What to Wear for Professional Headshots?

Dress for the job – and the life – you want.

In today's hyper-connected world, where digital first impressions are often as important as face-to-face meetings, your professional headshot carries significant weight. It's your initial point of contact.  Human psychology revolves a lot around perception and presentation- that means how you present yourself could do far more for your goals than you think.

In this comprehensive guide, you will learn about the art of dressing for professional headshots. If you are wondering what to wear for your headshot, we will guide you exactly that. From selecting the perfect ensemble to understanding the impact of color and style, we'll equip you with the knowledge to make a lasting impression.

Don't miss the special section with bonus tips at the end of the article!

7 Tips on What to Wear for Professional Headshots

Tip 1: Choose the Perfect Clothes

Dress According to Your Industry Standards: Follow the dress code norms of your industry to know what to wear for your headshot. For formal industries, opt for a suit and tie (men) or a tailored suit (women). For more casual industries, business casual attire may be more suitable.

Comfort: Choose clothing that you feel comfortable and confident in. Especially, if your professional headshot session will be lengthy. Comfortable clothing can help you feel more relaxed and confident. Your comfort will translate into a more relaxed and natural-looking headshot. 

Right Fabric: If you are browsing for what to wear for your professional headshots, choose fabrics that are not too shiny or reflective, as they can cause glare in photos. Matte fabrics tend to photograph well and are a safe choice. Some examples of matte fabrics include cotton, wool, and some types of polyester. 

Clean and Ironed Clothes: Make sure your clothes are clean, pressed, and wrinkle-free. Wrinkled clothes can detract from the overall look of your headshots. Also, choose lint-free clothing to avoid distractions in your headshots.

Longer Sleeves and Higher Necklines: Longer sleeves can help create a more balanced look in your headshots. Higher necklines can draw attention to your face. They can also help hide any imperfections or tattoos that you may not want to show in your photos.

Well-Fitted Attire: Make sure that your clothes fit you well. Avoid clothes that are too tight or loose, as they can look unprofessional in photos.

Tip 2: Choose colors That Work Best for You

Select the right colors for your professional headshots. They can enhance your overall appearance and help you make a positive impression. 

Consider Your Skin Tone

Warm Tones: If you have warm undertones in your skin (yellow, peach, or golden hues), consider wearing colors like earth tones, warm blues, and greens. Cool Tones: If you have cool undertones in your skin (pink, red, or blue hues), opt for colors like jewel tones, cool blues, and purples. 

Consider Background

Contrast: Consider how your professional headshots outfit will contrast with the background of your headshots. You want to ensure that you stand out without clashing with the background. If you're unsure, neutral colors are a safe choice.

Consider Your Industry and Message

Distinctive Colors: Avoid wearing color combinations that are commonly associated with other professions. For example, a black and white outfit might be typical for waitstaff. So, it's best to avoid this combination to avoid any misinterpretations.

Creative Industries: If you work in a creative field, you may be able to experiment. Here, you may have more leeway to experiment with colors. However, it's still important to choose colors that complement your skin tone and convey the right message.

Conservative Industries: If you are wondering what to wear for headshots for conservative industries, you should stick to classic colors. You can go with colors like black, navy blue, and gray. These colors convey professionalism and are unlikely to be seen as overly flashy.

Ultimately, the best colors to wear for your professional headshot attire are ones that make you feel confident. You should always feel comfortable in what you wear. If you have a favorite color that you feel great in, don't be afraid to incorporate it into your professional headshot outfit.

Tip 3: Dress Like Your Boss

The professional headshot attire that's considered appropriate can vary widely by industry. For example, lawyers and doctors are generally expected to dress more formally. Whereas those in technical or creative roles might find a suit and tie to be too formal.

One helpful tip is to take cues from your boss or other industry leaders you admire. Observing how they dress can give you a good idea of what's considered appropriate in your field thus giving you a visual representation of what to wear for your professional headshots. These individuals often serve as role models for professional behavior. They can provide valuable insights into how to dress appropriately in your workplace.

By dressing like your boss, you show that you understand and adhere to the professional standards of your field. This can help you make a positive impression in your headshots and convey a sense of confidence and authority.

Tip 4: Consider Layering

In your quest to figure out what to wear for your professional headshots, layering can add depth and visual interest to your professional headshots. 

For Men:

• Blazer or Suit Jacket: Adding a blazer or suit jacket can instantly elevate your look. It can add a touch of sophistication. Choose a well-fitted jacket in a neutral color for a classic and polished appearance.
• Vest: A vest can be a stylish addition to your outfit. Especially, if you want to add some extra warmth without wearing a jacket. Opt for a vest that complements your shirt and trousers for a cohesive look.
• Sweater: A sweater can be a great layering piece, especially in cooler weather. Choose a lightweight sweater in a solid color or subtle pattern to add texture to your outfit.

For Women:

• Blazer or Cardigan: A tailored blazer or a stylish cardigan can add a polished touch to your outfit. Choose a blazer that fits well and flatters your figure. Opt for a cardigan with interesting details or textures.
• Scarf: A scarf can add a pop of color and texture to your outfit. Choose a scarf that complements your outfit and enhances your overall look.

When layering, it's important to maintain balance in your outfit. Avoid adding too many layers or bulky items that can overwhelm your frame. Make sure that each layer fits well and flatters your body shape. Ill-fitting layers can look sloppy and detract from your overall appearance.

Tip 5: Opt for Tailored Clothing 

Tailored clothing may be more expensive than ready-made options. But, it is often worth the investment for the superior fit and quality. It can give exceptional fitting, comfort, and confidence to your personality. If you already own clothing that is not tailored, consider taking it to a tailor for alterations. A few simple alterations can make a big difference in how your clothes fit and look.

Tip 6: Accessorise Thoughtfully

Accessorizing can enhance your professional headshots, but it's important to do so thoughtfully. 

For men, a tie that compliments the attire, a stylish watch, and a pocket square instantly make any look more elegant. 

For women, some understated simple jewelry, sleek and sober hair accessories, and maybe even a scarf can add more richness to your look.

Tip 7: Groom Yourself and Rest Well

In addition to choosing the right outfit and accessories, grooming and rest are also crucial for your professional headshots. 

Hair:

• Trim and Style: Make sure your hair is well-groomed and styled. A fresh haircut or trim can make a big difference. Choose a hairstyle that complements your face shape and is easy to maintain.
• Avoid Drastic Changes: Avoid making drastic changes to your hair right before your headshot session. Stick to a hairstyle that you're comfortable with and that reflects your professional image.

Facial Hair:

• Beard and Mustache: If you have facial hair, make sure it is neatly trimmed and groomed. Consider visiting a barber or stylist for a professional touch.
• Clean-Shaven: If you prefer a clean-shaven look, make sure to shave closely before your session to avoid any stubble.

Skin Care:

• Moisturise: Keep your skin well-moisturised to ensure a healthy glow. Avoid heavy moisturizers that can make your skin look greasy.
• Avoid Excessive Sun Exposure: Sunburns or tan lines can be distracting in photos. Try to avoid excessive sun exposure before your session.

Makeup:

• Keep the makeup as natural as possible
• Choose neutral colors that blend in and only enhance your natural features

Rest:

• Get Adequate Sleep: Ensure you get enough rest the night before your headshot session. Lack of sleep can lead to puffy eyes and a tired appearance.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your skin looking fresh and hydrated. Avoid excessive alcohol and caffeine, as they can dehydrate your skin.
• Relax: Try to relax and destress before your session. A calm and relaxed demeanor will translate into a confident and approachable look in your photos.

Bonus Tip: What Should You Avoid?

While choosing the right outfit and accessories is important for your professional headshots, there are some things you should avoid to ensure you look your best. 

• Overly Trendy Outfits: While it's important to look stylish, avoid wearing overly trendy outfits. Also, avoid clothing with large logos. These can quickly date your headshots and may not convey the professional image you're aiming for. If you have too many options and are wondering what to wear for your professional headshots, stick to classic styles that are timeless and flattering.
• Loud Patterns: Avoid wearing clothing with loud or distracting patterns, as these can take the focus away from your face. Opt for solid colors or subtle patterns that complement your skin tone and overall look.
• Gaudy and Shiny Clothes: Avoid wearing clothing that is extremely gaudy or shiny, as these can be distracting in photos. Opt for matte fabrics that photograph well and create a more polished look.
• Old and Wornout Clothes: Make sure your clothing is clean, well-maintained, and free of wrinkles. Avoid wearing old or worn-out clothes, as they can give off a sloppy and unprofessional appearance.
• Ill-Fitting Clothing: Make sure your clothing fits well and flatters your body shape. Ill-fitting clothing can look sloppy and unprofessional in photos. Consider getting your clothing tailored for the best fit.
• Too Much Jewelry: While accessories can enhance your outfit, avoid wearing too much jewelry, as it can be distracting. Stick to one or two key pieces that complement your outfit and look.
• Heavy Makeup: While makeup can enhance your features, avoid wearing heavy or overly dramatic makeup for your headshots. Opt for a natural look that improves your features without looking too heavy or unnatural.
• Wrinkled Clothing: Make sure your clothing is clean and wrinkle-free for your headshot session. Wrinkled clothing can look unprofessional and can detract from your overall appearance.
• Inappropriate Clothing: Avoid wearing clothing that is too casual or revealing for your professional headshots. Choose outfits that are appropriate for your industry and convey a professional image.
• Combinations Typical for Other Professions: Avoid wearing outfits that are commonly associated with other professions. For example, the combination of black trousers and a white shirt may resemble a waitstaff uniform. This may not be suitable for a professional headshot in a different industry.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

1. Can I wear black for a headshot?

You can absolutely wear black for a headshot. Just make sure that the background isn’t also dark. A light neutral shade background would be perfect for black attire in a headshot.

2. What are the best background colors for headshots?

The best colors for the background for headshots are minimalistic white or light tones and solid contrasting pastel colors. Avoid really bright colors in the background. You can even be in a non-cluttered outdoor setting, a library, or an office environment for a good background for headshots.

3. What colors not to wear in headshots?

While choosing colors to wear for your professional headshot outfit, avoid bright fluorescent colors, shiny silver, or other metallic colors. 

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