What to Wear for Headshots

 
 

One of the biggest questions we get when it comes to booking a headshot session is always “What should I wear?”.

Technically, you can wear whatever you like, but there are a few guidelines that we like to suggest to ensure you will look your best in photos. Below is our playbook for how to guarantee you’ll look your best for your headshots.

  • DRESS LIKE YOUR BOSS.

    What is considered appropriate dress in the workplace can vary dramatically, depending on your industry. Lawyers and doctors are often expected to dress more formal where as a stylist or designer can get away with much more creative clothing… so when in doubt, dress like your boss or a leader in your industry that you respect. This will help you convey confidence without looking like you’re trying too hard.

  • AVOID PRINTS, PATTERNS, AND STRIPES.

    While patterns, prints and stripes are great for daily wear, when taking your headshots, you’ll be better off sticking to non-distracting ensembles. Solid colors that are flattering to your skin tone are not only less distracting, they also avoid various optical illusions and are often more timeless. We want your potential clients, peers and employers to be looking at you, not what you’re wearing.

  • OPT FOR TIGHTER FITTING CLOTHING.

    Closely-fitted clothing tends to look cleaner and less distracting in photos than loose or baggy clothing - especially for formal or business-casual photos. Also, if you wear an overly flowy or baggy top, it will add visual weight to your photo and can make you look larger than you are. If you are wearing a blazer, make sure it fits closely around your shoulders and arms - even if it’s slightly too tight when buttoned (but not overly small) - most your headshots are taken with your jackets unbuttoned.

    While in real life, we can see fabric flowing and moving around the body, but in photographs we usually see mostly the outer shape. This is also why your pose and arm placement is so important when taking your headshot - but that’s for us to worry about!

  • PICK SLEEVES THAT ARE FLATTERING.

    If you are one of the many people that have worries about how your arms look, make sure you pick a sleeve that you find flattering. While this doesn’t matter so much if you’re wearing a blazer, if you’re opting to wear just a shirt in your photo, sleeves can play a big role. Generally, if you’re concerned about your shoulders or arms looking wide- avoid wearing cap sleeves. 3/4 length and long sleeves are generally flattering for everyone. If you want to show off your arms, you’re welcome to wear a sleeveless shirt or dress if you think it is appropriate for your career. Again, puffy sleeves can make your arms look larger depending on their fit.

  • PICK A HIGHER NECKLINE.

    Keep in mind, most headshots are cropped closely around your head, neck and face. If you’re wearing a lower neckline, it can end up looking more provocative than it appears in person. My general rule of thumb for women is to wear a shallow-v, scoop or bateau. I typically suggest steering clear of turtlenecks, but when styled correctly, I know some ladies can definitely pull it off. For men wearing a button up shirt, make sure not to leave too many unbuttoned. You’ll want at least one button to be visibly buttoned when the photo is cropped.

  • SELECT CLASSIC ACCESSORIES & JEWELRY.

    Much like your clothing prints and patterns, you don’t want your jewelry to overpower or distract. Keep your watches, jewelry, and other accessories simple. Unless you have a very specific style that is part of your brand, we recommend more dainty necklaces or bracelets that won’t draw attention away from your face. It’s also important that your accessories are complimentary to your neckline and outfit. If you’re unsure- bring a few pieces to your headshot session and we can help you pick out your best option!

  • PICKING OUT YOUR CLOTHING COLORS.

    We’ve already established that prints can be distracting, now lets talk about colors. Certain colors will look amazing on just about anyone: Blues, Navys and Grays are classic business attire. That being said, different colors can send different messages.

    • DARK COLORS are perceived as more formal, dominate and authoritative.

    • LIGHT COLORS make the wearer appear more friendly and approachable.

    • Some BRIGHT COLORS convey confidence and energy.

    • MUTED COLORS are conservatives and less threatening.

    • HIGH-CONTRAST PARINGS like a dark jacket and light shirt can create a powerful image that conveys influence and authority.

    Also, consider your background. Unless we’re doing company headshots where a wardrobe is being coordinated for you, you’ll want to decide if you want to stand out or blend in from your background. If you’re doing a black and white session with a black background, wearing a black outfit may look like a floating head.