Best Outfits for Headshots: What Works on Camera and Why

Unflattering clothes can leave you with photos that don't represent the confident and capable person you are, potentially hindering job opportunities. I've helped several professionals avoid common wardrobe mistakes while offering high-quality, professional headshots. Here’s my expert guidance on what to wear for headshot photos, including tips for colors, patterns, and styles.

What to Wear for Headshot Photos

When preparing an outfit for your headshot, start by considering your headshot's purpose and audience. Keep your clothes well-fitted and comfortable for a confident appearance. Additionally, thoughtfully employing color psychology, selecting appropriate fabrics and textures, and avoiding large, bold prints and patterns are key elements in creating an impactful professional image.

Professional headshot photos make a strong first impression as they're visual representations of your personal and professional brand across various platforms. Check out how I help my clients prepare a confident and impactful headshot look.

Aspect	Best Practices
Outfit goal and audience	Conservative business attire with minimal accessories More expression through color and style for creative fields Professional yet approachable-looking for academics
Proper fit and comfort	Choose clothing you feel confident in Avoid outfits that require constant adjustment Tailor loose garments before the shoot
Color psychology	Neutrals for a clean, classic look Blues and grays to convey trust, stability, and professionalism Greens and browns for approachability and dependability
Right fabrics and textures	Choose matte over shiny fabrics Avoid materials that wrinkle easily Layer different textures thoughtfully

1. Tailor Your Outfit to Your Headshot's Goal and Intended Viewers

The first step in selecting the right attire for your headshot is understanding its purpose and who will be viewing it. A headshot for a corporate website will likely have different requirements than one for an acting portfolio or a personal social media profile. Consider the message you want to convey and the expectations of your target audience.

• Professional/corporate headshots: These often aim for a look of competence, trustworthiness, and professionalism. A lawyer might opt for a more formal suit, while someone in a tech startup might choose a smart blazer or a crisp button-down shirt.

• Creative/actor/model headshots: These allow for more personal expression. Consider the aesthetic and character types you want to attract.

• Social media headshots: Depending on your platform and personal brand, your attire can range from professional to more casual and approachable. Think about the image you want to project to your followers and connections.

2. Prioritize Proper Fit and Comfort for a Confident Look

No matter how stylish an outfit is, if it doesn't fit well or feels uncomfortable, it will show in your photos. Ill-fitting clothes can appear sloppy or restrictive, hindering your ability to relax and project confidence. Try on your chosen outfits a few days before your photo shoot.

• Choose your regular clothing size: Don't try to squeeze into something too small or wear something too large, hoping it will look better on camera.

• Pay attention to shoulder seams: They should lie flat at the edge of your shoulders, not drooping down your arms or riding up towards your neck.

• Check the fit while sitting and moving: Make sure the clothes don't bunch up uncomfortably or restrict your movement in key areas.

3. Leverage Color Psychology to Communicate Your Desired Image

Color plays a significant role in how your headshot is perceived. Different colors evoke different emotions and associations. Choose colors that align with your professional goals and personal brand while complementing your skin tone to retain the focus on your face rather than your clothing.

• Project trust with cool tones: Wearing shades within the blues and greys color families often conveys reliability, stability, and competence. This makes them excellent choices for corporate or professional headshots where trustworthiness is key.

• Showcase approachability with warmer accents: Incorporating subtle touches of reds, oranges, or yellows can inject energy, confidence, and warmth into your image. Use these bolder colors as accent pieces (like a scarf or a subtle pattern) to avoid overwhelming the shot.

• Convey groundedness with earth tones: Opting for colors in the greens and browns spectrum can communicate dependability and a sense of being grounded. These can be particularly effective for more personal branding or fields emphasizing connection and authenticity.

4. Select the Right Fabrics and Textures for a Polished Appearance

The fabric and texture of your clothing can impact how it looks under studio lighting and in the final photograph. Certain materials can reflect light in unflattering ways or appear differently on camera than in person. Choose comfortable fabrics for the shoot's environment, especially for outdoor locations.

• Opt for solids and subtle textures: Prepare solid-colored garments or those with non-distracting textures (like a smooth knit or a subtly textured blouse). This keeps the focus firmly on your face rather than the clothing.

• Avoid shiny or reflective fabrics: Steer clear of materials like satin, shiny silk, or anything with a noticeable sheen. These fabrics can catch the light in unpredictable ways, creating harsh highlights and distracting from your features.

• Consider the drape and structure of the fabric: Pick fabrics that drape well on your body without being clingy or overly stiff. Structured fabrics can provide a more tailored and professional look, while softer drapes can appear more approachable.

Related Questions

How Do You Look Pretty in a Headshot?

To look your best in a headshot, focus on wearing colors that complement your skin tone and hairstyle while maintaining a natural, well-rested appearance with adequate sleep the night before. Your genuine smile and relaxed confidence will let your beauty shine through the pictures.

How to Style Hair and Makeup for Headshots?

For headshot hair styling, choose a clean, polished version of how you typically wear your hair, avoiding experimental cuts or colors right before your session. Makeup should enhance your natural features without being distracting.

How to Accessorize a Headshot Attire?

When accessorizing for headshots, select minimal, non-distracting pieces that complement rather than compete with your face, such as simple earrings, a delicate necklace, or a classic wristwatch. Consider your profession and the image you wish to project. Some roles benefit from subtle statement pieces that reflect personality.

Conclusion

Now that you know what to wear for a headshot, you can confidently step in front of the camera and get images that truly capture your professional essence and make a powerful first impression. With my expertise in photography and wardrobe styling, I can help you prepare a headshot shoot that flawlessly conveys your personality.