Today we have guest blogger Stephanie Fletcher from Slice of Lime Photography sharing her tips on Senior Guy Style.  Stephanie worked with Emil, owner of Slice of Lime Photography, to give us a great post on how to help your senior guy clients to dress for their senior sessions. Check it out below!

When it comes to styling Senior Boys and Senior Girls, it may seem like comparing apples and oranges. Styling senior boys can be much more challenging, as typically they don’t come with all the accouterments that senior girls do. However, when it comes down to it, it is the small things: choice of fabrics, layering, an added tie, scarf, the right hat, or just an added pop of color, that is going to make your senior guy client stand out and exude confidence, just as it would your senior girls.

Here are a few simple pointers and things to consider when trying to give your senior guy client tips on how to dress for his senior session:

• Some high school senior boys don’t realize the power of the button down. The button down is one of the few ways to automatically appear classier, pulled together, and more mature. It can be worn with a tie, open with a t-shirt and my favorite, layered with cardigans, long-sleeve shirts or sweaters. From rock star to business man, the button down should be a staple in any senior guy’s wardrobe. I used two button downs for these looks. One being seasonal and preppy and the other with layers for that more down to earth look.
• Make sure that they wear clothes that fit well! Their shirts should stop at your hip. And although their shirt shouldn’t be skin-tight, you want to encourage them to make sure it flows closely around their body. Even for our street-chic look where clothes can hang more loosely, it was important for the camera to still capture Michael and not get lost in unnecessary fabric. With these form fitting pieces, we get to see Michael first and his outfit second.
• Suggest colors that look good on them! Wearing a select group of colors based on your skin tone and eye color can really make a difference. Some colors will go well with the undertones of their skin and make the color of your eyes really pop while others may do the opposite.

• For a Senior with Cool Skin Tones: Advise your seniors to pick out wardrobe pieces that have “cool” colors like white, black, royal blue, gray, navy, etc. Think of colors that remind you of water, sea, and sky. When in doubt, you can’t go wrong with one of these.

• For Seniors with Warm Skin Tones: Warm tones look great in “earthy” shades like burnt orange, cream, yellow, brown, dark green, and red. Again, when in doubt, these are your basics.

• Khakis are a sound investment, possibly one of the most versatile components in any senior guy’s wardrobe. But if you’ve got a senior that looks at you like you are crazy when you suggest khakis, tell them not to panic! These cotton slacks aren’t what they used to be. They come in all kinds of colors and cuts so your senior can wear a pair that best fits their personality. With this look, shirts can remain untucked or tucked in, both giving off that not so casual feel. Khakis can help pull off any variety of looks from a preppy look to a more urban look with flannels, beanies, and layers. Khakis are easily transitioned across a variety of styles. We paired our senior’s Khakis with white Converses to compliment his classy but fun personality. (Oh and flat front pants only please. Pleats don’t belong on any young man under the age of 40.)

• When all else fails, use the go to resource for inspiration for many of us stylists and photographers, start a Pinterest board. Getting to know what styles they like and what they would feel most comfortable in, and what type of location they want their senior pictures done will influence their final wardrobe choices. From there you can make suggestions based on your local retail stores or favorite websites. Unfortunately the boutique options are much more limited when it comes to guy styles, but there are other routes. If you find they’re into music, suggest a guitar shop that may sell band t-shirts. If they lean more towards the clean-cut scholar, direct them to J. Crew and Banana Republic. Seniors more into trendy styles and pop culture love to shop at H&M and Urban Outfitters.

While senior girls get most of the spotlight when it comes to styled senior sessions, don’t let the idea of styling senior guys make you panic or scare you off. Keep it about getting to know your client, their interests, what they are comfortable in, where they like to hang out, and make suggestions for wardrobe based on that. Stick to the basics: clothes that fit well, colors that compliment, and you’re sure to capture a Senior guy who looks his coolest no matter what he’s wearing.

 

Emil Rodriguez-Powell, owner/photographer

Stephanie Fletcher, wardrobe stylist/ assistant extraordinaire

www.sliceoflimephotography.com

717-991-3740

Twitter: @SliceOLimePhoto

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