What to Wear for Your Graduation Photos
Your outfit sets the tone for your entire session. Here are outfit tips to make sure you look timeless and confident:
Solid Colors Always Win
Neutral tones like white, black, beige, navy, or earth tones photograph beautifully. They keep the focus on you instead of your clothes.
Neutral colors also help highlight your university colors in a more harmonious way. For dresses, white is the most common choice, but you can also opt for different undertones such as cream, pearl, or ivory. Colors—even white and black—have undertones. Some whites are cooler, while others are warmer, like those with a yellow undertone. Use this to your advantage depending on your skin tone. Don’t be afraid of wearing white.
Bring Two Outfit Options
Most seniors choose one casual look and one more formal look. This gives you variety in your gallery and works well for both indoor and outdoor settings.
If the package you choose doesn’t include a wardrobe change, you can always bring an additional piece of clothing to vary your final look a bit. For example, bringing along a university team jacket.
Comfort Is Key
Comfort isn’t just about avoiding pain—it also means feeling comfortable in your clothing. Try on your final outfit for the photos ahead of time. Make sure it fits well all over, and that you can walk and sit comfortably in it.
For those planning to wear a dress, please consider the length of the dress or skirt. If it’s very short, I recommend wearing a pair of small spandex shorts underneath for added comfort while posing. This will give you more freedom and confidence to try a wider variety of poses during the photoshoot.
For those choosing to wear a formal suit, try it on beforehand to make sure everything fits correctly. Check whether you need a belt, hemming, or any tailoring for the pants. Remember, paying attention to these details before the photoshoot is extremely important. If your pants or shirt are excessively loose, the final photos might not have the polished, formal look you were going for.
Make sure your shoes and outfits allow you to walk, sit, and pose easily. If you’re shooting on campus grounds, you may be walking a lot—bring a backup pair of comfy shoes for between spots.
Consider the Season
Illinois weather can be unpredictable.Please make sure to bring anything you might need for your comfort, even if your session is the shortest one of 30 minutes—your comfort is the most important thing to me. Bring a light cardigan, even in late spring, just in case the temperature drops.
Comfortable shoes are a MUST! You’ll be standing and walking around quite a bit, so if you can give your feet a break, even better! That way, you’ll enjoy the session much more.
Accessorize
Accessories can be a great way to show your personality—maybe your favorite sunglasses, shoes with a pop of your university’s colors, or the flag of your home country embroidered on your stole/sash. Don’t forget about the hair, thats also a great opportunity to show your self-expression.The options are endless and uniquely yours.
And if you decide not to bring anything, that’s perfectly fine too! You and your attitude during the session are the best and most important part.
Still lost? Lets tell a story.
If you still feel unsure about what to buy or wear for your session day, don’t worry. A great tip I give my clients is to think about a theme. What do you feel represents you, or what vibe would you like your final photos to have? Here are some examples:
Formal / Classic:
Also works for Minimal/Modern style if you want to open up your search inspiration.
A formal white dress for a daytime graduation photoshoot should be clean, simple, and elegant. A midi or cocktail length in a smooth, modest neckline—think of a dress you would wear to an interview or a formal event with your university chancellor. Simple fabric works best, creating a fresh and polished look. Its simplicity allows the graduation stole, sash, or gown colors to stand out beautifully in photos.
Suits, a well-fitted set tailored to your measurements is key. Make sure both the pants and the jacket are the same color and well-pressed. I recommend a navy blue suit to maintain a formal look in a softer, more daytime-friendly way.
If you want to wear a tie to add a bit more formality, I recommend using that opportunity to incorporate your university’s colors. It could be through small polka dots or a geometric pattern.
Names you can type for more style understanding and inspiration:
Jil Sander, The Row, Céline, Oscar de la Renta, Michael Kors, Carolina Herrera
Romantic
Soft, feminine, and delicate. Think light fabrics like chiffon or satin, subtle ruffles, lace details, or a gentle A-line silhouette, think about something Taylor Sift would wear.
Look for lots and lots of volume in the skirt! We want to create movement and the sensation of floating. For this type of dress, I love suggesting poses where you’re running or twirling.
Overall feel: dreamy, polished, and elegant—perfect for formal or semi-formal occasions.
A romantic-inspired men’s suit should feel soft, elegant, and slightly whimsical rather than overly formal or rigid. Think lighter fabrics like linen, soft wool, or cotton blends in pastel or muted tones. A well-fitted jacket with gentle tailoring and trousers that allow natural movement works best. Pairing it with a delicate tie or bow in soft colors or subtle patterns can add a charming, dreamy touch, perfect for a light, romantic daytime photoshoot.
Names you can type for more style understanding and inspiration:
Marchesa, Elie Saab, Zimmermann
Bohemian/ Relax formal
Soft textures, light fabrics, and subtle details like embroidery or lace, flowy silhouettes, earthy tones and effortless layering.
For men, light-colored suits with a relaxed cut. This style creates a sense of freedom and naturalness, perfect for outdoor photos.
Whether you’re into floaty silhouettes or romantic details, think of a day in the countryside, a picnic afternoon or even a early 2000s Coachella outfit—generally maxi or mid-length.
Overall feel: natural, airy, and easygoing—perfect for outdoor or casual-chic settings.
Names you can type for more style understanding and inspiration:
Chloé, Isabel Marant, Dôen, Massimo Dutti, Rixo, Anthroplogie, Farm Rio
Fun Glam
I love this category and how many difrent ways of playing around it there are. We could also describe it as avant-garde/ experimental, theatrical or even conceptual. I like to think if Vivian Westwood for this vibe. Its all about being dramatic, unique and confident.
Bold and eye-catching. Satin fabrics, sequins, or subtle sparkle add visual impact. Ideal for those who want their outfit to stand out and make a statement in photos.
Names you can type for more style understanding and inspiration:
Vivienne Westwood, Alexander McQueen, Rei Kawakubo, Gucci
These are some of the categories I’ve noticed most often when taking graduation photos, but every year I’m excited to discover new styles and stories thanks to the new graduates.
Do you think I missed anything?
