What to Wear for Headshots: Your Complete Guide

The Basics

1. Timeless Basics

• Choose classic, well-fitted pieces like blazers, suit jackets, or simple blouses and button-up shirts. These never go out of style and tend to photograph well.
• Avoid overly trendy items that might look outdated within a year.
• Keep it polished but still let your personal style shine. If you’re typically laid-back, a crisp, tailored sweater might suit you better than a traditional blazer.

2. Fit Is Everything

• Wear clothing that fits well and allows you to move comfortably. Overly tight clothes can limit your range of motion, while baggy clothes can look messy.
• Avoid anything too loose or shapeless; it can be distracting and may make you look bigger on camera.
• Be sure to remove lint, hair, and wrinkles before the shoot. A quick pass with a lint roller and a steamer (or iron) can make all the difference.

Style & Appearance

3. Solid Colors and Contrast

• Stick to solid colors to keep the focus on your face. Busy patterns or large logos can distract from your expression.
• Consider classic business attire colors like navy, dark gray, and black. These are tried-and-true and convey professionalism.
• Jewel tones (like emerald green, burgundy, or sapphire) can also add a touch of color while still looking polished.
• Darker shades can be slimming, while brighter colors can help you stand out if that’s more your style.
• Think about your background—if it’s white or light-colored, a darker outfit will help you pop. If you’re unsure, bring multiple outfits.

4. Style and Structure

• Wear suit-inspired silhouettes (blazers, tailored jackets, fitted dress shirts) if you want a corporate or professional look.
• Choose a higher neckline (shallow V-neck, scoop, or bateau) to maintain a neat and sophisticated appearance.
• Avoid overly casual clothing such as T-shirts with logos or graphics, as they can diminish the professional vibe.
• Layering adds depth—a cardigan or a blazer can add dimension, and you can always remove a layer mid-shoot for variety.
• Bring multiple outfits so you can experiment during the session. You never know which combination will look best until you see it on camera.

5. Consider Your Industry and Personality

• Your outfit can reflect your personal brand. If you work in a creative field, you might choose bolder colors or slightly more relaxed silhouettes.
• If you’re in a conservative or corporate setting, a suit jacket or blazer with dress pants is typically a safe bet.
• Confidence is key. Choose clothes that make you feel comfortable and self-assured—that sense of ease will shine through in your photos.

Final Touches

6. Accessories: Keep It Simple

• Minimal jewelry is often best. A small necklace, subtle earrings, or a sleek watch can complete a look without overpowering it.
• Avoid anything overly flashy or reflective—it can draw the eye away from your face.

7. Hair and Makeup

• Aim for a natural but polished look. If you typically wear makeup, consider doing a test run to ensure it looks good on camera.
• Avoid heavy gloss or shimmer that could reflect studio lights.
• Make sure your hair is neat and well-styled. If you have facial hair, consider a trim to keep it tidy.

8. Avoid Shiny or Reflective Fabrics

• Satin, silk, and sequin-heavy fabrics can create glares or awkward reflections in photos.
• Stick to matte or lightly textured fabrics that absorb rather than reflect light.

Preparation & Mindset

9. Comfort = Confidence

• If you feel uncomfortable in your outfit, it will show on camera. Opt for clothing you can move in and feel relaxed wearing.
• Remember: when you feel great, you look great. Confidence is the best accessory.
• For tips on choosing the right setting for your photos, check out our guide to professional headshot backgrounds.

10. Final Preparations

• Plan ahead: Try everything on the night before, and have a backup outfit ready.
• Coordinate with your photographer: If you know what background you’ll be using, plan your colors and layers accordingly.
• Consider having a quick makeup or hair brush-up kit on hand, especially if you’re doing multiple looks.