What to Wear For a Professional Headshot (9 Best Tips)
Have you ever wondered why some people consistently land job offers, seal important deals, or earn respect in their professional circles? It’s not just a matter of an impressive resume or an extensive network. Much of it comes down to how they present themselves, and a pivotal aspect of that presentation is their professional headshot.
In this digital age, your headshot is often the first thing potential employers, clients, or collaborators see when they look you up online. And a well-dressed headshot can make all the difference.
But choosing what to wear for a professional headshot can be tricky. Your outfit needs to reflect your personal style, align with your professional aspirations, and resonate with potential employers or clients.
It has the potential to influence how others perceive your authority, intelligence, and even your earning potential. It’s the difference between being seen as trustworthy and reliable or… well, not.
So, if you’re wondering what to wear, for a professional headshot for your Linkedin Profile for example, you’re in the right place. In this blog post, we’re serving up the top 9 tips and tricks to help you nail that perfect outfit for your headshot session.
Whether you’re heading to a studio or mastering the art of DIY headshots with your smartphone, we’ve got you covered.
So, let’s dive in and make that great first impression!
First of all, consider the purpose of the headshot.
The purpose of your headshot determines, to a large extent, what you should wear for the session.
Are you an artist seeking to exude a creative vibe, or a budding lawyer aiming to showcase your professionalism and seriousness? Maybe you’re a freelance writer looking to project an image of approachability and reliability.
Understanding why you need the headshot and who your primary audience is, will guide you in choosing the right outfit that communicates your personality and aligns with your career goals.
Got no time for a professional headshot? Consider using an AI headshot generator like Aragon.
9 Tips on How to Dress for a Professional Headshot Session
1. Choose The Right Colors
Choose colors that complement your skin tone and enhance your appearance. Neutral tones work well for most individuals, while bright colors should be used sparingly, as they can distract from your face.
Choosing the right colors to wear for your professional headshot can significantly enhance your appearance and convey a specific image. Your skin tone plays a crucial role in determining which colors will complement your features best. Here are a few options:
For Pale Skin Tones:
- Light Gray: Light gray can provide a soft contrast for pale skin tones. It complements the fair complexion without overwhelming it and creates a clean and fresh look.
- Charcoal Gray: Pale skin tones can also wear charcoal gray for a more striking contrast. It adds depth and sophistication while highlighting the features.
For Medium Skin Tones:
- Black: Medium skin tones can carry black effortlessly. It provides a strong contrast, exudes professionalism, and gives a powerful, classic look.
- Taupe: Taupe or beige can offer a subtle contrast and complement the warm undertones in medium skin tones. It gives off an approachable and timeless appearance.
For Dark/Brown Skin Tones:
- Rich Charcoal Gray: Darker skin tones can make a powerful statement with rich charcoal gray. It enhances the skin’s depth and exudes a professional and authoritative vibe.
- Navy Blue: Deep navy blue is an excellent choice for dark/brown skin tones. It provides a striking contrast, symbolizing trustworthiness and sophistication.
Remember, these recommendations are just guidelines that aim to enhance your natural beauty and create a professional headshot that aligns with your skin tone.
But of course, you can choose to wear clothing that reflects your personal style and fashion preferences.
2. Avoid Distracting Patterns
Clothing with busy patterns or intricate designs can divert attention away from your face. Stick to solid colors or subtle patterns that won’t compete with your facial features.
3. Dress According to Your Industry
Tailor your attire to match the expectations of your field. In more formal sectors, like law or finance, opt for a classic suit jacket and a collared shirt.
For creative industries, you can consider more casual clothing that represents your personal style.
4. Choose Clothing That Fits You Well
Wearing clothes that don’t fit properly, whether they’re too loose or too tight, can give off an unprofessional vibe in headshots.
It’s important to wear clothing that is well-fitted and enhances your body shape. Ill-fitting or baggy clothes can distort your silhouette and fail to portray you in the best possible light.
Pro Tip: How to check if your blazer fits you?
- Check the Shoulder Fit: According to Stitch Fix, the most important aspect of a blazer’s fit is in the shoulders. The seam of the blazer should sit squarely on your natural shoulder, without being too tight or too loose.
- Do The Hug Test: Family Britches recommends a simple test – stand in front of a mirror and wrap your arms around your torso as if giving yourself a little hug. If the blazer fits correctly, it should feel comfortable and not restrict your movement.
- Inspect the Collar Fit: The collar of the blazer should lay flat against the collar of your shirt, with no significant gaps or bunching. If there is excessive space or the collar bunches up, the blazer might be too big for you.
5. Mind Your Neckline & Sleeves
Neckline
Choose a neckline that complements your face shape. V-neck or scoop necklines can elongate the neck and flatter most people. Avoid turtlenecks or high collars that might make your neck look shorter.
Sleeves
When picking your sleeve style, consider going with long sleeves or sleeves that reach below your elbows. There are a couple of good reasons for this. First, long sleeves direct attention to your face by covering up more skin. This helps make your headshot more effective and focused. Second, it gives off a professional and polished vibe.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t wear short sleeves or sleeveless tops – they work great for a more casual or creative vibe. However, if you want a universally flattering and professional look, long or three-quarter sleeves are a safe and stylish choice.
6. Pay Attention to Fabric
Opt for high-quality fabrics that don’t wrinkle easily. Wrinkles can be distracting in photos, so choose materials like wool blends, cotton, or silk that maintain their shape and look crisp. Before the shoot, make sure your clothes are freshly pressed and free of wrinkles.
7. Consider Layering
Layering can add depth and interest to your outfit. A well-fitted blazer, cardigan, or tailored jacket can give your look a polished touch.
However, be mindful not to overdo it; too many layers can add bulk, which may not photograph well.
8. Bring Wardrobe Options
It’s a good idea to have a few clothing options ready for your headshot session. Your photographer can help you choose the best outfit based on the background and lighting. Having choices ensures you’ll have a variety of looks to choose from.
9. Glasses or No Glasses
If you wear glasses, consider whether to wear them or remove them during your headshot session. If they are a part of you, you can choose to keep them on. Just ensure they are clean and free from glare, allowing your eyes to shine through!
Things to Avoid for a Professional Headshot
Avoid Overly Casual Outfit
Reserve casual clothing like t-shirts, hoodies, or overly relaxed garments for more informal situations. Your professional headshot should convey a sense of professionalism, so steer clear of excessively casual outfits.
Avoid Bold and Distracting Patterns
Steer clear of clothing with busy, bold, or distracting patterns, as they can draw attention away from your face and the main focus of the headshot. Instead, opt for solid colors or subtle patterns that won’t overwhelm the image.
Avoid Wrinkled Clothing
Ensure that your clothing is wrinkle-free. Wrinkles can make you appear disheveled and less professional in the final image. Remember to iron or steam your clothing in advance.
Do Not Wear Baggy Clothing
Loose or baggy clothing can distort your shape in photos, making you appear larger or shapeless. It’s crucial to wear clothing that fits well and accentuates your best features for your headshot.
Avoid Bright and Flashy Colors
Extremely bright or flashy colors can be harsh on camera and may result in color casting on your skin. To maintain a professional and balanced look, choose muted or toned-down colors rather than extremely bright or neon shades.
Avoid Clothing That Clashes with the Background
If you know the background or setting of your headshot in advance, avoid clothing that clashes with it. Your outfit and the background should complement each other, ensuring a harmonious and cohesive image.
Bonus Tips for Women
Makeup
For a natural and polished look, consider hiring a professional makeup artist. Makeup artists are skilled at ensuring your makeup is camera-ready and complements your skin tone and features. If you’re doing your makeup yourself, go for a natural look with a focus on even skin tone, defined eyes, and subtle lip color.
Necklaces and Earrings
Choose simple and elegant jewelry. Small stud earrings or simple, short necklaces can add a touch of sophistication without being distracting. Avoid large, dangling earrings that might take the attention away from your face.
Hairstyling
Your hairstyle should be neat and well-maintained. Avoid drastic hairstyle changes just before your headshot session, as you’ll want to look like your professional self. Consider a classic hairstyle that complements your facial features.
Bring a Hairbrush and Touch-Up Kit
On the day of the shoot, bring a hairbrush and a small touch-up kit with you. This can be handy for fixing flyaways, ensuring your hair remains in place, and making any minor makeup touch-ups between shots.
Preparation Tips for Your Professional Headshot Session
Get a Haircut
To ensure your hair looks its best, consider getting a haircut about 5 days before your headshot session. This provides ample wiggle room for your hair to settle into the new cut.
Iron Your Clothes
Wrinkles and creases in your clothing can be distracting and give a less professional appearance. Make sure to iron your clothes before your session, focusing on visible areas like the collar and cuffs.
Rest Well
A good night’s sleep can greatly improve your appearance, minimizing dark circles and puffiness under the eyes. Try to get a full night’s sleep before your headshot session to look refreshed and alert.
Skin Care
Start a simple skincare regimen several days before your session. A clean, moisturized face will help you look youthful and vibrant. Avoid trying new skincare products close to the shoot day to prevent unexpected reactions.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water in the days leading up to your shoot can help your skin look refreshed and radiant. Avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol, as they can dehydrate your skin.
Practice Your Poses
Before your session, practice your poses in the mirror. Find angles that flatter your face and make you feel confident. This will make you feel more prepared and relaxed during your session.
Final Thoughts
Choosing what to wear for professional headshots is an integral part of the preparation process for your headshot photo session.
Aim for clothing that complements your skin tones and doesn’t overpower your face. For business headshots, lean towards a more professional look, which often implies crisp, well-fitted attire, preferably in solid, neutral colors.
Avoid wearing overly bright colors or busy patterns as they might detract from your face. Headshot outfits should highlight your professional image, ensuring you come across as competent and approachable in your business headshot photo.
While it may be tempting to wear designer clothing, remember that the focus is your face and not the label. High-end fashion pieces can indeed elevate your look, but they shouldn’t be the main focus. As for professional headshots hair, ensure it’s neat and styled in a way that reflects your professional image.
In the end, the goal is to create a balance between your appearance and attire in a way that complements your professionalism and personality.
Remember, your headshot is your visual handshake – make it count!
