To accessorize or to not accessorize that is the question: Tips on adding accessories to your senior picture outfits

This can be a tricky topic. There are a lot of different ‘rules’ about how and when to accessorize. It can vary depending on what season it is, the cut of the shirt or dress, the way you style your hair, or the location. I know, seems like a lot to consider, but a lot of it can be generalized making it not so overwhelming. Hopefully these tips will help guide you through finding the perfect accessories to wear for your shoot. ​

How To Accessorize for Senior Pictures

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Turtleneck vs. V-neck

There are so many different, unique necklines out there now. The a-line, scooped, square, halter, straight, turtleneck. It’s hard to keep up! You probably have your favorite neckline! I know I do. I love a square neckline as it can take away some of the attention of my shoulders (an area I don’t love). Or a good turtleneck with my hair pulled up in a high ponytail- an outfit that makes me feel super confident! What’s your go to neckline? 

All necklines will photograph beautifully. Though how you add accessories to each type of neckline will vary. Simple necklaces are the best choice for your images. If you decide to wear a v-neck shirt or dress, a more dangly necklace would be a good choice. You might have a meaningful necklace from a grandparent or parent that would be perfect! For a square neckline, a necklace that sits higher up on your chest, like a choker, would be a good pick. 

Now for earrings! A simple pair of studs would do just fine for all of your outfits. But, if you are someone that typically adds more fun earrings to outfits, let's be sure we capture that in your shoot as well. Studs are what you want to wear with a halter or turtleneck top. Too much around your face can take away from the beauty of the actual person in the image! We want you to be the center of attention of your images and your outfits to just compliment your beauty. Pick a  straight, scooped, or v-neck to wear those fun earrings!

Statement Earring Inspiration for Senior Pictures

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Formal vs. Casual

Some accessories naturally take on a more formal or more casual look. Think about a pearl necklace. Much more formal, right? Then think about the bracelets you wear everyday. More casual, correct? In some cases an outfit can appear pieced together if certain pieces take on a formal feel while others more casual. We want your outfits to flow together! Therefore, it’s important to think about what feel your accessories take on. Then from there, pair them with an outfit. 

If there is a piece of jewelry that you really want to wear in your shoot, find an outfit that compliments the piece. Don’t worry we will always find a way to use/wear what's important to you! As an example, I had a pearl necklace that my grandpa had given me that I really wanted to wear. I also had a locket that my grandma used to wear that I felt it was important to wear during my shoot too. The dress I chose to wear was on the more casual side, but the pearl necklace was much more formal and the locket was less so. For a lot of my session, I wore the locket as it was more appropriate for the style of the dress. However, when I put my cap and gown on, the dress became more formal. This was when I got to wear the pearls. If you aren’t sure how the piece can be worn with the 4-5 outfits you have picked, there might be simple changes we can make to ensure it happens! Just like how the simple cap and gown made the difference.

How To Wear Your Formal Jewelry During Your Senior Pictures

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All Up vs. Hair Down

Changing your hairstyle can change your whole look. Like how when you wear your hair pulled back it accentuates your neck and elongates your neck whereas if you wear your hair down it draws attention to your entire face. Both are beautiful options, and go with the one that makes you feel most confident. However, there are a couple tips for how to accessorize with certain hair styles. If you wear a scarf or a turtleneck, we recommend pulling your hair back. At least for that outfit. This will help lengthen your face, neck, and body and eliminate the boxy look that can happen when your hair is down. Big earrings can be super flattering with high necklines and pulled back hair as well! ​

Tips on Accessorizing For Your Senior Pictures

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Winter vs. Summer

Naturally, winter gives more room for accessorizing. On a typical winter day you might be wearing a hat or a scarf. Though in the summer, you might get some strange looks if you did that. It’s easier to add more accessories for a winter shoot than for a summer shoot. Think about the large selection you have for accessorizing in the winter compared to the summer! You could wear a beanie, mittens, or a scarf in your photos and it would fit the occasion. But in the summer your selection dwindles to more jewelry or layering! Both are fun and beautiful, but a consideration nonetheless. So, if you want to accessorize more- go for a winter shoot! To read more about the benefits of a winter shoot, click here. ​

Inspiration For A Winter Photoshoot