Our series on what to wear for senior portraits continues today with solids.  Wearing solids in senior portraits is classic and timeless.  If you haven’t already read Part 1, check out on how to wear patterns here.  In Part 1, we discussed finding a color palette that works with your skin tone – which is also critical when wearing solids.  Here are four helpful tips for wearing solids perfectly!

The right shape makes all the difference

When wearing solids, the fit of the outfit really stands out.  The most flattering style is to wear clothing that is fitted and sits close to the body.  Billowy shirts and dresses are super cute, but in front of the camera can leave a person shapeless and can add weight – that’s not usually the effect most of us are after!  Fitted styles show’s off the body, waist, and silhouette.  Amber, pictured below, is flawless in her green dress.  It fits her closely and her tiny waist is accentuated by her perfectly placed belt.  The high neckline also shows off her toned shoulders and arms.

Texture adds interest

When wearing solids, there is not as much interest as a pattern, so it’s critical to add interest through texture.  Texture provides details that draw our eye in – it makes an image more visually appealing.  For example, Julia below looks fabulous in a white sweater and red shorts.  Her sweater has detail at the bottom, which you can see in her full length shot.  The weave of the shirt stands out in her close-up and really completes her look.

Emily nailed this outfit with her cropped white lace shirt paired with a pleated green skirt – the perfect solids paired together. There is so much interest with the different textures and even the fringe on her boots works perfectly!

The detail of Emma’s sweater, pictured below, adds a feminine touch in contrast to the rough texture of the brick wall.  Add a gorgeous smile and you’ve got a fantastic portrait, which was one of her favorites!

Dress the part

My favorite thing to recommend for senior girls to wear is a dress!  It’s hard to not feel absolutely amazing in a dress, especially after having hair and make-up done.  Dresses  add movement to an image, whether from spinning carefree in a field or from a gentle breeze that gives a portrait life.  A dress that is fitted and has some texture is a home run!  Emma’s soft pink dress in the golden fields is perfect.  The top of her dress has beautiful texture and the neckline is soft and feminine.  A dress like this allows for great full body shots as well as close up head shots.

Julia’s black dress is flirty and fun with all the detail on the back.  In her full length portrait, you can also see the detail of the tulle layer over the solid dress and her fabulous red shoes!

Wow! Emily is stunning in her red dress for her fall portraits. We found this perfect location with fall colors that matched her dress.  Not only does her dress have lace detail on the sleeves, but the sleeves are also pleated, which adds another layer of texture.

Layer by layer

Another trick to wearing solids well is to layer pieces together to create a complete outfit. Layering a scarf or jacket over a solid makes an outfit look complete and well thought out.  Emily’s cream sweater has great texture with the weave of the sweater as well as the detail at the bottom.  She paired it with a leather jacket an metal necklace. The final look is a perfect complete outfit!

And here Emily is in the same outfit, but she took off her jacket and added a scarf. Layers and accessories are the perfect way to change up the look without fulling changing the outfit.

Emma chose to wear a cute scarf with a small pattern.  She also had a jacket that we paired with her outfit for some of her images.  Note that layers can be added and changed, giving two different looks without an entire outfit change.

Final Thoughts

The key to pulling off solids seamlessly is feeling confident and beautiful.  Combining colors that pair with your skin tone as well as texture and detail create fantastic senior portraits.   One color that should be minimized or used sparingly is black.  Instead select a color that helps make your eye color pop and compliments your skin tone.  And absolutely avoid neon colors!  The color reflects on your skin which can give you strange colored skin tones – no one wants that!  Want help coordinating the perfect outfit? Contact me today!  Wardrobe consultations are included with any booked session.  Next is What to Wear for Senior Portraits: Part 3 Accessories.

Colleen Sanders Photography is a boutique photography studio in the Folsom and El Dorado Hills area of Northern California.  Colleen Sanders specializes in natural light photography including seniors, families, and children.  Colleen Sanders’ goal is to customize your photo session to your unique needs.  To schedule an appointment with Colleen Sanders click here, call (916)365-5081 or email info@colleensandersphotography.com.