What to Wear : A Headshot Wardrobe Guide
You just booked your headshot appointment. (Woo - Go you!) and then it hit you... you need something to wear. Before you hurry off to the mall, keep reading this. You might already have exactly what you need in your own closet!
so, what do i wear to my photoshoot , julia!?
Figuring out what to wear for your headshots is important, but it doesn’t have to be hard. Trust us – we’re a team of brand photographers who have been capturing professional and unique headshots for years, and we made this guide to help you!
Your headshot should match up with what people see in real life.
First thing first: you want to show up looking like, well… YOU. Start by thinking about how you normally dress when you’re out in the real world. What are your favorite outfits that make you feel extra confident?
Same with hair and make-up! You don’t want to confuse new contacts by looking like a completely different person in your photos. Of course you might feel like showing up as a slightly fancier version of you on photo day - but it should still be realistic! The goal is to look like yourself.
EveryBODY is different (get it?).
For real though jokes aside, all bodies are unique. We often are asked..can you make me lose 20 pounds in post-editing? Or what should I wear that’s slimming? The truth is different styles will always flatter different figures. It’s crucial that YOU feel good in your outfit. Can I tell you an insider secret? The key to a great photo session is confidence. If you feel amazing, that energy will definitely show in your photos.
The key to a great photo session is confidence. If you feel amazing, that energy will definitely show in your photos.
If you’re questioning whether your favorite shirt, jumpsuit, or dress actually looks good on you, here are a few practical tips :
- Avoid wearing anything too flowy. 99.9% of people are worried that the camera adds ten pounds – it’s not just you! Keep in mind that talented, experienced photographers (not to brag, but that’s us!) know exactly how to choose the right camera angles to flatter your natural body shape. But choosing the right thing to wear can make a big difference too, and that’s you come in!
- Steer clear from large, loose tops without much of a shape. This style might look great in real life when there’s movement happening, but for a headshot you are sitting still. Baggier clothing just isn’t our recommendation in most cases.
- For a slimmer AND cleaner look, opt for a more structured top that fits well in the shoulders. Also, remember that headshots are cropped closer to your face. This can make moderate necklines seem lower. We’re not afraid of a little cleavage but, if that’s not the professional vibe you’re aiming for, look for higher necklines.
- Another common client concern: “How will my arms look in photos?”. Personally, we think maybe it’s time we all just agree that arms are arms so we can quit being so critical of ourselves. However, we also get that it’s not quite that simple. So if this is an area of concern for you, think about how your top might affect your arms.
You can usually fix this issue by choosing a top with sleeves. Another great idea – layer! A removable layer can create a totally different look in seconds. Try a blazer to create a nice silhouette while also offering a quick change.
Now for our favorite part… color!
There’s really no wrong or right here either. Ultimately, wear a color you love. Is there a color that makes you feel beautiful? Maybe when you wear that color you hear “Oooh - that is your color!”. Or maybe it compliments your eye color or skin tone. That’s probably a great choice for your headshot photos!
Make sure the colors you choose are a good fit for your personality. Headshot day isn’t the best day to “try something new” with your outfit colors. Stick with what you already know works here! Do you wear a lot of cooler tones or warm tones? Neutrals or bright colors?
It seems worth reiterating at this point: You want your headshots to feel like YOU.
You might still be feeling confused though… Maybe you’ve never considered what tones you like or what colors are most flattering for your skin. Not to worry! Here are a few tips that are true across the board:
Be careful with all-white tops. In photos, white tends to draw the most attention and can wash out lighter skin tones. Especially if you are booking a studio session (like our white space filled with natural light) we recommend picking a darker tone to really stand out in the space!
Consider picking colors that pair well with the backdrop. If your company has a standard backdrop design you can choose colors that coordinate and stand out against that particular setting.
Some professionals even choose to incorporate their brand colors for headshots. This can be a fun way to show off your branding… and to make sure your photos will look great on your website!
Tight patterns are generally a no-go. They can be distracting and we want these photos to be about YOU – not what you’re wearing. Solid colors are more classic and timeless. We don’t want you to be tired of your headshot in a couple months because you chose a pattern that was too trendy.
Let’s talk make-up.
We recommend wearing a little more than you usually would, while still looking like yourself. There is no need for buying new make-up or adding an extreme new look, but studio lighting is notorious for giving skin a washed out look. A little extra mascara and color in your lips and cheeks can go a long way!
While you’re at it – treat yourself to a manicure. Your hands may show up in your headshots depending on the pose! No worries if a professional manicure isn’t in the budget. Just be sure to clean and trim your nails, wash your hands, and remove any chipped polish before your photo shoot.
Choose a hairstyle that you are used to wearing. If you normally wear your hair down, it’s probably best to wear it that way for photos. You will feel more comfortable and relaxed, which always makes for a better photo!
No matter what style you choose, hair should frame your face. Hair that is pulled back too tight, can make your features seem severe or strained. Also, keep an eye out for flyaways and pack hairspray for last minute fixes.
Side note: You might be tempted to get a fresh haircut in preparation for a photo shoot. While this isn’t a terrible idea, we do recommend scheduling it at least a week or two in advance. This will give you plenty of time to adjust to the new style and feel comfortable wearing it!
The more prepared you are walking into your headshot appointment, the better. Having a plan means you will be comfortable, confident, and relaxed! You can find inspiration in many places: this Headshot Wardrobe Guide, obviously, Pinterest, LinkedIn, or even your company's website. Check out other headshots that you love and make notes of the specific qualities that caught your attention. Once you figure out what you like, you can make it your own! At the end of the day, you’ll walk away with a headshot that you are proud to use.