what to wear for your headshot guide
“What should I wear?” is the question I hear most often, and it’s exactly why nearly every photo session with me includes a styling consultation. We’ll plan your outfits together, so you never have to figure it out alone. This guide is your handy companion to that conversation. It covers the essentials of fit, color, and accessories, so you can start gathering ideas, feel prepared, and get the most out of our time together.
1. Decide how you want to be described from your photo.
Business headshots are similar to personal brand photos in that both photos tell your “story.” The difference is in the words your audience will use to describe you from viewing your photo.
Your “story” is what and who you are portraying to the world. Think about your image and how you want your viewers to see you.
A professional headshot is more than just a photo. It gives you employability, likeability and integrity.
Professional characteristics:
- Empowered
- Credible
- Loyal
- A leader
- Driven
- Hard-working
- Approachable
- Confident
- Intelligent
Personal characteristics:
- Creative
- Fun-loving
- Friendly
- Adventurous
- Bold
- Expressive
- Mindful
- Unique
2. Clothing Fit
The most important aspect of any article of clothing is the fit , and that you feel fabulous in your clothes.
Here are a few tips:
Check the neckline
Your headshot will likely be cropped right below your sternum, so make
sure you’re comfortable with the neckline. Depending on the height of the clothing you’re wearing under your jacket, you may or may not see it in the final shot.
If it’s important to you that it be seen, make sure the neckline is high enough.
Think form-fitting
Your top shouldn’t be too tight or too big. Many clients find getting their outfits (jackets, tops, etc.) tailored very helpful. Pay attention to any wrinkles around the arm holes, too.
We have tricks we'll employ during the photo session to ensure a proper fit, but ideally, the outfit should conform to your shape and fit well from the onset.
For jackets
If you’d typically wear a jacket, it will likely be a good choice for your professional headshot. If you're on a board, interested in joining a board or doing speaking engagements, then I highly recommend having a business headshot with a jacket. The clothing underneath shouldn't be pulling, gaping, or wrinkling.
For an additional look, a jacket with texture could be fun, too.
Most importantly, wear items that you love. This will come through in the photos.
3. Color selection
Choose colors that work well with your skin tone and don’t make you look red, yellow or green.
Coordinate with your skin tone and hair color
- Earth tones & neutral shades work well for most skin tones, eye colors, and hair.
- If you love pastels, and they support your brand colors, bring options and we’ll try them.
- Almost everyone can wear black and it photographs really well.
- Blues and grays work well for fair skin with blond hair and blue eyes.
- Browns and greens work well for green eyes.
- Avoid neon colors.
Solids vs Patterns
Solid colors are typically better than patterns. If the print pattern is small, try it, the camera may love it. However, we suggest avoiding busy patterns.
Most importantly, bring colors that you love and make you feel confident and empowered.
4. Accessories
The most important aspect of any article of clothing is the fit , and that you feel fabulous in your clothes.
Here are a few tips:
Jewelry
If you are in a creative field or jewelry is part of your brand, you could wear it. But if you want more of a conservative business look, I’d suggest not wearing jewelry in your professional headshot. The idea is that you should be the hero in your headshot, and sometimes with jewelry, the focus is moved away from you. For 3/4 length photos, let’s try some jewelry!
If you think you’d like to try jewelry, bring it and see what you prefer on camera.
Glasses
If you wear glasses, you should bring them. Glasses can be fun, and add personality to your photo.
Bring multiple frames — even colorful frames — and we can see which pair or pairs you like best. It's fun to try different frames with different outfits.
Don’t worry if there’s reflection. We can usually work around that, and what can’t be managed during the shoot can be managed in post-production retouching.
Shoes
It’s best to wear flats or sneakers for your headshot session. Why? High-heeled shoes may make you pitch forward. I want you to be comfortable during your shoot.
But, don’t forget your shoes for the other types of photos we’ll take. We may take full-body and you’ll need your shoes for those.
Most importantly, choose accessories that feel like you, they should add to your story, not steal the spotlight.
5. Prep for your shoot
Makeup & Hair
How would you want to look for your dream job? Let that inspiration shine through your makeup and hair style, but still come as you!
- If you prefer having your hair and makeup done professionally, we can coordinate with our hair and makeup artist for your session, or you can use your own team.
- If you're doing your makeup yourself, aim for a natural look with a light foundation.
- Avoid moisturizers with SPF and avoid using a bronzer. However, if you want a bronzer, you can bring one. See how you feel after seeing a test shot.
Do's & Don'ts
How would you want to look for your dream job? Let that inspiration shine through your makeup and hair style, but still come as you!
- Do hydrate and get enough sleep the night before the shoot.
- Do have your eyebrows professionally done.
- Do be on top of your skin care.
- Don't eat salty foods a few days prior.
- Don’t get your hair cut the day before or the day of.
Have fun, enjoy your session, and love your photos.
6. For full-body portraits and lifestyle images.
Let’s work on your brand.
FIT – Make sure your entire outfit fits well and isn’t oversized. Form fitting is best. Avoid boxy or oversized pieces.
FEELING FABULOUS – Same rules apply. Make sure you feel like a rockstar. Just like headshots, these images should make you look and feel empowered.
SHOES – Don’t forget your shoes for full body portraiture.
7. Some Additional Tips
COLOR – Bring a variety of colors. Something light, dark, perhaps a pop of color. Is there a color that supports your brand or one that you feel fabulous in?
NAILS – Just a reminder, if you get your nails done, get them done before our session. This goes for men, too. Make sure your nails look good.
LAYERS – Perhaps add a jacket for a different look.
Don’t forget coordinating slacks/skirts for jackets and tops
you love and any necessary undergarments.
8. Why book a professional photo session?
Your Brand
Is more than WHAT you do, or the services you offer. It’s about WHO you are.
Integrity
Nothing builds trust like great professional photos that show you – or your business – in the best possible light.
Likeability
The best photo will make you look approachable. It puts people at ease and creates a positive first impression.
How It Works
Let's chat:
We'll talk one-on-one so I can understand exactly what you need.
Styling consultation:
Get personalized advice on styling and wardrobe before your photoshoot over Google meet or in person.
Headshot day:
Pick your music. Try as many outfits as you like. I'll help with posing and facial expression coaching. We'll shoot more than enough images so you can select your favorites. Then your images will be professionally retouched.
Have fun, enjoy your session, and love your photos.
Visit Alissa Randall to book your session today.