want them to look their best for their senior photo session! That’s why I’ve compiled a short list of tips, tricks, and advice for putting together your guy senior portrait outfits.

– your leathers should always match (brown shoes = brown belt)

– when considering a tie, pocket square, or socks, go for a contrast in colors to your main outfit colors (don’t make it too matchy matchy in colors – go for a difference in shades)

– switch out your sneakers for desert, Chukkas or Chelsea boots for an instantly more elevated look

– a casual outfit can be paired with lighter shades and fabrics in your belt (linen, suede, etc)

– switch out your apple watch for a metal or leather watch for pictures as apple watches will date your pictures while metal or leather watches are always timeless

-mix it up: bring a variety of colors, styles, and accessories for your session

-tailored is better: bring outfits that fit your body type to ensure you don’t look sloppy or heavier than you actually are.

Needing more help putting together your son’s senior session wardrobe?

Here’s 3 quick tips for putting your son’s outfits together for his senior pictures:

1. Don’t shy away from color. If all of your outfits are khaki and white, it’s time to switch it up. Throw in some olive green, or sky blue (depending on your color tones) for a more eye catching outfit that will add a ton of interest to your session.

2. Layers are ALWAYS in style. If you are bringing an outfit that you can throw a jacket or sweater over, that will be a winning combination. Layers add an attractive dynamic to your outfits that can make them so much more interesting.

3. Stay away from graphics, logos, and busy prints. I know that your fave t-shirt may have a funny graphic or words on it, but your senior portrait session is NOT the time to wear it. Solid colors and graphic-less pieces can make you look more refined and classic.

Here’s an additional 3 tips on how to incorporate your college choice in to you senior pictures:

This is one of the most exciting times of your life and it’s time to document a new chapter! Why not include that next chapter with a few pics from your senior session?

#1. ACCEPTANCE BANNER: when you get your big acceptance letter in the mail, keep the banner they send you! Bring it to your session and pull it out for a few pics! Another great idea is to include one of these college pics on your grad announcement so you can tell everyone where you’re going in the fall!

#2. T-SHIRT / HOODIE: college gear is so exciting once you get your acceptance, and a great way to tell everyone where you’ll be spending your next four years is by wearing your new school in a few of your pictures!

#3. COLLEGE FLAG: this is a favorite of ours! Bring your collegiate flag and we’ll fly it with pride during your senior session!

I get it… senior guys usually hate having their pictures taken, but that doesn’t mean they have to look like a hot mess in their senior pics. Taking the time to curate well put together outfits can launch senior guy pics into the next level and have them looking sophisticated in no time.

Be sure to follow these quick tips to look effortlessly put together in your senior pics.

I am currently booking for Class of 2024 summer sessions! Sessions are filling up fast! Email me at brandi@brandipricephotography.com of complete the contact form on my website to begin the booking process.

If you enjoyed this post, you might also enjoy:

“Senior Picture Ideas for Guys”

“How To Prepare For Your Senior Pictures, For Guys!”

“OKC Senior Guy Portrait Session”