What do I wear for my headshot photos?
I love headshot photo sessions, mostly because of how versatile we can make them. If you have seen any of my work, I am a huge fan of monochromatic and minimalistic colors and adding drama with the use of facial expressions and lighting. However, there are still some things to consider when planning out your outfits for your headshot shoots.
Know your Audience
Why is it important to have a good quality, professional headshot? Because it can be the first impression from future employers. So think about who will be seeing these photos and choose outfits/accessories based off of that.
Are you a painter or carpenter? An HR specialist? An interior designer? An architect? A model? Then dress the part!
Keep Patterns Subtle
Avoid mini stripes and dots or small, busy patterns. These can cause an effect in the camera that distorts the pattern into weird shapes that will throw all of our eyes into chaos. Also do your best to avoid logos, except when specific to your brand or business.
Colors - Go Neutral or Pick a Subtle Jewel Tone
Colors are so subjective and almost all photographers vary in what they think is best. So here is the honest truth: colors all depend on the tone/vibe of the shoot and what looks best on you.
Personally, I am a monochromatic and neutral color-wearing person. My favorite colors are black, white, and grey. BUT, I look the best in dark reds. If I am photographing myself for my website or brand then I choose neutral colors to better reflect the vibe I want to portray. If I am looking for a dramatic photo that really highlights my features and skin tones, I choose burgundy or a deeper red.
Here is a step by step process on how I believe you can choose the colors that work well for you and this specific session:
Think about the color background that you need. Do you want to blend into the background or pop off of it?
How do you want to be presented in the photos? Do you want your face to be the main focus (neutral colors work best for this) or do you want your whole self to be the focus of the image (jewel tones like emerald, maroon, mustard, etc. are great options for this)
Once you have figured out the first two steps, choose colors that flatter your skin tone.
If you’re still struggling with choices, go with neutrals and call it a day - beige/browns, ivory, grey, navy, black.
I think it goes without saying, but I will make sure this is written just in case. ;) Avoid all neon and overly bright colors!
Tailored or Loose Fit?
A lot of people will opt for a more tailored look to their outfits so that they don’t feel like they present too relaxed or casual. And then there are some situations when a sweater or flowy top fits a viewing audience better. Either way, I don’t want your outfits to swallow you or be too stiff and not allow you to move or breathe.
Find a happy medium!
I personally love when clients wear outfits that flatter their figures. For example: I have narrow shoulders, so I have found that tops with a little more tailored/cinched waistline will add a little more balance to my looks.
Suit Jacket or Not?
First, I think this decision should start with determining who your audience is. Who are you marketing to or hoping will hire you? Consider the age group and demographic of the people that will be viewing these images and decide how you want them to see you.
Second, if you tend to slouch or need a little more structure to your outfit or figure then adding a blazer can always help with these two things.
And remember, a suit jacket doesn’t automatically mean you need to wear an entire suit and tie ensemble. If that is not your style, but you would still like to wear a blazer then dress it down a bit. Skip the tie or wear jeans or even untuck your shirt. There are countless options on how to wear a suit jacket.
My headshot sessions come with two outfit options, so you can also choose to wear a blazer for some and take it off for others.
Here are some great examples of subjects that mixed both…
Keep Your Outfits Modern, not Trendy
My general rule is to update your headshots at least every three years, but MOST DEFINITELY every five years.
So think in terms of wearing styles that are classic, but still modern to this year. But let’s not confuse “modern” and “trendy.”
Trendy is a “what was I thinking” moment when you look back at photos from your last photo session or social media post or something in your closet that you aren’t quite sure about.
Go with your gut!
Wear a style that can be a staple for you over the next five years and not style you aren’t sure you’re going to like six months from now.
Simple Jewelry is Best
Again, think in terms of minimal and classic/modern. Unless you’re a jewelry designer, leave those big pieces at home.
Hair ties Leave Marks on your Wrists
Dear friends, please take the hair ties off of your wrist before you come for your session. I haven’t found anything flattering or professional about wearing a hair tie as a bracelet or the mark it leaves behind. Hair ties are for your hair ;) And yes, the mark can be edited out but no, I really don’t want to spend my time on something we could avoid.
Makeup is Always a Good Idea
Think of makeup in terms of accentuating your features and adding color and depth. If you need any guidance, I have a couple of incredible hair and makeup artists that I love working with that I’d love to send your way!
Add an Accessory for Personality
Whether it’s a hat, bandana, glasses, handkerchief or shoes, a simple accessory can be added onto any outfit to help show more of your personality and vibe.
My job is to capture the essence of you in a single photo, so if you typically tie a bandana around your neck then I want you to tie a bandana around your neck. Headshots aren’t meant to be stuffy or portray anything but who you are.
Looking for More Inspiration?
How to prepare for a modern, not stuffy headshot session: Click Here
How to feel less awkward in front of the camera: Click Here
Want to see the Pinterest Board I look at before every one of my headshot sessions? Click Here