The Ultimate Wardrobe Guide for Professional Headshots
Headshot: Dr. Shaina Kumar
What you wear for a professional headshot can be just as important as the photo quality alone. Your attire speaks volumes to your brand and should leave a lasting positive impression with potential clients, employers, or partners. A well-chosen outfit will finally tie together confidence, approachability, and professionalism across entrepreneurs and professionals alike.
The Importance of Wearing the Right Outfit
This will be primarily the first impression you make with people through websites like LinkedIn or corporate materials. Wearing the right outfit ensures that you project the image you want, be it polished and corporate, or more approachable for a startup environment.
Scientific evidence shows that as little as 7 seconds is all it takes to form that first impression. What you wear, how you are groomed overall, and even your presentation do much to change how others perceive you. A well-chosen outfit elevates your look without overwhelming your face, allowing your personality to come through.
Tips to Keep in Mind When Choosing Your Outfit
Picking a wardrobe selection needn't be daunting. Here are some quick tips to help you look your best for your headshot:
Avoid distracting patterns: A solid color is generally safe for headshots. Stripe and floral patterns can translate as busy on camera and take attention away from the face. Subtle textures work just fine, so long as they don't overpower the shot.
Dress like your industry: A lawyer may want to wear a conservative suit to command respect, but a creative entrepreneur may be able to get away with something much more casual while still wearing a fitted blazer. Long story short: one should always consider their target audience.
The key to fit is that clothes should fit, neither too tight nor too loose. Too tight may make you uncomfortable, while too loose may look sloppy.
Use neutral and classic colors: Classic neutrals—black, gray, navy, and white—never go out of style and let your facial features be the subject. Shy away from neon-bright, overbearing colors that would detract from your face. If it's related to your brand, use those colors if they are appropriate, but in a very subtle manner.
Accessories, Grooming, and Finishing Touches
Less is more when it comes to accessories—avoid big or flashy accessories that take attention away from the face. Small earrings or a classic watch are safe bets.
Hair and makeup: keep it simple and polished. Makeup can be natural—just a little to accentuate features. The same applies to men: clean-shaven or with a well-groomed beard can also help.
Wrinkle-free: clothes should be clean and pressed. Bring along a lint remover; you may also want to bring extra clothes, in case of an accident.
Gender-Specific Considerations
While there is one general rule for everyone, the following consider natural differences between men and women:
For Men:
Blazers and button-downs: A well-fitted blazer or button-down shirt pairs well with slacks or dark jeans.
Avoid busy ties: A solid or subtly patterned tie is best; avoid loud prints of any kind.
Shoes count: While the focus in headshots is the upper body, polished shoes show attention to detail.
For Women:
Blouses and tailored dresses: These should be in somber colors and simple patterns. Avoid overly tight clothing for comfort and ease of movement.
Makeup: Use a light shade of makeup to subtly enhance your features, aiming for a smooth and even skin tone, subtle eyes, and lip color.
Avoid loud patterns: Just like men, stick to traditional designs that won’t go out of fashion in the next year or two.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with the best of intentions, it's easy to make a few mistakes. Here are some things to avoid:
Too much layering or accessories: While layering adds depth to your look, over-layering or over-accessorizing may distract attention from your face.
Very trendy or very seasonal clothes: Fashion trends come and go, but your headshot shouldn't. Go for classic pieces that will look good and won’t go out of date in the near future.
Not aligning with your personal brand: Make sure your outfit strengthens your professional image. For instance, a marketing executive might pull off business casual, whereas a financial advisor would aim for a look that conveys a different, more formal message aligned with their field.
Conclusion
With a professional headshot, your attire can make or break the final image. Choices that represent your industry, fit appropriately, and resonate with your personal brand will ensure your headshot represents you at your finest. Remember, simple, neat, and polished—that's what it's all about, down to the tiny details.
Ready for your headshot to represent the best version of you, in a professional manner? Now's the time! Book a session today, and let us help you create that professional image that shines through every picture you take. Click here to schedule a session and leave a lasting impression.
FAQs
What colors should I avoid in my headshots?
It’s best to avoid bright or neon colors, as well as busy patterns that can distract from your face.
Can I wear casual clothes for my headshot?
Depending on your industry, casual clothes may be appropriate. Just make sure they’re clean, well-fitting, and not too informal.
Should I bring extra outfits to the photoshoot?
Yes, it’s always a good idea to bring a backup outfit in case something happens to your primary choice.
How do I choose the right accessories?
Keep it simple. Small earrings, a watch, or a delicate necklace can enhance your look without drawing attention away from your face.
Is it better to wear makeup or go natural in headshots?
A natural makeup look is ideal for headshots, enhancing your features without looking overly done.