The outfit question is usually the one that makes moms and seniors spiral a little.


What should she wear? How many outfits should we bring? Do patterns work? Are jeans okay? What about boots? Should we buy something new? What if nothing feels right?


First, take a breath.


You do not have to figure this out alone. Wardrobe planning is part of the AKP senior experience. When you book your senior session, your $175 session deposit is applied toward your collection, and the planning process includes outfit guidance that fits your senior, your locations, and the type of portraits you want.


Most AKP senior families invest around $950 to $1,100 for the full senior experience, and wardrobe help is part of making that investment work well.


Here are five outfit ideas that consistently photograph beautifully, plus a few mistakes to avoid.


1. Solid colors with depth


Solid colors are almost always a strong choice because they let the focus stay where it belongs, on your senior's face.


Think dusty blue, sage, olive, cream, camel, rust, burgundy, navy, charcoal, soft pink, or deeper jewel tones. These colors photograph beautifully in Southeast Kansas because they work with our fields, trees, brick, river areas, and studio settings.


The goal is not to make the outfit disappear. The goal is to keep it from taking over.


Colors I would be careful with include neon shades, very bright red, bright orange, and stark white right next to the face. Those can draw attention away from the senior or create lighting issues on camera.


2. Textures that add interest


Texture photographs so well.


A knit sweater, denim jacket, linen shirt, suede jacket, leather detail, lace sleeve, or structured blazer can add depth without being busy. Texture adds interest to the portrait, but it does not compete with the senior's expression.


This is especially helpful when the outfit is simple. A cream sweater with great texture will usually photograph better than a busy patterned top that looked cute on the hanger.


3. Layers


Layers are one of my favorite wardrobe tools.


A jacket over a dress. A flannel over a tank. A cardigan over jeans. A blazer with a simple top. Layers give us more variety without needing a full outfit change.


They also help seniors know what to do with their hands. Adjusting a jacket, holding a lapel, slipping a hand into a pocket, or moving a sleeve can create natural posing moments.


Layers are especially helpful for seniors who feel awkward at first. They give us movement, shape, and something to interact with.


4. Something that feels like your senior


This is the one I care about most.


The best outfit is often something your senior already owns and loves.


If she wears boots all the time, bring the boots. If he lives in a denim jacket, bring the jacket. If your senior loves dresses, let them wear the dress. If they are more comfortable in jeans and a simple top, that can be beautiful too.


The point of senior portraits is not to dress your teen up as someone they are not. The point is to photograph who they are right now in the best possible way.


When the outfit feels like them, they move differently. They relax. The portraits look more honest.


5. One statement piece


A statement piece can be amazing when it is used with restraint.


A great hat. A leather jacket. A bold pair of boots. A unique dress. A vintage jacket. A piece of jewelry with meaning. One strong item can bring personality to the session.


The key is one.


When every piece of the outfit is competing for attention, the portrait gets busy. Choose the statement piece, then let the rest of the outfit support it.


Outfit mistakes to avoid


Busy patterns can be distracting. Small stripes, tight checks, and loud florals can pull the eye away from your senior's face. Some patterns can even create strange visual effects on camera.


Large logos and text are usually not ideal. Our brains automatically read words when they appear in a photo, so the shirt can become the focus instead of the person.


Brand new clothes can be risky. If your senior has never worn the outfit before, have them wear it around the house first. Sit in it. Walk in it. Make sure it moves well and feels comfortable.


Do not forget shoes. Shoes show more than people expect, especially in senior sessions where we do full-length and movement-based poses. They do not have to be fancy, but they need to match the outfit and be clean enough for portraits.


Do not bring too many outfits. More is not always better. Too many choices can make the session feel rushed. AKP collections are built around a clear number of outfits so we can create variety without turning the whole session into a changing-room marathon.


How many outfits do you need?


It depends on the collection.


  • The Simplicity Collection includes 2 outfits.
  • The Deluxe Collection includes 3 outfits.
  • The Platinum Collection includes 4 outfits.


That structure helps us plan intentionally. Each outfit should have a purpose. Maybe one is casual, one is dressy, one is editorial, and one is tied to an activity, sport, or personal interest.



The bottom line


The best senior portrait outfit is not the trendiest one.


It is the one that helps your senior feel confident, comfortable, and like themselves.


Your outfit should support the portrait. It should not steal the portrait.


When you book with AKP, I will help you think through all of this so you are not guessing the night before the session.


If you are ready to start planning, email Hello@AprilKroenke.com or visit AprilKroenke.com.