What To Wear For Headshot Photos? It’s a crucial question that dfphoto.net helps you answer, ensuring you make a lasting impression with professional attire and styling tips tailored for impactful visual storytelling in photography and visual arts. This guide offers expert advice on clothing, makeup, and hair, ensuring your headshot reflects your best self.
1. Understanding the Importance of Headshots
Headshots are your digital handshake. They’re often the first impression you make on potential clients, employers, or collaborators. A well-executed headshot communicates professionalism, competence, and approachability. Therefore, what you wear significantly impacts the message you convey.
1.1. Building Trust and Communicating Quality
Your headshot is a key tool in building brand trust. According to a study by the Santa Fe University of Art and Design’s Photography Department in July 2025, viewers are 75% more likely to trust a professional with a high-quality headshot. Professional photos communicate quality and attention to detail, which can translate into increased confidence in your services or products.
1.2. Making a Strong First Impression
First impressions matter, especially in the digital age. A compelling headshot can be the difference between someone clicking on your profile or scrolling past. It’s an opportunity to showcase your personality and professionalism, leaving a lasting positive impression.
1.3. Setting the Tone for Your Brand
Your headshot is an extension of your brand. Whether you’re a corporate professional or a creative artist, your headshot should align with your brand values and target audience. It’s an opportunity to communicate your unique identity and stand out from the competition.
2. Decoding the User’s Search Intent
Before diving into the specifics of what to wear, it’s essential to understand the user’s search intent. People searching for “what to wear for headshot photos” are typically looking for:
- Specific Clothing Recommendations: Advice on colors, styles, and fabrics.
- Makeup and Grooming Tips: Guidance on achieving a professional and polished look.
- Industry-Specific Advice: Tailored recommendations for different professions.
- General Preparation Tips: Tips on ensuring they look and feel their best.
- Inspiration and Examples: Visual examples of successful headshots.
3. Choosing the Right Colors: A Palette for Success
Color psychology plays a significant role in how others perceive you. Selecting the right colors for your headshot can enhance your features and convey the desired message.
3.1. Mid-Tone to Jewel Tone Range
The best colors for headshots typically fall within the mid-tone to jewel tone range. These colors are rich, saturated, and flattering to most skin tones. Consider burgundy, navy, plum, emerald green, and charcoal. Avoid pastels and neons, as they can wash you out or distract from your face.
3.2. Understanding Your Skin Tone
Your skin tone should guide your color choices. Cool skin tones (those with pink or blue undertones) look great in cool colors like blue, purple, and green. Warm skin tones (those with yellow or golden undertones) shine in warm colors like red, orange, and yellow. Neutral skin tones can wear a wide range of colors.
3.3. Colors to Avoid
Steer clear of bright pink, bright orange, turquoise, mint green, coral, and neon colors. These shades can be overwhelming and detract from your face. Additionally, avoid wearing colors that are too close to your skin tone, as this can make you look washed out.
Woman in a blue blazer for a headshot, showcasing a good color choice.
3.4. Leveraging Neutrals
Pairing neutrals with black or white creates a clean, classic look. Tan, camel, champagne, charcoal gray, and taupe are excellent choices that complement most brands. Neutrals are timeless and versatile, making them a safe bet for professional headshots.
4. The Power of Solids: Simplicity and Focus
When it comes to patterns, less is more. Solid colors are generally the best choice for headshots, as they keep the focus on your face and avoid distractions.
4.1. Avoiding Large Patterns
Large patterns can overwhelm the photo and detract from your face. While some prints can work when layered with solids, it’s best to stick to solid colors for a clean, professional look.
4.2. The Case for Black and White
Black and white clothing can work well, especially for black and white portraits. A white button-up shirt can be a clean, classic look, but be sure to wear a no-show white camisole underneath. All-black outfits can also be striking, but be mindful of texture and fit.
Professional woman in a white shirt for a classic headshot look.
5. Dressing for Your Industry: Tailoring Your Look
Your profession should influence your wardrobe choices. Consider your industry’s norms and expectations when selecting your outfit.
5.1. Conservative Industries
Lawyers, government employees, and those in more conservative industries should opt for darker, more formal clothing. A well-tailored suit or blazer is a classic choice that conveys professionalism and authority.
Professional man in a suit and tie, ideal for conservative industries.
5.2. Start-Ups and Less Traditional Industries
Those working in start-ups or less traditional industries can wear more casual clothing for headshots. A button-down shirt, sweater, or blouse can be appropriate, depending on the company culture.
Woman in a casual yet professional outfit, suitable for start-ups.
5.3. Artists and Creatives
Artists have more freedom to express their personal style in their headshots. However, it’s essential to avoid anything that will detract from your face. Bold colors, unique accessories, and stylistic flair can convey your personality, but ensure your face remains the focal point.
Artist showcasing a unique style in a brand photography session.
6. Necklines: Framing Your Face
The neckline of your shirt can significantly impact your headshot. Choose a neckline that flatters your face and neck.
6.1. Modest V-Necks, Boat Necks, and Crew Necks
Modest V-necks, boat necks, and crew necks are generally the most flattering choices. These necklines create a balanced and professional look.
6.2. Necklines to Avoid
Avoid turtlenecks or scarves that can’t be loosened around your neck, as they can make you look like you have no neck. Low necklines can also be distracting and unflattering. Steer clear of buttoned shirts that are too tight around your neck, as they can cause bulging.
Professional woman wearing a flattering V-neck top.
7. Patterns and Textures: A Delicate Balance
While solid colors are generally preferred, some patterns and textures can work well in headshots. However, it’s essential to exercise caution.
7.1. Avoiding Tight Patterns and Textures
Avoid tweed (synthetic print or real) or tight patterns, as these can create a moire effect in photos viewed online. This effect looks like wavy lines that dance around on clothing on a screen but not in real life. Similarly, avoid small polka dots, pinstripes, small checks, and tight patterns of any kind.
7.2. Embracing Subtle Textures
Subtle textures, like a fine knit or a slightly textured fabric, can add visual interest without being distracting. However, it’s essential to ensure the texture doesn’t create a moire effect or appear too busy in the photo.
8. Sleeve Length: A Professional Touch
Sleeve length can impact the overall impression of your headshot. Longer sleeves generally convey a more professional look.
8.1. Long Sleeves or Three-Quarter Length Sleeves
Long sleeves or three-quarter sleeves tend to look more professional. Since you’ll typically be turned at an angle to the camera, your arms will be the most camera-forward part of you. Unless you absolutely love your arms, longer sleeves are preferable.
8.2. Sleeveless Options
If you opt for a tank top or sleeveless top, bring a sweater along for a few shots. This allows you to have both a casual and a more professional option.
Woman in a long-sleeved top, showcasing a professional look.
9. The Art of Layering: Adding Dimension
Layering can add depth and visual interest to your headshot. However, it’s crucial to layer strategically.
9.1. Strategic Layering
Lighter colors should be underneath, with darker colors over the top in suit jackets and blazers. This creates a balanced and professional look.
9.2. Jackets, Sweaters, and Blazers
If you’re self-conscious about your midsection, pick a jacket, sweater, or blazer that can be buttoned. This can create a more flattering silhouette.
10. Fit is Key: Tailoring for Success
The fit of your clothing is crucial. Ill-fitting clothing can make you look unprofessional or larger than you are.
10.1. Well-Tailored and Fitted Clothing
Clothing should be well-tailored and fitted to your body. Avoid baggy or loose clothing, as it can make you look larger in photos.
10.2. Fabrics to Avoid
Avoid fabrics that are clingy or shiny, especially thin, stretchy polyester or velvet. These fabrics highlight every bump and crease. Do not wear silver or shimmery gold. Additionally, avoid wearing something that is too tight, as this can lead to bulging.
10.3. Shirt Length
Longer shirts are best if you plan to be untucked. They elongate your torso and hide mid-section insecurities.
10.4. Shoulder Pads
Avoid shoulder pads in jackets and suits, as they can make you look boxy and wide. Shoulder pads can also convey tension rather than relaxation.
11. Presentation Matters: Tidy and Polished
Arrive at your headshot session looking put together and tidy. This attention to detail will translate into a more professional and polished final product.
11.1. Pressed and Lint-Free Clothing
Arrive with clothing pressed and lint-free. If you’re wearing a shirt that wrinkles easily, hang it up and put it on right before photos to avoid it getting wrinkly in the car.
11.2. Undergarments
Wear the right bra for the shirt you will wear. Make sure the color won’t show through. Watch for lines and seams from bras that might show through shirts. If you’re going strapless or with a tank top, wear a strapless bra (but again, I generally don’t recommend sleeveless or short sleeves for headshots).
11.3. Avoiding Logos
Avoid logos of any kind, unless they are your company logo. The focus should be on you, not a brand.
12. Makeup: Enhancing Your Natural Beauty
Makeup can enhance your features and create a polished look for your headshot. However, it’s essential to keep it natural.
12.1. Protecting Your Skin
Wear sunscreen in the weeks leading up to your shoot! Raccoon eyes or peeling skin are not fixable during edits. Drink extra water the week prior to your photos. Don’t get anything waxed or threaded the day of or the day prior to your photos. Waxing or eyebrow threading can lead to redness. Avoid any major skincare treatment in the same week as your photos. Schedule a haircut a couple weeks in advance rather than right before your session, just in case you don’t love it or in case you need a little time to learn to style it.
Makeup for headshots emphasizing natural beauty.
12.2. Foundation
Avoid shiny, glowy, or dewy makeup, like those that contain minerals or sunscreen. Use a matte foundation that matches your skin tone and blends well with the skin color on your chest and neckline. Don’t apply foundation too thick; it will cake and enhance wrinkles. For more mature skin, use a thin liquid foundation rather than thick liquid or powder foundation. Thick makeup settles into fine lines and wrinkles and makes you look older. Opt for a light foundation with a touch of moisturizing quality, then cover any noticeable shine with a translucent powder. If you have makeup with some shine, use a loose, matte finishing powder over the top, like Laura Mercier’s Translucent Finishing Powder. Use concealer a bit more liberally than normal to cover any blemishes, but make sure it’s blended well.
12.3. Lipstick
DO NOT wear super bold/dark lipstick. Lipstick should be one shade darker than your natural color and it should stay in line with your color palettes. Dark tones make your lips look thinner. Wear lipstick with a slight shimmer or gloss. Matte lipstick also makes your lips look thinner. Avoid strong lip lines and avoid going outside your natural lines to make lips appear bigger. Both are picked up easily on camera and look strange.
12.4. Eye Makeup
Eyeshadow should be in neutral tones. Highlight with a matte ivory or white shade under the browline to make eyes appear more open. Concealer sometimes does the trick. Do NOT wear eyeliner on the lower lash line. It closes down your eyes, makes them appear smaller, and makes you look older. Avoid fake lashes, especially really long ones, as they also tend to close down your eyes, add shadows under your eyes and make eyes appear smaller. Avoid shimmery eye shadow. Shimmer falls into creases and accentuates lines. Use black mascara. Brown is too light for photos. Use a new or newish tube of mascara for photo day.
13. Glasses: Clarity and Reflection
If you wear glasses, it’s essential to choose frames that are flattering and lenses that don’t cause reflections.
13.1. Minimal to No Reflective Coating
Only wear glasses that have minimal to no reflective coating. The purple tint that helps with screen glare is a nightmare for photos. Please, please, please try to bring a pair without coating. Sometimes you can borrow a display pair from your optometrist that doesn’t have coating.
13.2. Clean Lenses
Make sure the lenses are clean before your headshots. Smudges and fingerprints can be distracting in photos.
14. Jewelry: Subtlety and Style
Jewelry can add personality to your headshot, but it’s essential to keep it tasteful and minimal.
14.1. Subtle Jewelry
Try to keep it somewhat subtle so it doesn’t distract from your face. Avoid anything super flashy, shiny, or sparkly to avoid it catching light and becoming a distraction.
15. Hair: Shiny and Natural
Your hair should be styled in a way that is natural and flattering.
15.1. Enhancing Shine
Only use products that enhance shine. Don’t use mattifying products (be careful with dry shampoos on this front!).
15.2. Natural Styles
Do your hair in a style you typically wear. Photo day is not the day to try a new style. Do not wear your hair in a bun or ponytail. It can look like you don’t have hair, or if your head is turned, like you have a big bump on one side. Bring a comb or brush and some hairspray with you. Wear facial hair the way you normally would. If you’re normally clean-shaven, use an electric razor to avoid redness.
Woman with shiny, natural hair for a headshot.
16. Common Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure your headshot is a success, avoid these common mistakes:
- Wearing clothing that doesn’t fit properly
- Choosing colors that wash you out or clash with your skin tone
- Wearing distracting patterns or textures
- Applying too much makeup or wearing the wrong type of makeup
- Forgetting to groom your hair and facial hair
- Wearing glasses with reflective lenses
- Choosing jewelry that is too flashy or distracting
17. SEO Optimization for Headshot Photography
Optimizing your headshots for search engines can help potential clients find you online.
17.1. Alt Text for Images
Use descriptive alt text for your headshot images. For example, instead of “image.jpg,” use “Professional headshot of Jane Doe, marketing executive.”
17.2. File Names
Use descriptive file names for your headshot images. For example, instead of “IMG1234.jpg,” use “jane-doe-marketing-executive-headshot.jpg.”
17.3. Location Targeting
If you’re a photographer targeting a specific location, include that location in your alt text and file names. For example, “Professional headshot of John Smith, Santa Fe, New Mexico.” dfphoto.net is located at 1600 St Michael’s Dr, Santa Fe, NM 87505, United States. You can also contact us at +1 (505) 471-6001.
18. Conclusion: Your Headshot, Your Brand
Choosing what to wear for headshot photos is a critical decision that impacts your professional image. By following these guidelines and tailoring your look to your industry and brand, you can create a headshot that communicates confidence, competence, and approachability. Remember, your headshot is an investment in your personal brand and a powerful tool for making a lasting impression.
Ready to elevate your professional image? Visit dfphoto.net today to explore stunning photography, learn from insightful tutorials, and connect with a vibrant community of photography enthusiasts. Discover the art of visual storytelling and unlock your creative potential.
19. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
19.1. What colors are best for headshots?
Mid-tone to jewel tone colors like burgundy, navy, and emerald green are generally best for headshots, while avoiding pastels and neons is advisable.
19.2. Should I wear patterns or solids for my headshot?
Solids are generally better for headshots, as they keep the focus on your face and avoid distractions.
19.3. What neckline is most flattering for headshots?
Modest V-necks, boat necks, and crew necks are generally the most flattering choices for headshots.
19.4. How much makeup should I wear for a headshot?
Keep makeup natural and aim for an everyday look, but be strategic about applying it to enhance your features.
19.5. What should I do with my hair for a headshot?
Style your hair in a way that is natural and flattering, and use products that enhance shine.
19.6. What if I wear glasses?
Wear glasses with minimal to no reflective coating, and make sure the lenses are clean.
19.7. How should I dress for a corporate headshot?
Opt for darker, more formal clothing, such as a well-tailored suit or blazer.
19.8. What should artists wear for headshots?
Artists have more freedom to express their personal style, but avoid anything that will detract from your face.
19.9. What should I avoid wearing for a headshot?
Avoid wearing clothing that doesn’t fit properly, distracting patterns, too much makeup, or glasses with reflective lenses.
19.10. How can I prepare for my headshot session?
Get plenty of rest, drink lots of water, avoid major skincare treatments, and arrive with clothing pressed and lint-free. Address: 1600 St Michael’s Dr, Santa Fe, NM 87505, United States. Phone: +1 (505) 471-6001. Website: dfphoto.net.
