Senior Portrait Trends in Mesa, Arizona

It all started with a hat. But it wasn’t just any hat. It was floppy with a wide brim, and it looked fabulous on everyone! As it turned out, it was a hat that most of my senior girls fell in love with. That was back in 2013, and it was the accessory that convinced me even more that every little detail matters in your senior pictures.

Accessories can make or break your photos, so it’s important to think through your outfits and select add-ons that will accentuate your look…without taking center stage themselves and overwhelming the photo. It’s a tricky balance, but if you follow the “less is more” tenet, then it will all come together. Take your time and choose accessories that feel comfortable, work well with your outfits, and that will make you stand out in your very own fabulous style.

Sounds easy enough, right? Some people seem to have a sixth sense for choosing just the right extras to add to their outfits to get a boost of stylish creativity. But if you still have questions, stick with me because I’m going to tell you how to select the right pieces for you and let you know what tends to work well for my clients.

The Whole Shebang—Accessories to Top Off Any Outfit

At Magical Memories by Michelle, my exclusive Style Closet is available to every client. Sure, it’s full of tons of great outfits, but did you know it’s also chock full of accessories to mix and match with all your looks? So, whether you’re looking for an entire outfit or just need that perfect piece to top off your look, it’s a pretty sure bet you’ll find it in the Style Closet.

Why the Style Closet?

I started the Style Closet for several reasons. When you’re getting ready for your senior pictures, the idea of a full-on fashion extravaganza is super fun and exciting, but many clients don’t have ALL the pieces they need to complete every outfit, especially if they’re planning on changing a few times throughout their session. Not only does it save money to borrow accessories from the Style Closet (instead of buying them yourself), but it also gives me a great opportunity to walk through all your fashion looks with you and suggest accessories that will dazzle in your photos. Plus, it gives you the opportunity to wear something you might not normally wear—and who doesn’t love to dress up, am I right?

Below are just a few of the accessories that are tucked away in the Style Closet. Be sure to read all the way to the end to see my very favorite piece!

Accessories for the Win

When I began this post, I intended to show you EVERYTHING that’s in the Style Closet, but I quickly realized there was WAY too much to include in just one post. You’d still be here reading and browsing tomorrow! So instead, I decided to divide this post into two parts. In this first post, I’ll share some of the jewelry and accessories that are available—but be sure to check back, because the next one will be all about hats and props.

When you think about accessorizing, do you think of just jewelry? Of course, jewelry is a major player when you’re dressing to impress, but don’t forget things like sunglasses, hair clips and ties, belts, and other things that can up your dress-up game when it’s time for pictures.

So Very Versatile

When you’re planning to accessorize, try to think of the pieces you’ll get the most mileage out of. Can you use them with more than one outfit? Can they be dressed up or dressed down? For example, the most versatile accessory in the Style Closet is this piece. It’s a headband, a choker, a belt, and MORE!

For her senior portrait session, Mercy wanted to focus on her vintage style—and this piece was perfect! She wore it as a headband and paired it with an antique phone (part of the Magical Memories by Michelle prop collection) to create a complete look. She even pulled out all her acting skills to visually have a conversation…likely with one of her many suitors! Talk about versatility…this accessory looks totally different when it’s worn as an anklet or bracelet, too!

Jazz Up Your Look with Jewelry

I’ll be honest; most of my clients don’t wear a lot of jewelry, but when they do, they follow a few simple rules:

1. Stick with the classics. There’s a shelf life for most trends, so be careful choosing highly trendy pieces. it can date your photos. What? Yep, to ensure your photos stay classic and have that always-in-style look, go for simpler accent pieces. For example, layered necklaces, stacked bracelets, or simple rings are perfect for adding personality to your photos!
2. Less in more. Don’t let your jewelry choices upstage you with their sparkle! Instead, choose a couple pieces you love and let the majority of the focus be on you and your gorgeous smile! When you’re choosing your accessories, you want them to highlight your awesome style without overwhelming your look!
3. Make it meaningful. If you have a class ring, family heirloom, or other piece that’s important to you, your senior pictures could be the perfect time to show it off. Just be sure to coordinate style and colors with your outfit so you end up with a well put-together look!

Made in the Shade…Let’s Talk Sunglasses

Sunglasses are always a fun accessory—for both girls and guys. And since we’re lucky enough to live somewhere with more than 300 sunny days per year, sunnies will fit right in with your outdoor portraits.

What’s so fun about sunglasses? There are so many different styles, shapes, and shades of sunglasses that you can pretty much pick a pair for every single mood or outfit! Adding sunglasses to your outfit gives you the opportunity to show off your flirtatious, sassy, or fun-loving personality.

As much as I love sunglasses, this pair is my absolute favorite! Fun and cute, the “Hello Boys” lettering above the lenses adds a fun and flirty feel to Alex’s photos. The newest accessory addition to the Style Closet, these on-trend sunnies are sure to be a top choice for many clients. As soon as I saw them, they went immediately into my Target shopping cart. (Isn’t Target just the BEST?!)

Less Stress, More Creativity

Don’t stress out too much when it comes to pulling together your outfits and accessories for senior pictures. The selections you make are important, but when you trust your instincts and go with the things you love and that you’re comfortable in, you’ll shine no matter what! Plus, I’ll be right beside you all the way, so we can work together to make sure you accessorize every outfit with the perfect pieces for you!

MORE Ideas & Inspiration

Be sure to check out the second part of this series for even more accessory inspo! If you know me, you know I love hats, so be sure to read all the ways you can add creativity and personality to your portraits with floppy-brimmed hats, berets, and more!

If you’re a 2023 graduate (and even 2024!), it’s time to start thinking and planning for your senior pictures! Calendar slots fill up quickly, so contact me to be sure to mark your spot on the schedule.

Keep your eyes on the blog for even more ideas and inspiration, and don’t forget to follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest for all the latest photo session highlights. Ready for creative senior portraits that reflect your personality and style? Let’s talk!