What to Wear on School Picture Day

Wondering what your child should wear for their upcoming school photo? You’re not alone—and I’m here to help! We take a fine art approach to school portraits, which means we focus on natural expressions, soft light, and simple backgrounds to highlight what matters most: your child.

The right outfit can make a big difference in creating a timeless portrait you’ll love for years to come. Here are a few tips to help you feel confident and prepared.

Keep It Simple

Solid colors are always a great choice. They help keep the focus on your child’s face and prevent distractions in the photo. Earth tones, pastels, and soft neutrals (like cream, beige, soft blue, blush, or olive) photograph beautifully against the minimal backdrops I use.

Avoid neon colors, which can reflect on your child’s skin and create strange color casts. (Trust me—neon green cheeks are never the goal!)

Hair & Accessories

Please make sure your child’s hair is clean, brushed, and out of their eyes. A tidy hairstyle helps ensure their full expression shines through in the portrait. I love a cute bow or barrette, but avoid hats, or overly large decorative accessories, as they can block light, cast shadows, or become the main focus of the image. Keep it simple and let your child’s personality be the star

Stick to Classic, Comfortable Tops

Most portraits are taken from the shoulders up, so the top your child wears matters most. Choose something well-fitting and comfortable—kids who feel good in their clothing tend to look more relaxed in photos. Simple collars, henleys, cotton tees, or cozy knits work wonderfully. Skip anything with large logos, busy patterns, or characters—they can take attention away from your child’s face.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, the goal is to capture your child’s natural personality—just as they are. Choose something they feel confident and comfortable in, and the rest will fall into place.

If you have any questions or want a second opinion on an outfit, I’m happy to help! Feel free to reach out before picture day—I’m always here to make the process easy and enjoyable for your family.

Contact Us

Email: brandiangelphotography@gmail.com