We talk a lot around here about how to prepare students for picture day, but what about the teachers and staff? Their photos matter too. Nothing makes us prouder than hearing a staff member say how much they love their photo. As school portrait photographers in Denver, Colorado, our team wants every staff member we work with to walk away from picture day feeling confident and ready to take on the school year.
If you’re wondering what to wear for school picture day as a teacher or staff member, here are our best tips.
What to Wear on Picture Day
When choosing a color for picture day, stick with solid jewel tones or earth tone colors. Pay attention to what shades look best with your hair and skin tone — if you’re not sure where to start, we love the color guidance from Lyndsey Myers of Created Colorful.
Consider layering pieces to add structure to your outfit. Cardigans and blazers work well. Be mindful of necklines, and choose one that frames your face without wrinkling or bunching as you’re photographed.
If you like to wear jewelry, stick to one statement piece — a bold necklace or a pair of earrings that complements your outfit without overwhelming it. Keep everything else subtle.
What to Avoid Wearing on Picture Day
Neon colors are not a great choice for picture day — they tend to create harsh color casts on skin and don’t photograph well. And, if your school requires student uniforms, avoid wearing those same colors yourself. You want your photos to stand out from the student’s photos.
Skip fabrics with busy patterns or heavy texture. Shiny fabrics and small repeated patterns can create moiré patterns in the final image that are difficult to edit out.
If you’re planning to wear a statement jewelry piece, think about how it will photograph. A chunky plastic necklace, large earrings, or an oversized watch can catch studio lighting and create unwanted glare or reflections.
Hair, Makeup, and Grooming Tips for Picture Day
If you’re wearing makeup, keep it natural and true to your everyday look. Picture day isn’t the moment to try a bold new lip or eye color. If your hands will be in the photo, check your nails and touch up any chips.
Style your hair the way you normally would, so you look like the most authentic version of yourself. If you’re planning a haircut or color appointment before picture day, schedule it one to two weeks in advance so it has time to settle.
Gentlemen, make sure you’re clean-shaven, or that any facial hair is neatly trimmed and groomed.
One last tip: whatever you choose to wear, make sure it’s clean and wrinkle-free. A quick wash and iron beforehand goes a long way in photos.
The Best Accessory: Your Smile
Whatever you decide to wear, the accessory that pairs best with any outfit is your smile. We look forward to helping you feel comfortable on picture day so your real, authentic self shines through. Take a deep breath — you’ve got this!
