What to wear to your headshot session

Clothing is the topic I get the most questions about. Try not to get hung up on the wardrobe (pun intended). The most important thing is to bring clothes you love wearing. If you wear something that you don't feel good in, your discomfort will show in your expression. If you don't love it, don't bring it.

Professional Tip:

I shoot tethered into a laptop during your headshot session, so we can usually tell if something looks good or not within a couple of shots. It's better to bring a few options just in case something doesn't photograph the way you thought it would. Sometimes it's the shirt or tie you weren't planning on bringing that ends up being your favorite look from the shoot!

Essential Clothing Guidelines

Colors That Work Best

Choose colors that photograph beautifully and complement your skin tone:

Recommended Colors

Blues: Navy, royal blue, and medium blues
Grays: Charcoal and medium gray tones
Green: Forest green and deep emerald
Magenta: Rich magenta and deep rose

Colors to Avoid

Clothing with distracting patterns
Overly bright colors
Neon or fluorescent colors
Colors that match your skin tone

Fabric and Fit Considerations

The right fabric and fit can make a significant difference in your headshots:

Avoid thin fabrics: Be careful with materials that might become see-through under studio lights
Bring appropriate undergarments: Choose colors that won't show through your clothing
Avoid loose and baggy clothing: Well-fitted clothing looks more professional
Choose quality fabrics: Natural fibers often photograph better than synthetics

Necklines and Styles

The right neckline can enhance your appearance and complement your face shape:

Neckline Guidelines:

Avoid scoop necks: These can make shoulders appear wider
Avoid V-necks and deep plunging necklines: These can be distracting
Choose classic necklines: Crew necks, button-downs, and modest necklines work best
Consider your body type: Choose styles that flatter your specific shape

Specific Recommendations

Professional Attire

Dress shirts: Wear properly fitting dress shirts with crisp collars
Jackets and blazers: Ensure they fit well through the shoulders and chest
Avoid uneven shoulder pads: Check that jackets lay properly
For men: Avoid undershirts that bunch and create wrinkles

Casual Professional Options

For a more relaxed professional look, consider well-fitted polo shirts, quality sweaters, or casual button-down shirts. The key is maintaining a polished appearance while showing your personality.

Accessories

What to Leave at Home

Keep accessories minimal to maintain focus on your face:

Most jewelry: Large or distracting pieces should be left at home
Hats: Generally not appropriate for professional headshots
Scarves: Can be distracting and take focus away from your face
Bold patterns: Avoid ties or accessories with busy designs

What to Bring

Some accessories can enhance your professional appearance:

Glasses: If you wear them regularly, bring them along
Extra pairs: Bring multiple pairs if you have different styles
Simple jewelry: Wedding rings, simple watches, or classic pieces
Professional pins: If relevant to your industry or role

Planning Your Wardrobe

What to Bring to Your Session

Come prepared with multiple options:

2-3 different tops or shirts
A jacket or blazer option
Both formal and business casual choices
Different color options
Backup accessories

Pre-Session Checklist:

Try on all outfits beforehand
Check for wrinkles and iron if needed
Ensure all clothing fits properly
Test different combinations
Take practice photos with your phone

Final Tips for Success

Remember, your headshot should represent the professional you. Choose clothing that:

Makes you feel confident and comfortable
Reflects your industry and professional level
Will remain timeless for several years
Allows your personality to shine through
Doesn't distract from your face and expression

Remember:

The best outfit is one that makes you feel like the best version of yourself. When you're comfortable and confident in what you're wearing, it shows in your expression and body language, resulting in headshots that truly represent your professional brand.

WHAT TO WEAR TO YOUR
HEADSHOT SESSION