What to Wear for your Portrait Headshot
Your professional headshot is often your first introduction — a visual handshake in the digital world.
Making thoughtful choices about your attire can significantly impact the message you convey.
The Foundation
Fit and Preparation
Choose clothing that fits impeccably. This might seem obvious, but ill-fitting clothes can look awkward and distracting in photos. Take the time to try on every article of clothing you're considering.
For a streamlined silhouette, opt for clothes that are well-fitting and follow your natural lines. While overly tight clothing can be restrictive and unflattering, garments that gently skim your body often create a more polished and confident appearance.
Try on all articles of clothing together prior to your session. This is crucial! See how different pieces interact and ensure the overall look is cohesive and professional.
Note if any items need to be ironed or steamed. Wrinkled clothing can detract from an otherwise excellent headshot. Crisp, clean lines convey attention to detail.
Think Big Picture
The Whole Team
Set a dress code. If you’re doing headshots for a team, think about how all of the images will look together when displayed side-by-side. Is everyone in matching scrubs? Is everyone equally as formal?
Matching attire helps create a cohesive and professional look that reinforces your brand identity.
Set the tone. Your attire plays into your brand and presents your team as unified and organized—qualities that build trust with clients, partners, and prospective hires. Show off your strong team culture and attention to detail through coordinated clothing.
The Power of Colors
Your Strategic Personality Partner
Stick to solid colors for your primary clothing pieces. Solid colors tend to be less distracting than busy patterns, allowing the focus to remain on you and your expression.
Do strategically add patterns or texture through accessories. A tasteful scarf, a subtle patterned tie, or interesting jewelry can add personality and visual interest without overwhelming the image. Ensure these accents complement your solid-colored clothing.
So Pack A Suitcase
Bring a variety of options: Plan to bring tops in light, medium, and dark solid colors, as well as that hue you genuinely enjoy wearing and feel confident in. Different colors can subtly convey different moods and work well against various backgrounds.
Consider bringing a change of top or an accessory. This allows for some variety in your shots without a complete wardrobe overhaul during your session.
Authenticity Matters
Personal style is absolutely encouraged! While these classic rules provide a strong foundation, your headshot should still reflect your personality and the industry you represent. If your field is creative, you might have more leeway with color and subtle patterns.
Let your clothing choices enhance your confidence and authenticity. When you feel good in what you're wearing, it will translate into a more natural and engaging headshot.
Beyond the Waist
Dressing for Potential Full Shots
Don’t limit yourself by only considering waist-up shots. Even if your final selection is cropped, your top can fit and drape differently depending on what you're wearing on your lower half.
Dress as if you were being photographed for a full-body shot. This ensures that your entire outfit is well-coordinated and that you feel confident and put-together from head to toe. This preparation can also open up possibilities for different shot compositions during your session.
Sleeve Savvy
Choosing Flattering Armlines
Choose sleeves that are flattering to your arms. The right sleeve length and fit can make a significant difference in how your shoulders and arms appear in the photo.
Shy away from cap sleeves. Cap sleeves can sometimes emphasize the broadest part of the arm and may not be universally flattering.
Opt for sleeves that are well-fitting and not overly voluminous or "fluyy." Sleeves that gently follow the line of your arm or a well-structured three-quarter or long sleeve often look most professional.
