Headshot photography is all about capturing your personality and presenting yourself in the best possible light, whether for professional purposes like resumes, LinkedIn profiles, or acting portfolios, or for more personal branding. The clothes you wear for your headshot can make a significant impact on the final image, conveying confidence, approachability, and professionalism. Choosing the right clothing ensures that the focus remains on you, not on your outfit, while helping you look your best.
Here’s a guide to help you select the right clothing for headshot photography:
1. Consider the Purpose of the Headshot
Before deciding on an outfit, think about the context in which the headshot will be used. Are you a corporate executive, a creative professional, or an actor looking to showcase versatility? The purpose of your headshot can influence your clothing choice.
- Corporate or Professional Headshots: Opt for classic, polished clothing like a blazer, button-down shirt, or tailored dress. Stick to neutral, solid colors that project confidence and competence.
- Creative Headshots (e.g., for actors, artists, or designers)**: You may want to choose clothes that reflect your personality or creative style. Bold colors, unique patterns, or fashion-forward outfits can help highlight your individuality.
- Casual or Lifestyle Headshots: If the purpose is to portray a more relaxed or approachable image (like for social media or personal branding), a smart casual look works well. A clean shirt or top with a more relaxed fit may be appropriate.
2. Stick to Solid Colors
Solid colors are generally the best choice for headshots, as they keep the focus on your face and prevent any distractions. Avoid clothes with intricate patterns or logos, as these can pull attention away from you. Bold, solid colors such as navy, charcoal, black, white, or jewel tones like emerald green, sapphire blue, or ruby red tend to be flattering on most skin tones and look professional.
- Dark colors: These can be slimming and create a sense of authority and professionalism.
- Bright colors: Opt for colors that complement your complexion but don’t overpower your natural features. Jewel tones are universally flattering and add depth to the image.
- Avoid Neon or Too Bright Colors: Neon colors or overly bright hues can cause unflattering reflections on your skin or make the photo look unnatural.
3. Fit Matters: Go for Well-Fitting Clothing
Clothing that fits well is essential for a good headshot. Baggy clothes can make you appear sloppy or unkempt, while overly tight clothes can be uncomfortable and may not look flattering on camera.
- Tailored Fit: Opt for clothing that fits your body well without being too tight or too loose. Clothes that skim your body will create a polished, neat look.
- Avoid Excessive Layers: While layering can be great in some contexts, too many layers (like oversized jackets or scarves) can clutter the image and divert attention from your face.
4. Choose the Right Neckline
The neckline of your shirt or top can significantly influence the overall vibe of your headshot. Certain necklines draw attention to different areas of your body, so consider how each one will play into the look you want to convey.
- Collared Shirts or Blouses: These tend to look clean, professional, and sophisticated. A classic button-down shirt is perfect for most professional headshots.
- Crew or V-Neck: These are often flattering for both men and women, with a V-neck creating a slimming effect and a crewneck offering a balanced, simple look.
- Avoid Excessive Cleavage or High Collars: If you're aiming for a professional or approachable image, avoid necklines that are too low or high collars that may look stiff and uncomfortable.
5. Minimal Accessories
Accessories in headshots should be kept minimal to avoid distractions. The goal is to highlight your face, so anything that pulls attention away from your expression can detract from the overall effectiveness of the image.
- Avoid Large Jewelry: Large earrings, necklaces, or flashy rings can be distracting. Simple, subtle pieces like small stud earrings or a simple necklace can enhance your look without taking attention away from your face.
- Keep Glasses Subtle: If you wear glasses, make sure they are clean and in good condition. Opt for frames that suit your face shape but avoid overly bold or distracting styles.
6. Avoid Overly Trendy or Outdated Clothing
While it’s important to show your personality, it’s also crucial that your clothing looks timeless. Trendy outfits may make your headshot look dated in a few years, while overly formal or outdated attire can make you seem out of touch with modern styles.
- Go for Timeless Pieces: Classic items like a tailored blazer, simple button-down shirts, or solid-color dresses will ensure your headshot remains relevant for years to come.
- Avoid Trends: Flashy trends like oversized clothing, extreme cuts, or statement prints can date your photo, making it harder to reuse the headshot in the future.
7. Complement Your Skin Tone and Hair Color
When selecting colors, it’s important to consider your skin tone and hair color to ensure the clothing complements your natural features.
- Cool Undertones: If you have cool undertones (fair to medium skin with pink or blue undertones), opt for colors like blue, gray, black, purple, or cool-toned reds.
- Warm Undertones: If your skin has yellow, golden, or olive undertones, warm colors like earthy browns, mustard, orange, and rich reds will complement your complexion.
- Hair Color: Choose colors that contrast well with your hair. For example, if you have dark hair, lighter colors will create a nice contrast. If you have lighter hair, darker colors can add depth to your look.
8. Test Your Outfit Before the Shoot
Once you've selected your clothing, it’s a good idea to test the outfit before your photoshoot. Try it on, take a few photos in natural light, and check how it looks on camera. This helps ensure that your outfit doesn’t wrinkle, bunch up, or look unflattering under the lighting conditions of the shoot.
9. Prepare for the Shoot Day
- Bring Backup Options: If you're unsure about the outfit you’ve chosen, bring a few options to the shoot. This gives the photographer flexibility and ensures you feel confident in your final choice.
- Press Your Clothes: Wrinkles are more noticeable in photos than in person. Make sure your clothes are clean, pressed, and free of lint before the shoot.
Final Thoughts
Your headshot is often the first impression you make in professional settings, so it’s essential to choose clothing that reflects the image you want to project. Solid, well-fitting clothing in colors that complement your complexion, paired with minimal accessories, will allow you to look your best and ensure the focus remains on your face. By carefully considering the purpose of your headshot, testing your outfit, and paying attention to the details, you’ll be ready to take a headshot that leaves a lasting, positive impression.
Location: Ritz-Carlton Hotel, 201 E Trade St, Charlotte, NC.
