What to Wear to Your Headshot Session

Avoid Bold Prints

Most people spend a lot of time thinking about how they'll pose or whether they'll look natural in front of the camera. Very few spend enough time thinking about what they'll wear. The truth is, your clothing choices can make or break a headshot before the shutter ever clicks. Here's what to keep in mind before you open your closet.

Opt for a Tailored Look

Fit matters more than most people realize. One of the fastest ways to look larger than you are in a photo is to wear a jacket that doesn't fit properly or has oversized shoulder pads. Clothes that fit well create clean lines and a polished silhouette. When in doubt, go tailored over relaxed.

Look the Part

Think about the context your headshot will live in and dress accordingly. A tie is rarely necessary anymore, even in corporate settings. Instead, aim for the level of dress you'd wear to an important meeting in your industry. That standard will almost always land you in the right place and keep your headshot feeling current rather than dated.

Keep Jewelry Minimal

Jewelry is one of the most common ways people accidentally distract from their face in a headshot. Stud earrings are a safe and polished choice. If you want to wear a necklace, keep it simple and structured, something like a pearl, and make sure it sits above your neckline rather than intersecting with it. Statement pieces can wait for another occasion.

Solid Muted Tones Are Your Friend

When you are unsure what to reach for, go black or grey. They photograph consistently well and keep the focus exactly where it belongs. If you have a color you genuinely feel confident in, bring it. Just be cautious with red. It is one of the few colors that most people find genuinely difficult to pull off in a headshot, so it is worth leaving at home unless you are very sure.

Consider Bringing Options

Bring options. A good headshot session includes wardrobe changes, and having two or three choices gives you variety in your final gallery. Think about the different contexts you might use your headshots for and pack accordingly. A little preparation before your session goes a long way toward walking out with images you are proud to use.