What to wear on senior picture day is a question that has been asked since the dawn of time. You want to look good, but you also don’t want to go overboard. You have a lot of options at your disposal: you can wear your favorite clothes, or you can go with something more formal, like a suit or dress. But no matter what outfit you choose, there are some things to keep in mind when choosing what to wear on senior picture day. It’s the day you’ve been waiting for: senior picture day! You’re so close to being done with high school, and now it’s time to celebrate. This is an important day in your life, so we want you to look your best.
What to Wear on Senior Picture Day
Senior picture day is a big deal. And let’s be honest—you want everything to go perfectly.
You’ve had your outfit planned for weeks, you’re all set with the perfect hair and makeup, and you’ve got your favorite pair of heels at the ready. But what about your senior pictures?
Senior picture day is a big deal. It’s the last day of high school, and you want to look your best for the camera.
But wait—what should you wear?
We know what you’re thinking: “Duh, a tuxedo.” But let’s break that down, shall we? Here are some tips for how to dress up and look your best:
The day has finally arrived: senior picture day!
You’ve been dreaming about this day since you were a kid, and now here it is—your big chance to show off your personality and capture the essence of who you are.
But what should you wear? Should you wear a tuxedo? A dress? Something more casual? Maybe you want to be different from everyone else and go with a costume or an outfit that shows off your interests.
It’s hard not to feel overwhelmed by all the options when it comes to what to wear to senior pictures, but don’t worry: we’re here to help!
Play with Solid Colors.Natural, solid colors like blue, greens, grays, and whites will photograph best and work well with most backgrounds. Solid colors work great especially for close-ups. The focus will be on you rather than your outfit.
What to Wear for Senior Pictures
Here are our styling tips on what to wear and what not to wear
Congratulations!
Senior photos are treasured portraits that are meaningful to both you and your family. Planning ahead all the outfits and looks will help eliminate stress, and create an enjoyable experience. Follow these basic styling tips below to guarantee beautiful and timeless heirlooms.
For senior picture pricing, view our portrait rates.
Pick 3 Diverse Outfits
The first outfit should be a casual style. The second outfit a more formal look. And the third outfit should be centered around your personality, such as a sport, hobby or interest.
The Casual Look for Girls
Jeans and a light colored blouse with white tennis shoes
A flowy sundress and a light denim jacket with nice sandals or a simple wedge.
The Casual Look for Guys
Jeans and t-shirt with an open buttoned shirt on top, a tennis shoe (non-athletic)
A pair of khaki shorts and a polo shirt with low profile tennis shoes or boat shoes
Light pair of pants with a denim button up shirt with sleeves rolled up
The Formal Look for Girls
A black pair of pants with a slim fit colored crew neck sweater, heels/dress shoes
Dark denim jeans with a slim fit colored tee and a black blazer, heels/dress shoes
A structured dress with a simple neckline, heels/dress shoes
A romper and a wedge heel
The Formal Look for Guys
A crew neck sweater with a dark pair of pants, dress shoes
Dark denim jeans and a V-neck tee with a blazer, dress shoes
Black pants and a colored button up shirt, dress shoes
The Personality Look
A sports outfit like a basketball uniform or dance costume, complete with ball and dance shoes.
A musical instrument or hobby related items like paints or a book.
If you are super into fashion, perhaps you want to pick a trendier look for your final outfit to really show your style of the time.
Styling Tips & Planning
Remember these are just ideas, always choose clothing that is true to your style and makes you feel confident.
Plan Outfits in their Entirety. This means every look should be styled head to toe including the proper shoes, undergarments, and jewelry/props. That way you are not missing anything on the day of the shoot.
Pick Outfits from Clothing You Know and Love. Senior pictures should be a true representation of your personality. There is no need to buy a whole new wardrobe.
Play with Layers. A denim jacket, blazer, or open button down shirt can help pull a look together. A well-fitting outer layer will enhance your body’s silhouette and photograph nicely.
Pick Simple Necklines. Simple neck lies elongate the neck drawing attention to the face that is very flattering in photos.
Plan Ahead with Hair. Everybody’s hair is different, but most haircuts look their best o to 2 weeks after the initial cut. Guys should shave the day of the shoot, but be careful with nicks.
Take Care of your Hands. A natural manicure, with clear or no polish, will help keep your hands looking presentable. Hands show up in a lot of poses, especially headshots and when working with props.
Be Mindful of Your Shoes. Shoes, like hands, can show up in some of your favorite poses. Make sure to not only have the appropriate footwear per outfit, but also that shoes are clean and presentable.
Play with Solid Colors. Natural, solid colors like blue, greens, grays, and whites will photograph best and work well with most backgrounds. Solid colors work great especially for close-ups. The focus will be on you rather than your outfit.
Go for Classic Jewelry and Accessories. A simple necklace and earrings, or your everyday watch should be all the jewelry you need. Avoid wearing anything too attention grabbing. Again, the photograph should accentuate your face, eyes, and personality. No need to draw unwarranted attention towards accessories, especially because they can easily date the photograph.
Apply Makeup Normally. You want your portraits to highlight your natural beauty. Avoid the temptation of going too glam and not looking like yourself. A little extra blush or eyeshadow can help from appearing washed out, but don’t stray too far from your normal routine.
Bring Translucent Powder or Oil Blotters. While in real life a bit of shine can give you a “dewy glow”, it can unfortunately look oily on camera.
Consider Glasses Glare. If you do not have a non-glare coating on your lenses, consider asking you optician to remove your lenses from the frame for the photo session. Most will do this at no charge, but give them plenty pf notice so there is no rush.
Personalize your Photos with Props. Have fun and show your personality in your senior portraits. This can be done through sports equipment, a music instrument, a hobby, or even a pet. (Be sure to check with photographer about pet beforehand).
Make Sure your Clothing is Pressed. All clothing should be ironed and arrive to the shoot on hangers. Wrinkles are very obvious in photographs.
Relax and Have Fun! These photos represent a wonderful time in your life and the experience of taking them should be just as fabulous as the finished product. Plus, when you are happy and enjoying yourself it will shine through in the photos.
And now a few rules on what NOT to wear for your photos…
Remember these are just ideas, always choose clothing that is true to your style and makes you feel confident.
Don’t wear anything uncomfortable or overly fussy. You want to be able to move freely and comfortably. It will come through in your photos if you are uncomfortable
Don’t wear glitter makeup or too much lip gloss. This type of makeup can make you look like you’re sweaty, crying, or drooling in photographs.
Guys stay away from tank tops.
Don’t wear overly branded clothing or outrageous graphic tees.
Don’t be shy about expressing your needs and wants. This is your photo shoot!
article will guide you through many amazing senior picture outfit ideas and tips that every girl should know, and some of these ideas you might not have considered before. Our high school senior picture ideas will leave you with beautiful photos that you will cherish for years to come.
What are those ideas, you might ask? Let’s break it down! Step by step, we will guide you through your decision on the best senior picture outfits: from choosing the best colors, patterns, and amazing wardrobe pieces to our favorite websites to shop for senior picture outfits.
We will finish with the advice on the final touches for your photoshoot look, like hair, makeup, and nails. At the end of the article, you will feel confident and inspired to create your own sophisticated and modern look for senior pictures.
If you are looking for a high school senior photographer locally in your home town, but you are having a hard time. Come to Pawleys Island and Sunny South Carolina for your senior pictures with Pasha Belman photography. The most amazing high school senior photography experience for girls and guys.
PLAN YOUR SENIOR OUTFITS AHEAD
Senior picture outfits are something that many girls start planning months in advance in preparation for their photoshoot. They usually create a board with the best senior trends they’d like to recreate or get inspiration from bloggers on Instagram.
It is a great place to start planning your senior outfits and get a sense of what outfit style appeals to you. However, when it is time to narrow down your options to a couple of best senior outfits, you need to go back to basics take the most critical look at various senior picture outfit ideas.
In 5 easy steps, we will guide you to the best outfit decision for your senior pictures. We do this because every girl deserves to look back at their senior pictures without cringing over an outfit choice and feel confident in their photos.
STEP 1. CHOOSE YOUR PHOTOSHOOT LOCATION
Have you thought about where you want your pictures taken? Some outfits look better in certain areas, and not so much in others. That is what we are here for you!
From the downtown of a city to the beautiful fields, every style of clothes looks better in particular photoshoot locations. With that in mind, let your photographer know where you want your senior pictures taken. Then they can brainstorm your senior outfit ideas with you.
STEP 2. FIND THE BEST OUTFIT COLORS
Deciding which color to wear is the most important decision when it comes to styling for your senior photoshoot. Despite the basic rules of what colors look best for different skin tones, seniors should always wear colors they feel comfortable in.
A few colors to consider for your senior outfit ideas are neutral, muted, or specific vibrant colors. We usually prefer solid color senior outfits for pictures because they look more elevated and less distracting.
However, you should not overlook patterns altogether. They can still contribute to a great high school senior photoshoot.
NEUTRAL OUTFIT COLORS
Wearing neutral colors with a beautiful background for your photoshoot simply makes your pictures look elegant and timeless. Some neutral color options are black, grey, white, and cream colors like tan or light brown.
Black is one of the colors every senior girl likes. It is effortless and also comforting, especially when it comes to new experiences like a professional photoshoot.
White looks classy and sophisticated. It stands out great and reflects light onto your skin very well, which is what we love. It would look awesome in your beach senior pictures.
Cream colors guarantee a polished look during your senior photoshoot and make your clothing pieces stand out without taking too much attention from you.
MUTED COLORS FOR A PHOTOSHOOT
When it comes to choosing a muted color, it could be any solid color choice as long as it is subtle. Our favorites for senior picture outfits are light blue, blush, or lavender. These colors are perfect for nature-inspired senior pictures at the garden, park, lake and the beach, where you can pull them off any time of the year.
VIBRANT OUTFITS FOR SENIOR PICTURES
We always see celebrities wearing vibrant colors, and they do it well. If you wonder if bright colors would look great in your senior pictures, the answer is always “YES!” If you already have a bold color in mind that you already love wearing, share it with your senior photographer before you make an outfit choice, just in case.
It might make or break the senior photoshoot or might be hard to work with, so having your photographer make a final call would be a good idea. Our favorite bold colors are red and yellow.
Colors that look great on everyone’s skin tone are blush, black and red. When in doubt, choose one of these colors, at least for one of your senior picture outfits.
You know what looks best with your hair and skin tones, so plan towards whatever makes you the most confident! The monochromatic trend everyone is talking about is easy yet sophisticated, and we encourage our seniors to shop with it in mind.
PATTERN OUTFITS FOR SENIOR PICTURES
Florals and other prints bring something to a picture – texture and a twist to the traditional neutral colors. Here you can see in Victoria’s senior session how floral prints in her senior pictures pop!
We usually advise our clients to stay away from striped outfits because they can be unflattering in pictures. But if you have an outfit with stripes in mind, be sure it is of natural not very contrasting colors.
Try it on, take a mirror selfie in it and study your photo. If this outfit elongates you and looks very flattering on you, this outfit could be perfect for senior photos.
Whether your senior picture outfit has bright floral designs or subtle, neutral prints, remember your senior picture outfit should represent you.
STEP 3. DECIDE ON WARDROBE PIECES TO YOU’D LIKE TO WEAR
When you know your senior photo location and colors that would work best for it, it’s time to decide what wardrobe pieces to wear. Here are several ideas to choose from.
WEAR A DRESS FOR SENIOR PICTURES
Dresses our favorite senior picture outfit choice! We encourage our seniors to have at least two or three outfits planned, and we believe one of those should be a dress.
There are so many different style dresses to choose from, but our absolute favorite is the maxi dress! Maxi dresses have a beautiful flow and allow there to be movement in pictures.
Are maxi dresses not your style? That’s okay! If you prefer a mini or midi dress, wear it!
Regardless of which style you end up choosing, having a dress in the lineup for your senior picture outfits is always a good idea.
It gives you a classic senior portrait that you will look at in the future and still love because wearing a dress in your senior pictures is timeless.
ROMPERS & JUMPSUITS FOR SENIOR PHOTOS
Did you think to yourself after reading the last section, “Dresses are not for me…”? That’s okay because they aren’t for everyone! If you feel more comfortable and confident in a romper or jumpsuit, that is another excellent option for one of your senior picture outfit ideas.
Floral romper Is a perfect solution for a senior photoshoot, because it offers elevated look yet familiar style you’d wear every day.
Solid color romper or jumpsuit is another trendy monochromatic outfit idea that effortless yet chic. If it has a train, it would provide the fabric movement photographers love. So definitely be on the lookout for those.
A romper is a casual one-piece outfit that consists of attached shorts and a blouse. It will make you feel more flexible and allow you to have more fun during a senior photoshoot than a short dress would.
Jumpsuit, on the other hand, is more formal and with longer pants than a romper. It can elongate your body and look very flattering in pictures. Which one would you rather wear?
TWO-PIECE OUTFITI IDEAS FOR SENIOR GIRLS
They say two is better than one, and for a good reason. Two-piece senior outfits are the biggest fashion trend that we think should stay forever.
Matching sets are the photographer’s dream because they are easy to put together, which makes senior outfit decision-making so much more effortless. Senior just needs to pull a pretty two-piece outfit out of the closet and she is ready to go to a photoshoot.
No color coordination means no drama and no hassle. Because top and bottom match, they create a high school senior look that is sophisticated and well put together. Matching sets also elongate the body which is always a very flattering choice for senior girls.
But you don’t have to wear both pieces together and mix things up by pairing a top or a bottom with another complementing piece. Two-piece outfits should not intimidate you even if they may seem like a lot of work. Especially if you already picked a dress or a monochrome two-piece outfit for the first look. Just think about two strong pieces one of which can be something you already have in your closet anyway.
Do you want to take advantage of summer weather and wear your favorite pair of shorts for senior pictures? Now all you need is a perfect blouse. Do you love your stylish wide-leg pants? Pair them with a cami for that “going to a brunch” look, which is perfect for high school senior pictures.
WEAR UNIFORM FOR SENIOR PICTURES
Have you considered wearing a uniform as one of your senior picture outfits? If you have a hobby you are passionate about, why not make that uniform one of your outfit options!
Capturing you being YOU is our goal, so put on your dance leotard or surfing wetsuit (any uniform you may have). Let’s have even more fun capturing your senior pictures!
STEP 4. ADD ACCESSORIES TO YOUR SENIOR PICTURES
Is there an accessory that is your staple piece, or do you have an accessory that completes your outfit? Here’s an idea – wear it with one of your senior picture outfits!
WEAR A HAT FOR SENIOR PICTURES
We love when our seniors ask, “Is it okay if I bring a hat?” The answer to that is always “YES!”
ADD SCARF TO YOUR HAIR
Another senior picture outfit idea when it comes to accessories is to add a scarf to your hair. With minimal effort, it can transform your high school senior look and add texture and color to your photoshoot.
Simply take a square silk scarf and turn it into a classic headband by folding it on a diagonal. Then rock it with your hair down during your senior photoshoot.
At Pasha Belman Photography, we encourage our seniors to practice putting the hair accessories in before their senior pictures to make sure the colors match your outfit and that you are comfortable with your choice. Still, it is always fun to add something extra to your senior picture outfits!
PICTURES IN YOUR SUNGLASSES
Another accessory for your senior photoshoot could be sunglasses! Suppose you want to go for that “Instagram blogger style look” as an inspiration for your senior pictures.
Why not add your favorite pair of sunglasses that is an essential element to your high school senior outfit! We don’t want all of your portraits to have sunglasses in them because we want to see your face, but it is an option to consider for your senior picture outfit ideas.
Do you have any vintage accessories that are important to you? If so, then we want you to consider those as a part of your senior outfit ideas.
Whether it is a necklace from an older relative or a trendy pair of sunglasses your mom wore that is coming back in style, adding that special accessory makes your senior pictures more unique, but more importantly, even more special!
SHOES FOR YOUR SENIOR PHOTOSHOOT
We all have our preferences and styles of what we like to wear. With that in mind, every outfit has certain shoes that match it best. As we mentioned before, it is best if you send your outfit ideas to your senior photographer.
If you are wearing an outfit with patterns and prints for your senior pictures, you may want to avoid wearing a pair of shoes that also have designs and prints.
On the other hand, if you are wearing solid colors, it could be a fun pop in your pictures to wear shoes with a unique style or color pattern! You can always go for color-coordinated ankle-strap heels.
It is important to remember that you are the subject in your pictures and not your shoes, but your shoes mustn’t be distracting so that all of the focus is on you!
STEP 5. SHOP FOR YOUR SENIOR PICTURE OUTFITS
So do you already have your outfit already in mind? You, of all people, know your personality and the best ways to express yourself! Now is the time to go shopping.
Here are places senior girls like to shop for their picture outfits: Revolve, Free People, Reformation, ASOS, Zara, Nordstrom, Ralph Lauren, and Amazon Fashion.
If you, like most of our high school seniors, prefer shopping online, we recommend that you shop for several outfits for one look at once. For example, if you decided to wear a blue maxi dress for your senior pictures, order several styles or sizes.
This way you can choose the style or size that works best without having to wait for another order to arrive. You can always return wardrobe pieces that did not work.
FINISHING TOUCHES TO COMPLETE YOUR LOOK
When you decide what to wear for your high school senior photoshoot, you will have several more decisions to make to complete your entire look.
Hair, makeup, and nails may seem like something minor at first. But these decisions may still require some planning and should not be left for the last day.
CHOOSE THE BEST HAIRSTYLE FOR YOUR SENIOR PICTURES
Sometimes seniors do not consider the weather when it comes to how they style their hair. Well, we are here to help with that and give some tips for your senior photoshoot!
When the weather is humid in the spring and summer, it would be best if you styled your hair as close to your natural hairstyle as possible.
Let’s be honest, the last thing you want is to have spent time styling your hair only for it to frizz up, right? Wavy, straight, or curly, your hair will look beautiful if you embrace it and not fight it.
Consider an up-do or wear it down with or without hair accessories. Play around with different styles before the photoshoot so you are comfortable with how it looks.
We would also consider booking an appointment at a local hair salon for a professional touch for your hairstyle.
PLAN AND PRACTICE YOUR SENIOR MAKEUP
Makeup is a part of your entire senior outfit look, so don’t leave it till the day of the senior photoshoot to decide how to wear your makeup. It is best if you plan and practice different makeup ideas for your senior photoshoot, days before your portrait session.
We know that not everyone wears makeup, and that is okay! If you would like to try DIY makeup for your senior pictures, we have some senior photoshoot makeup tips that will help you look your best in senior pictures. When to comes to makeup, remember, less is more, and your natural beauty is already there; the makeup is just enhancing that.
NAIL STYLES FOR SENIOR PICTURES
Your high school senior portraits are those iconic images that you will back on through the years and remember this special milestone in your life. Would you want to look at your pictures and see neon color nails and flashy designs? Probably not, even if they are in trend right now.
So when deciding on your nail polish color, choose light neutral tones. They would go with all of your outfits and would not take attention away from your face in the close-up portraits. We also advise our seniors to stay aways from very long nails and keep them as natural as possible.
PREPARE TO WEAR YOUR SENIOR PICTURE OUTFIT
When your outfit arrives, try it on and make sure it fits perfectly. Does it complement your body how you planned? Is there something about this outfit that bothers you? Take a final look in the mirror and make a confident decision about your senior picture outfit.
Put on all your accessories and shoes, do a trial hair and makeup, and make sure you love the entire look. Better yet, share it with your photographer and get their final input.
If you scroll through our website, you can see our South Carolina senior photography galleries and what our seniors wore for their senior photoshoot in South Carolina.
Let us reassure you that you do not have to plan your outfits alone because we at Pasha Belman Photography will guide you through every step! From color selection for your perfect photoshoot location to virtual shopping assistance, we are here to ensure that your outfit choices look amazing in your senior photos.
CONCLUSION
We believe that the ideas you found here will make your senior pictures even more beautiful, with you being what stands out the most in your pictures, of course! If you have other questions about your senior pictures, check out our Senior Picture Ideas Guide or send us an email, and we will answer all of the questions you may have!
Connect with us:
Pasha Belman Photography is a husband and wife wedding, family and senior portrait photography team based in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Recognized as some of the top Myrtle Beach Photographers.
What to wear on set
What to wear on set
You’ve been cast in your first movie! Congratulations! Now it’s time to get ready for your big day.
Before we get into what you should wear, let’s talk about the environment of a film set. Film shoots are long, hard days filled with intense energy and pressure. And while it can be fun and exciting, it’s important to remember that because of all the chaos and stress, you’ll probably be surrounded by people who aren’t as calm as you are—and some of them may not even be acting! So if you want to make sure your clothes don’t distract from the story or make other actors feel uncomfortable, here are some tips:
- Try not to wear anything too tight or revealing—there will probably be lots of people around who don’t know what they’re doing with lights and cameras so there’s no need to show off your body (unless maybe you’re playing a sexy character).
- Make sure everything is clean and wrinkle-free before you go on set—you don’t want anything distracting from your performance!
- Whatever color scheme you choose for your wardrobe should match the overall tone of the film; if it doesn’t then it could throw off the mood of the scene and possibly distract
What to wear on set is one of the most important things you can do to make your experience as a model or actor more comfortable and enjoyable.
Actors and models often have to wear costumes that aren’t their own, and they have to be able to move around in them with ease. For this reason, it’s important to wear clothes that are loose enough not to restrict movement but still maintain a flattering shape.
You should also avoid wearing clothes that are too tight or too loose, as both of these can be distracting for other people on set—and even yourself.
On set, clothes are a big deal. They’re not just a way to keep warm or dry. They can make or break your performance, and they can be a major part of your character’s story arc.
If you’re working in a movie or TV show, you’ll spend a lot of time getting ready for your scenes. It’s important to know how to dress for the occasion so you look like the character you’re playing, but also feel comfortable and confident as yourself.
Hey, I’m [name] and I’m here to tell you about dressing for set.
The first rule of dressing for set is to always look like you’re ready to work.
This means wearing clothes that are flattering, comfortable and suitable for the weather.
You should also wear a good pair of shoes—you never know what’s going to happen!
You’ve made it to set. You’ve got the job and you’re ready to start your first day. But what do you wear?
Well, we’ve put together a list of some things that will help you make sure your first day of shooting goes smoothly.
What to Wear on Set
- Wear Pants That Fit You Comfortably. If you like wearing pants that are so loose they’re practically falling off, that’s fine—on your own time. …
- Dress in Layers. …
- Supportive Shoes That Hold Up All Day. …
- Be Prepared for Different Weather Conditions. …
- Now You’re Dressed for Success on the TV Set.
What to Wear on Set
You’re excited. You’re going to be on a TV set the next day—all day. What should you wear? You know you’re not the focus, but you want to appear professional. You want to fit in.
You don’t want to dress wrong and feel self-conscious. The most important advice for dressing to be on set is to be comfortable.
You are going to be on your feet, hustling all day and maybe even into the night. You don’t want what you’re wearing to distract you from your job.
There’s nothing professional about a camera operator who’s constantly pulling their pants up or hobbling as they move around due to uncomfortable shoes.
While extra-wide flowing sleeves are floaty and fun, it’s not good when it snags on your equipment.
Here are four tips for how to dress professionally, and comfortably, when you work on a TV set.
- Wear Pants That Fit You Comfortably
If you like wearing pants that are so loose they’re practically falling off, that’s fine—on your own time. On the set, that will be a problem. Watching you pull your pants up all day will not shout professionalism, and it may interfere with your ability to do your job.
Likewise, if you like super tight pants, make sure you can bend and move easily with no discomfort. Also, make sure the pockets on the pants are usable.
Ideally, try to find cargo-style pants that fit comfortably and have lots of pockets. Pockets are especially crucial if you are a camera operator. You need your hands free. Having a pocket to put things in quickly can be a lifesaver.
- Dress in Layers
You never know when conditions on the set, even if it’s an indoor set, can change. One way to be prepared for anything is to dress in layers.
If you tend to get chilled easily, put on a cotton short-sleeved or three-quarter sleeve shirt, and wear a light jacket or sweater over it. If you get too warm, you can easily take your jacket or sweater off.
- Supportive Shoes That Hold Up All Day
Take a cue from nurses and waitstaff. Comfortable, supportive shoes are a must if you are on your feet all day.
Ideally, break in new shoes before you have to wear them on set.
Look for shoes with lots of cushion and tread that is good for even hard slick floors. Make sure you buy the right size. You don’t want your shoes pinching your feet all day. Leave plenty of room in the shoe’s toe box.
- Be Prepared for Different Weather Conditions
If you’re going to be on an outdoor set, check the weather conditions ahead of time and be prepared for anything.
If it’s a sunny location, buy long sleeve shirts and lightweight cargo pants with built-in sun protection. You’ll be able to avoid getting sunburned without having to remember to put on sunscreen every 80 minutes.
If it’s likely to rain, bring a rain jacket and wear comfortable shoes that are weatherproof.
If you’re more worried about being cold, wear a thick jacket and warm gloves that still allow you to do your job. Don’t forget to wear a hat and thick socks.
Now You’re Dressed for Success on the TV Set
Follow the main rule and dress for comfort. You’ll feel good throughout the day and won’t be distracted by your clothes. As a result, you’ll be able to focus your attention on your job.
What Film Crew Should Wear On Set
Filmmaking
When working on a film set, you should dress practical, comfortable and bring layers. I didn’t release how important film crew attire was until I found myself working on a snowy mountain and in a desert. You don’t want to be running around on your day off trying to find snow boots or cutting your jeans into shorts.
This post will break down film crew attire and what you should consider buying before working on a film set. If you have the money, invest in good pair of shoes and a warm coat.
Weather
At the start of every day, you will get a Call Sheet with weather and expected work temperatures. However, you should still know what kind of locations you are working within before you start work. This will allow you time to buy and pack any clothes and accessories that will make your workday more comfortable.
Always consider the worst-case scenario and expect 12-16 hour workdays. Temperatures can change dramatically throughout the day too. So, it’s best to layer and bring more than what you need. If your UK based, you should know that a sunny day can swiftly turn to torrential rain. I would rather carry a backpack with me all day than have to work in wet jeans.
*Always opt for dark colours. Bright clothes will reflect in the background of shots and cause a distraction for actors. Instead, opt for blacks, greys, blues, dark greens etc.
Coats
You are going to need either a rain/windproof jacket or an extra warm winter coat. Brands shouldn’t matter, but you will want quality and clothes that you can move around in. Go into any film set, and it will seem as if it was sponsored by North Face. I wish very much that I had invested in a feather stuffed coat during those snowy winter shoots.
Regatta – has some quality, affordable waterproof jackets.
Berghaus – mid-range price high-quality waterproof jackets.
North Face – if you can afford it, the best quality winter coats.
Shoes
You will be standing up for the majority of the workday, which will be anywhere from 12-16 hours. If you have ever worked in customer service, you will know the importance of a good pair of work shoes. Always keep in mind that film sets are workplaces. This means no sandals or heels (you need to protect your feet from the possibility of falling equipment).
Whatever your job role on set, you need comfort and practicality. If you are working in a studio, you can get away with trainers. However, for outdoor productions, consider weather, temperature and foot grip. If you are doing event work or heavy lifting, you might also need steel toe boots. Once again, some sets require special equipment such as hiking boots and even snow boots.
Regatta – quality, comfortable and affordable hiking boots
Dr Martins – great quality boots, just make sure to wear them in.
Mammut – excellent quality, robust hiking boots that should last.
Layers
It’s a bright idea to bring a mix of layers, coat, hoodie/fleece and T-shirt. Making yourself comfortable is the goal. Film crew work will be highly labouring at times. Also, consider what materials you use; polyester and fleece will dry faster if wet (from rain or sweat).
This is also an excellent time to remind you again to wear dark colours. Bright colours will reflect/bounce in the shots’ backgrounds. Always opt for dark colour alternatives blacks, greys, dark blues, dark greens, etc. Try to avoid any reflective material too.
Under Armer – good quality, affordable breathable T-shirts.
Berghaus – mid-range price, high-quality fleece and jackets.
North Face – excellent quality all around but for a high price.
Accessories
How you dress will depend on your job role and location. But, it’s always a good idea to bring extra socks (in case they get wet rain/sweat). A hat will be helpful for long days out in the sun or protection from the cold. A snood might be better than a scarf for working in.
Gloves for cold weather, especially if you will be lifting metal equipment. Sunglasses for all occasions and not to mention sunscreen! Depending on your set, post-covid face masks might still be compulsory.
If you don’t have the money to invest right now, try to buy a good pair of shoes and a warm coat at the very least. Then, as you gain more experience in your job, you will know what you need to work comfortably in your role.
