So, you’re about to graduate from college and thinking about commemorating your accomplishment with a some professional photos. Congratulations! A graduation photoshoot is a great way to capture one of the most exciting milestones of your life. And while your cap and gown are the stars of the show, what you wear underneath can actually make a big difference in your photos. To help you look and feel your best, here are some helpful tips on what to wear for your graduation photoshoot.

What to Wear for Your Graduation Photoshoot: Tips for Feeling and Looking Your Best

Neutral or Bold? You Can’t Go Wrong

When planning the outfit for a graduation photoshoot, many people start with color. Some go for light and bright, and others more bold and dramatic. Either way is great! It’s helpful to choose colors that complement your graduation cap and gown. White or neutral tones are a classic look that work beautifully against the dark fabric of your gown and your colorful cords and sash. Neutrals can help those colors pop while creating a clean and polished look. But if you’re feeling bold, incorporate some color! Some people go with their school colors, or maybe a complimentary color to their cap and gown. Some wear neutral but include colorful jewelry, shoes, or a tie. Just make sure to avoid small patterns like thin stripes or tiny plaids. These can cause a visual distortion in your photos, known as the “moire effect”, which is difficult to remove in your photos.

Fit and Comfort is Key

Proper fit and comfort are the way to go when it comes to choosing your graduation photoshoot attire. Avoid clothes that are too tight or too loose. Clothing that fits well will look better in all your photos, especially when you’re moving, sitting, walking, or jumping. Clothes that ride up or bunch oddly will likely make you feel uncomfortable and you’ll be fidgeting with them during the session. Remember, confidence = beautiful photos. Look for comfortable, well-fitted options that will let you move freely without worry.

Keep Clothes Clean and Wrinkle-Free

Before your session, make sure your clothes are spotless. Wrinkles, dirt, or pet hair can detract from the overall look of your photos. Take a lint roller to your clothes and inspect them for any holes, stains or pilling. Also, be sure to steam or iron any pieces that need it to ensure you look as fresh as possible. You may have rolled out of bed to rush to your 8:00am classes, but don’t do it for your photoshoot! This little extra care can make a world of difference in your final images.

Prepare Your Cap, Gown, and Accessories

Your graduation cap and gown are essential for your photoshoot, so take the time to make sure they’re ready. Be sure to have your cap tassel, and your gown, stole, ropes, and sashes are all clean, hung and wrinkle-free. If you’d like to decorate your cap for graduation, consider doing it for your session! It’s a fun way to add your personality in the photos.

Bring Comfortable Shoes

Make sure your shoes are clean and free of any scuffs or holes. If you’re planning to wear heels for your graduation photoshoot, consider bringing a pair of flip flops or flats for walking between locations. You’ll probably be exploring all over campus to get your favorite spots. And while those heels and dress shoes look fantastic, they aren’t always kind to your feet.

Consider an Outfit Change

When you’re deciding on what to wear for your graduation photoshoot, consider bringing an extra, casual outfit for a quick change to add some personality to your photos. Think of something that represents your hobbies, extracurriculars, or something related to your school like a college sweatshirt, Greek sweater, or athletic gear. You can also wear something that reflects your cultural background, like a traditional hat, dress, colors, flag, or a special piece of clothing that has personal significance. If you’re wearing a dress during your session, maybe you want to add a blazer and get a few professional headshots for all those resumes you’ll be sending out!

Remember Your Hands

Your hands are easy to forget about, but will actually appear in most of the shots! Be sure to pay attention to them before your session. If you get manicures, schedule one a few days before your photoshoot. But if you prefer to skip the nail salon, just make sure your nails are clean and remove any chipped polish.

Bring a Touch-Up Kit

Having a touch-up kit with you is a great way to ensure everything stays in place. Graduation photoshoots can be hot and humid, or windy and cold. Having a few things on hand to help keep the cap on your head, or your makeup looking fresh can help. Some ideas to include in your bag:

• Small mirror
• Hair and makeup accessories
• Oil blotting tissues
• Bobby pins
• Small scissors 
• Safety pins
• Lint roller
• Band-aids
• Water bottle

While you may not need everything, it’s nice to be prepared!

Bring Some Props to Add Your Personal Flair

At the end of the day, this photoshoot is a celebration of your achievement! Adding some celebratory props, or something that represent you or your school is a great way to personalize your photos and commemorate your time on campus. To keep things manageable, I recommend limiting props to two items. While I personally don’t photograph smoke bombs, sparklers, or confetti in my campus or park sessions, here are some other ideas that are fun and look great in photos:

• Bubbles
• Balloons
• Flowers (a bouquet works better than a single flower)
• Athletic gear or a jersey
• Cultural items (flag, hat, t-shirt)
• Books or instruments
• Something silly and fun
• Hobby items (like a camera, skateboard, etc.)
• A favorite childhood toy
• Degree-related items (think stethoscope, lab coat)
• Customized graduation cap
• College memorabilia (mugs, banners, rings)
• Bottle of Beer
• Champagne (bring two bottles, just in case one doesn’t spray correctly!)

Use a Roller Bag for Convenience

Graduation photoshoots typically mean walking around campus. If you’re bringing a touch up kit, change of clothes, shoes, or any props, it becomes a lot to lug around. Instead of carrying around a heavy bag, use a roller bag (small suitcase) to transport your items. This way, you can easily roll your things from one location to another without any hassle, you can hang your gown on it while we aren’t using it, and we can hide it out of the way during the photos.

Empty Your Pockets & Turn Off Your Devices

Before your session starts, make sure you empty your pockets of any items like your wallet, phone, or car keys. These items can create unsightly bulges or distract from your outfit. Also, remember to remove hair ties and fitness watches from your wrists or turn off the screens of your devices so that no notifications or messages show up in the photos.

Your graduation photoshoot is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. By choosing the right clothes, accessories, and props, you’ll look your best, feel confident, and have a blast during your shoot. And remember—this day is all about celebrating you, so have fun with it!

Now that You Know What to Wear for Your Graduation Photoshoot, Let’s Get You Booked!

Now that you have all the tips you need for looking and feeling your best for your graduation photos, it’s time to book your session! Are you graduating from high school or college in the Philadelphia area? Contact me today, and let’s capture your graduation memories in style.