What to wear for Headshots

So, you booked your business portrait session and now you’re staring into your closet unsure what to do next. With so many outfit options, it’s easy to see why “what do I wear?” is the number one question I receive prior to a headshot session.

 I totally understand; deciding what to wear and knowing how to prepare for a headshot session can be super intimidating. But, no worries. I got you! Below is a handy-dandy preparation guide to get you lookin’ and feelin’ confident for your close up. 

CONSIDER THE VIBE & MOOD

If you work for a company with brand guidelines, make sure to check with them regarding specific attire instructions. While some companies will allow a more casual vibe, others prefer a highly professional look.

For everyone else, consider how you’d like to be portrayed in your headshot. Do you want to seem friendly and open? Maybe consider dressing more casually and leave that tie at home (jeans aren’t out of the question!). Or, maybe you want to seem highly professional and focused. In that case, a tailored dress or suit and tie would be a better look.

COMFORTABLE & CLASSIC

Whatever you choose to wear, make sure you feel comfortable and confident. The camera can tell when you’re uncomfortable! Trust me. 

Avoiding anything too trendy is advised too. While trends come and go, classic looks are timeless. Your headshot will last a lot longer if you keep it simple.

THINK ABOUT COLOR

Color can make you feel confident and bring out your very best. Don’t be afraid of it! The most important thing to remember is that jewel tones and rich neutrals are universally flattering.

While I understand that gravitational pull to wearing black, it can tend to look guarded and sometimes can wash out your skin. I’m not saying NO to black but opting for navy or grey will do a lot more to make you stand out in a good way.

White, or colors very close to white, should be avoided for most people as they can look blown out in photographs. This isn’t a hard and fast rule – like black, sometimes white can look quite striking. To play it safe, make sure to bring a few layering options.

The big no-nos include neon anything or colors close to your skin tone. It’s never a good look.

MAKE SURE YOUR CLOTHES FIT

Fit is the most important factor when it comes to clothing. Make sure your clothes fit well. Avoid bulky shirts, jackets, and sweaters as they will make you look bigger than you are. Conversely, anything too tight isn’t flattering and will highlight certain sections of your body. Remember that your face is the star of the show.

It’s also important to make sure your attire is properly pressed and as wrinkle-free as possible. Worn-out, wrinkly outfits tend to be distracting. So, make sure your outfit looks as new as possible.

PATTERNS, ECT.

Pattern lovers, I’ll need you to hold back a bit. Do your best to avoid big check, contrasting plaids, and itty bitty patterns. They tend to distract.  Avoid logos UNLESS they are required by your company. Always avoid attire with pictures (no Star Wars t-shirts, guys… sorry).

GLASSES

Glasses are the natural nemeses of every studio photographer.  That said, if you wear your glasses as part of your everyday look, make sure you wear them for your headshot. Most glasses have an anti-glare film on them, but if your glasses do not, see if you can pop out the lenses. If you are unable to pop out your lenses, expect your headshot to take a little longer as I find the right lighting to avoid glare.

Most importantly, make sure to clean your glasses prior to your shoot so that they are fingerprint and spot-free.

FOR THE LADIES

JEWELRY
Be a minimalist with jewelry. While I LOVE your big necklace or colorful earrings when I see you in person, for a headshot I find that they simply distract. Instead, wear simple jewelry or opt out completely.

CLOTHING
When picking out a blouse or dress, make sure it’s not sleeveless unless wearing it under a jacket or cardigan. The longer the sleeves, the more flattering for your arms. 

When considering necklines, modest is best (no plunging necklines here!) and v-necks tend to elongate the neck.

LAYERS
Dressing in layers can add visual interest to your look! Consider layering a jacket or cardigan over your shirt.

POCKETS
The lack of pockets in women’s clothing is a travesty. It really is. If possible, wear pants, dresses or skirts with pockets. Pockets can help for certain casual poses.

HAIR
Whether you wear your hair up or down, give it a little pep. Tied back hair in particular can be very flattering, but make sure it’s not too tight. Keep it loose and voluminous. Bring along a hairbrush for any last-minute touch-ups. 

MAKEUP 
For those who wear makeup, keep it light and natural. Overdone makeup can be a big distraction.

If you’re not a big fan of lipstick, try to wear at least a light shade to define your mouth (I’ve found a tinted chapstick works great!). ]

Consider the foundation you are using as foundations with heavy SPF can cast a white glare when under the studio lights.

For those who are prone to shine, dust on some translucent powder before your session.

Avoid sparkly make up, please (please please please). 

PROFESSIONAL HAIR + MAKEUP
Hiring someone to do your hair and makeup is a great way to help you look your best, especially if you’re hesitant about doing it yourself. That said, make sure to be clear with your stylist on HOW made up you’d like to be. It’s best to air on the side of subtle for professional headshots. 

FOR THE FELLAS

CLOTHING
Make sure your shirt and suit jacket (if wearing one) fits well. Clothing that is too big will wrinkle up and/or look bulky, and clothing that is too small pulls in all the wrong directions. 

Navy and grey suit jackets are more flattering on skin tones and photograph better than stark black suit jackets. For your shirt, try to opt for another color aside from white or near white. 

For a casual vibe, a simple button-down shirt with rolled-up sleeves is a great look. Add a suit jacket for a slightly more professional look. 

If going for something even more casual, an open buttoned-down shirt over a solid T-shirt is a great look too. Just make sure they fit well and are wrinkle-free.

HAIR
If possible, get your hair trimmed one week prior to your session. This will allow your hair to settle in a bit and not look like you just got your haircut.  

FACIAL HAIR 
If you sport a clean face, make sure to take time before your session to shave well (1-2 hours before your session is ideal to avoid afternoon shadow). Bearded/mustached fellas, make sure to trim up that beard so it looks sharp and crisp.

I’M HERE FOR YOU

Still not sure what to wear? Feel free to reach out prior to your session with any questions. I urge you to bring along a few outfit choices and we can talk it through during your session as well.

Do you still need to schedule your headshot? Learn more about my headshot work or contact me to schedule your session now!