What to wear series – senior girl dresses edition

Most senior girls choose to wear at least one dress for their senior pictures, although it is NOT mandatory if it’s not your thing. So let’s chat about the different options, what to look for when you’re shopping, what works and what to avoid.

Let’s start with the basics

Pay attention to the fabric! Most people don’t realize the simple things that can make a dress look “cheap” vs “expensive,” and one of those is the fabric (keep reading for the second). Avoid synthetic fabrics, such as polyester, nylon, and acrylic. They tend to cling, and the draping can be less flattering compared to higher-quality fabrics. Instead, look for natural fabrics such as; cotton, silk, linen, wool, and lace. These natural fabrics appear more expensive and often are better made.

The second thing to watch for is the fit or tailoring of your dress. It may seem obvious but make sure the dress fits you well and flatters your shape. Try it on in a size up and down to see which really looks best You may be a small in one style of dress but a medium fits better in a different style or brand. Along with the fit you’ll want to pay attention to where the dress hits you. Is it too short, too long, or does it need some tailoring? Again, pay attention to the quality as better-made dresses will fit better and won’t have strings, poor stitching, etc.

Lastly, look for a dress that has something special about it. It could be a bold pattern, a unique sleeve, ruffles, fun color, etc.

Matching your dress to your location

You’ll want to have your location picked or at least an idea if you’re going to choose something in a city, nature, multiple locations or even one with some variety when you are choosing what to wear. Certain dresses have more of a city/urban vibe, some feel more natural in an organic environment and some dresses fit in either location! Let’s learn from some of my past seniors below!

From left to right:
Sophia’s black dress with mesh cutout fit her beautifully and has a pretty neckline. The backdrop of the Law Quad in Ann Arbor, with its old-world feel of columns and stone, was a perfect fit! It would’ve felt out of place in a field of flowers.

Halle’s long dress feels “soft” in color and pattern. It has fun shoulder ties and flows when she moves. The field at the Matthaei Botanical Gardens in Ann Arbor just feels like the perfect spot for this dress. If she had chosen a city spot with murals, it wouldn’t work.

Molly’s wearing an adorable little white dress that fits her perfectly and has a pretty eyelet fabric. This is a good example of a dress that is universal. You could put Molly into a city or a garden in this dress.

Ava’s retro vibe pattern dress has tons of personality and paired with the fun white boots works fits right into this city location.

Isebelle’s dress has bell sleeves and ruffles but it is also a versatile dress that works in both Downtown Northville and would also be great in an organic location.

Kaili’s dress is a perfect example of how you can’t give blanket rules. Most of the time a black dress doesn’t work in a natural environment; however, because of its large floral pattern and sheer long overlay it looks great in the tall grasses at Heritage Park in Farmington.

I want to add, in the studio anything goes! ANYTHING works in the studio!

Accessorizing your dress

Even though a dress is an “easy” outfit, don’t forget about the accessories! The same dress can feel more sporty or casual paired with a cute pair of tennis shoes, casual sandals or rain boots. As opposed to the field if it’s paired with high heels or tall boots. Layers always look stylish and if throwing on a cute jacket or sweater can be perfect. This works especially well if your session is during the cooler months. When it comes to jewelry, consider when to add and when to skip it. For example, if the neckline has some detail, then maybe skip a necklace and go for a bracelet or larger earrings.

Above all

When choosing what to wear for your senior pictures, the most important thing is that you choose what fits your personality and you feel comfortable and good in what you choose! There are really no rules! If you’re a sporty girl, then maybe a cute t-shirt dress with a hoodie tied around your waist, baseball cap and tennis shoes would be a perfect look. Or maybe a cocktail dress with heels and a bold necklace in downtown Detroit is more your style. My nature girls may want to go barefoot in a field in Ann Arbor with a long floral print dress they can twirl in. You do you!