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What to Wear for Senior Portraits

February 19, 2026 | By: Lisa Mongulla Photography

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A Style Guide to Feel Confident & Authentically You

Senior Portraits aren’t what they used to be — and honestly, that’s something to celebrate.

Gone are the days of stiff poses and one basic backdrop. Today, your senior portraits are about expression. Movement. Personality. They’re about capturing who you are right now — not just what grade you’re in.

This isn’t just about checking off a yearbook requirement. It’s about freezing this once-in-a-lifetime season before it flies by. The friendships. The growth. The goals you are chasing. The version of you that’s standing right on the edge of something new.

Your senior portraits should feel like:

The real you
The confident you
The relaxed, laughing, authentic you
The polished version of you stepping into your next chapter

This is your story. Your style. Your vibe.

As a trusted Westampton and South Jersey Senior Photographer, I’ve had the honor of guiding seniors through this exciting season of their life — creating portraits that feel natural, elevated, and completely personal.

And if you’re sitting there thinking, “Okay… but what do I even wear?” or “How do I make sure I look good?” — take a breath.

You don’t have to figure it out alone.

That’s where I come in.

My job isn’t just to take your photo. It’s to guide you. To help you choose outfits that feel like you but photograph beautifully. To make sure you’re comfortable, relaxed, and confident in front of the camera. To elevate your look without changing who you are.

We’ll plan it.
We’ll style it.
We’ll make it feel easy.

Because when you feel confident walking into your session, everything else falls into place.

So let’s walk through it together — and create something unforgettable. 

1️⃣ Start With Your Personality

The best senior portraits don’t start with trends — they start with you.

Are you:
• Athletic and competitive?
• Creative and expressive?
• Outdoorsy and laid back?
• Classic and polished?
• Confident and bold?

Your wardrobe should match your energy.

For girls, that might mean a flowy dress, structured blazer, or elevated denim look.
For guys, it could be a tailored button-down, layered hoodie and jacket combo, clean fitted jeans, or a sharp suit jacket with sneakers.

The goal isn’t to change your style. It’s to refine it just enough so it photographs beautifully.

2️⃣ Mix Elevated & Relaxed

The most dynamic senior sessions have range.

One polished look — think suit jacket, tailored shirt, dress, heels, boots.
One relaxed look — denim, sneakers, casual top, layered flannel, lightweight sweater.

That contrast creates dimension in your portraits.

Guys: A fitted button-down with sleeves rolled up photographs amazing. A clean, simple tee layered under a jacket gives depth without trying too hard.
Girls: Mixing textures like denim and soft cotton, or pairing boots with a dress, adds personality.

Variety keeps your portraits feeling complete — not repetitive.

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3️⃣ Incorporate What Defines This Season

Senior year isn’t just about outfits — it’s about identity.

If sports have shaped your high school experience, let’s represent that.
If music, art, or academics define you, we can subtly incorporate those elements.
If you want to rep your school in a stylish way, we can elevate that too.

For guys especially, this is where confidence shines — on the field, on the court, in your letterman jacket, or in a clean, confident portrait that feels strong and natural.

Meaningful details always make portraits more powerful.

4️⃣ Keep It Clean & Camera-Ready

The camera picks up details — which is great when we’re intentional.

Avoid:
• Neon colors
• Bright white
• Large logos
• Busy graphics
• Wrinkled clothing
• Worn-down shoes

Solid colors photograph best. Rich blues, earthy greens, deep reds, neutrals, soft grays — these tones work beautifully in natural light.

Guys: Make sure shirts fit well through the shoulders and arms. Clean sneakers or boots matter more than you think.
Girls: Keep accessories balanced and polished — not overwhelming.

Timeless always wins over trendy.

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5️⃣ Confidence Comes From Comfort

You can instantly tell when someone feels comfortable in what they’re wearing.

If you’re constantly adjusting, tugging, or second-guessing your outfit, it shows. Choose pieces that:
• Fit well
• Feel natural
• Let you move easily

Guys — this doesn’t mean you need to “dress up” if that’s not your style. It just means choosing elevated versions of what you already wear confidently.
Girls — the same applies. If you don’t feel good in it, skip it.

The goal is polished and authentic — not forced.

6️⃣ Plan With Intention (That’s Where I Come In)

The best senior sessions feel effortless because they were thoughtfully planned.

We'll schedule a pre-session consultation to talk through:
• Location and vibe
• Outfit combinations
• Layering options
• Personal elements
• What you want your portraits to feel like

You don’t have to figure it out alone.

My job is to guide you — to help refine your look, elevate your style, and make sure you walk into your session feeling confident and ready.

Below is a breakdown of available session options.

🕊️ Simplicity Session

Perfect for a clean, polished look.

  • One 30-minute session
  • One location
  • 1 digital portrait
  • Online gallery for 30 days

Great for: yearbook photos, cap & gown portraits, resumes, LinkedIn profiles, college or graduate school applications, and basic professional use.

Ideal for both high school seniors and college graduates who need a straightforward, professional image.

✨ Essential Session

A classic session with flexibility.

  • One 60-minute session
  • One location
  • 5 digital portraits
  • Online gallery for 30 days

Perfect for: individuals who want both personality-driven portraits and a refined professional headshot.

This session allows time to capture celebratory images along with a clean, confident headshot suitable for post-graduation opportunities.

 

🌟 Signature Session

A styled, well-rounded experience.

  • One 90-minute session
  • One location
  • 10 digital portraits
  • $500 product credit
  • Premier Design & Ordering Session
  • Online gallery for 60 days

Perfect for: seniors or college graduates who want gallery-worthy portraits plus professionally printed products.

The Headshot Add-On fits naturally into this session, offering a professional image alongside expressive, personal portraits.

💫 Ultimate Experience

The complete VIP experience.

  • One 2-hour session
  • Multiple curated locations
  • 20 digital portraits
  • $1000 product credit
  • Premier Design & Ordering Session
  • Online gallery for 60 days

Perfect for: those who want it all—multiple outfits, multiple settings, and meaningful storytelling.

This experience is ideal for capturing standout professional headshots while also celebrating graduation milestones in a more creative, personal way.

Pair a Professional Headshot With Any Session

Whether you’re finishing high school or preparing to graduate from college, a professional headshot is one of the most valuable images you can invest in. No matter which session you choose, the Headshot Add-On can be seamlessly included—giving you a polished, professional image that supports what comes next.

This add-on is designed to capture the image that works for you—for college applications, LinkedIn profiles, internships, job searches, graduate school, networking, and professional bios. It’s a simple, smart way to maximize your session by creating imagery that celebrates your achievement and prepares you for the next chapter.

You can learn more about the different session types here

Here’s what matters most: you don’t need a brand new wardrobe, you don’t need to dress like someone else, and you definitely don’t need to overthink it. You just need to show up as yourself. My job is to guide you, style you just enough to elevate your look, and make sure you feel confident and comfortable every step of the way. I’ll help you choose pieces that photograph beautifully while still feeling authentic to who you are. We can even schedule a pre-session consultation so you walk into your session feeling completely prepared and relaxed. Because this isn’t just a photo — it’s your senior year. And it deserves to be unforgettable. Ready to start planning? Let’s do it.

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