What Tie to Wear for Senior Pictures & Yearbook Day

Senior pictures have staying power. Even if trends come and go, your yearbook photo will live on in printed pages (and probably your parents’ hallway) for decades. A tie that looks good now and holds up in five, ten, or twenty years? That’s the goal.

Classic solids in navy, burgundy, charcoal, or black are always a safe bet. They never look dated and photograph beautifully. If you want a little more character, simple stripes are a great next step; think prep school style rather than flashy. As a bonus, striped ties are an easy way to subtly nod to your high school or future college colors. Prefer something more subdued? Light patterns like tiny dots or tone-on-tone texture add just enough visual interest without stealing the show.

What you'll want to steer clear of are busy prints or novelty designs. They might feel fun in the moment, but they tend to photograph poorly and can pull focus from your face, the whole point of the picture. When in doubt, simpler is always better.

Here's a few recommendations:

A traditional-width tie (around 3.25" to 3.5") is a safe, polished pick for formal photos. But if your school allows a more modern vibe (or your outfit calls for something slimmer) a narrow tie can still look sharp. Just make sure the tie width complements your suit or shirt’s collar and lapels.

A Quick Guide:

• Traditional Width (3.25"–3.5"): Best for most senior portraits.
• Narrow Width (3"): Good with slim-fit shirts and a modern look. Similar look to a traditional tie on slimmer bodies.
• Slim Width (2.5"): Trendy without going too skinny, especially flattering on smaller frames. Wear with a slim shirt.
• Skinny Width (2"): Trendy, but not always timeless in photos.

Here's examples of all four width:

Bow ties can be a stylish choice, if they're you. Before you commit, though, it's worth checking your school's portrait guidelines, since some schools require traditional neckties for the official yearbook photo rather than bow ties. If yours is one of them, that doesn't mean your bow tie has to sit in the closet all year; save it for additional personal photos, especially if you're working with your own photographer, or for candid yearbook shots like senior superlatives or club pages. And if bow ties are permitted for the formal portrait, stick to timeless fabrics and colors rather than anything too flashy or novelty, so it holds up in photos the same way a necktie would.

Your tie shouldn’t be an afterthought. Once you’ve picked your outfit, likely a button-up shirt and possibly a jacket, make sure your tie coordinates.

Best Color Pairings:

• White Shirt: Almost any color works. Try navy, maroon, gray, or a muted hue.
• Light Blue Shirt: Try burgundy, navy, or charcoal gray.
• Gray Shirt: Go with a darker tie like black, navy, or deep red.

If you’re wearing a school uniform, a fresh, clean tie in school-approved colors is key. Don’t wait until the night before to realize yours is wrinkled or stained.

Your official portrait is usually taken by a professional photographer, perhaps outside of school. Other yearbook photos are often taken throughout the year, like club pics, sports teams, or senior superlatives.

These candid shots are where you can have a little more fun. Consider a tie (and/or socks) that reflects your personal style or activity. It might not be right for a formal portrait, but a bold or novelty tie could show off your personality here, especially for senior superlatives. It's also the perfect time for bow tie lovers to shine. If your school allows polos or less formal outfits, a skinny or knit tie can add some personality too. The one thing to still avoid is neon or shiny fabrics, since they can wash out or look strange on camera.

• Steam your tie the night before (a wrinkled tie shows in photos).
• Practice your knot ahead of time. Stick to a classic four-in-hand or half-Windsor.
• Tuck your tie in place with a tie bar if allowed (helps with windy outdoor shots).
• Bring a backup tie if you're unsure or shooting outdoors. The photographer can help you pick!

From classic solids to sharp stripes and camera-friendly textures, we carry a wide selection of neckties for senior pictures and yearbook day. Available in traditional and slim widths, plus multiple lengths for the right fit.

Disclosure: This article may include images created or enhanced using artificial intelligence (AI).

TieMart offers a wide selection of men's neckties, bow ties, and accessories perfect for senior portraits and yearbook day. From classic solids and subtle stripes to school-ready two-color ties and timeless patterns like paisley and plaid, there's something for every student's style. TieMart's affordable ties ship quickly from their Midwest location, making last-minute picture prep a breeze.