What to wear for headshots

Fit matters more than fashion

Clothes that are too tight can restrict movement, while oversized pieces may lose shape on camera. Comfortable clothing allows you to relax, move naturally and focus on expression rather than adjusting what you’re wearing.

Choose pieces that:

• Fit your shoulders properly

• Don’t pull or gape

• Aren’t overly baggy

• Allow you to move comfortably

Choose colors that work for you and your brand

You want the colors in your headshot to complement your complexion, skin tone and hair. Think about the colors you feel confident wearing.

Colors that photograph beautifully:

• Mid-tone colors like blues, greens and jewel tones

• Rich neutrals such as navy, charcoal or deep burgundy

• Colors that complement your skin tone and hair color

• Solid colors nearly always win over busy patterns.

Colors to avoid:

• Be careful with brights; if they don’t match your undertone, they can make you look washed out

• Small stripes or detailed patterns can be distracting

• Skin-tone colors that blend into your complexion

• Pure black can lose detail under lighting, which can reduce shape and definition in photographs. Exchange black for rich neutral colours like navy blue, dark brown, deep purple or forest green.

Bring options if you can

Most clients now use their headshots across multiple platforms. Bringing two or three outfit options allows us to create variety during a single session.

You might consider:

• One timeless, professional option

• One outfit aligned closely with your brand colors or personality

• One more relaxed look

Small changes such as adding a denim jacket, blazer, or a piece of jewelry can create different looks without needing a full outfit change.

And finally, steam or iron your clothing

Wrinkles can be difficult to remove in post-production, so please arrive in neatly pressed clothes! You can also bring along a lint roller if you have pets.

I hope this is helpful! See you soon.