A new school year means a new opportunity to nail Picture Day. Now, there are plenty of Picture Day disasters out there, but there is no sense tossing around blame. As my close, personal friend Oprah likes to say, “When you know better, you do better.” So, my fellow classmates around the world, I’m going to school you in the do’s and don’ts of a picture perfect Picture Day.

DO wear something that makes you feel put together yet comfortable. A simple three-piece suit with distressed jeans and a cashmere beanie works for me, but you do you.

DON’T wear graphic prints that get cut off in the frame of the photo. That’s just ew. Nobody wants to see the forehead of the cartoon mutant robot that you were into in second grade.

DO wear your hair in a familiar style. You’ll feel relaxed and you’ll look like yourself. Wash it the night before and use a little leave-in conditioner for extra shine and manageability.

DON’T cut your hair the night before and try a fancy new braid. This can only end in disaster.

DON’T be afraid to allow your true personality to show.

DO warn the photographer if your true personality is quite loud. Manners, people, manners.

DO avoid frizzies and flyaways by using a dab of mousse or styling cream.

DON’T use too much styling product or you’ll have a slick, crunchy look that will land you right at the front of the re-take line.

DO think carefully about hair accessories. Not everyone can pull them off the way I can in a school picture.

DON’T ask to borrow my hair accessories.

When it comes to class pictures, DO think about a neutral palette for clothing, or solid jewel-tones. It allows a cohesive look without any colors or patterns fighting for attention.

DON’T allow anyone to hog the giant egg on the front row. That’s your place and you should fight for it if necessary.

Good luck, my friends. Make good choices and join with me to envision a world in which there are no picture day re-takes. We can do this.