Wondering what to wear for professional headshots? Whether you're male or female, this comprehensive guide provides practical tips on selecting the best colors, fits, and styles for your professional headshots. You'll learn how to avoid common mistakes and choose outfits that enhance your professional image.

Key Takeaways

• A professional headshot is essential for personal branding, making a strong first impression, and enhancing perceptions of professionalism.

• Choosing the right colors, fits, and necklines for your outfit can significantly impact how you are perceived in your headshot.

• Simple accessories, multiple outfit options, and proper hair and makeup preparation contribute to a polished and professional appearance in headshots.

Understanding Professional Headshots

A professional headshot is more than just a photo; it’s a crucial element of your personal branding. Your headshot can be the first thing someone sees when they look you up online, and we all know how important first impressions are. Studies show that people form immediate judgments about a person’s intelligence and professionalism within seconds of viewing their headshot.

Investing in a quality headshot can make a significant difference in how others perceive your professionalism and character. A polished headshot conveys professionalism and can enhance perceptions of work ethic and accountability. Business headshots are particularly important as they convey professional traits such as expertise, credibility, and approachability. This is especially important in today’s competitive job market where a strong online presence can significantly impact job opportunities.

A good business headshot should reflect both your personality and the professional context in which it will be used. For example, a corporate headshot for a lawyer will look different from a headshot for a creative professional. The right headshot can also foster a sense of confidence that resonates with the viewer, potentially influencing their judgment positively.

In essence, having a consistent and recognizable brand image across various platforms starts with quality headshot photography. Understanding the importance of professional headshots and personal branding photos prepares you to choose the right outfit and present yourself effectively during a personal branding session and a professional photo shoot.

Understanding the Purpose of Your Headshot

Your professional headshot is more than just a photo—it’s a powerful representation of your personal brand and a crucial element in making a great first impression. Whether you’re a business owner, entrepreneur, or professional, your headshot is often the first thing people see when they visit your website, social media profiles, or networking platforms. Understanding the purpose of your headshot and how it can impact your professional image is essential.

A professional headshot should convey confidence, credibility, and approachability. It should reflect your personal brand and style, helping you stand out in your industry. When choosing an outfit for your headshot, consider your profession, industry, and the message you want to convey. For instance, if you’re a lawyer or doctor, opting for more formal clothing can project authority and trustworthiness. On the other hand, a creative professional might choose a more relaxed look that showcases their unique style.

By aligning your headshot with your personal brand and professional context, you can create a compelling image that resonates with your audience and enhances your professional presence.

General Tips on What to Wear for Professional Headshots

Before diving into gender-specific advice, there are universal guidelines that apply to everyone when choosing what to wear for professional headshots:

• Choose Solid Colors: Solid colors often work best for headshots as they keep the focus on your face.

• White or Light Colors: While white or light colors can add perceived weight in professional portraits, they can also have a positive impact on how subjects are captured in images.

• Proper Fit Matters: Wear clothing that fits well. Tailored clothing looks cleaner and more professional.

• Avoid Distracting Patterns: Stay away from busy patterns, logos, or distracting prints that can detract from your face.

• Consider the Background: Think about how your outfit will contrast with the background to ensure you stand out.

• Bring Multiple Outfits: Having several outfit options allows for variety in your headshots.

• Accessorize Minimally: Simple accessories enhance your look without drawing attention away from your face.

Choosing the Right Colors for Your Skin Tone

Selecting the right colors for your headshot outfit is crucial. The colors you choose can significantly influence the perception of professionalism in your headshot. When selecting clothing colors, consider your natural coloring. Generally, your best colors may also depend on whether you tend to tan or burn in the sun:

• Warm Skin Tones: If you tan easily, warmer colors like red, orange, yellow, and brown often work better.

• Cool Skin Tones: If you burn easily, cooler colors like blue and gray are often more flattering.

Choosing colors that are significantly lighter or darker than your skin tone helps create contrast. For instance, navy blue and darker colors can project trustworthiness and professionalism, while bright colors should be used sparingly as they can distract from your face. Neutral colors like gray and beige are versatile and suitable for various professional settings.

Traditional business colors like charcoal gray, navy blue, black, and white are safe choices for most people. The key is in the details—pairing these colors appropriately to suit your skin tone and personal style.

Solid Colors vs. Patterns: What Works Best?

For headshots, solid colors often work better than patterns. They help maintain focus on your face and provide a clean, professional appearance. Simple, solid colors look best and avoid visual distractions caused by patterns.

Colors to consider include deep blues, forest or emerald green, burgundy, charcoal gray, and navy. These colors are universally flattering and convey professionalism and sophistication. Avoid pure white or bright red as they can be challenging to photograph. Busy patterns, logos, and distracting prints should also be avoided as they can detract from your face.

Additionally, tiny patterns can create moiré patterns in digital cameras, leading to unwanted distortions in your headshot. Sticking with solid colors and form-fitting clothing is the best approach for successful headshots.

The Perfect Fit: Why Clothing Fit Matters

Clothing fit is as important as color. Well-fitted clothing enhances professionalism and helps present a polished look. Tailored clothing appears cleaner and is less distracting in headshots.

Avoid loose or baggy clothing to prevent an unflattering appearance in photographs. Properly fitting collars on shirts prevent distracting gaps. Clothing that fits snugly around the shoulders and arms enhances the overall look.

A crisp corporate look is achieved with fitted clothing, which shows up better on camera.

What to Wear for Professional Headshots: Female

For women wondering what to wear for professional headshots female, here are specific tips to help you look your best:

Selecting Appropriate Necklines

Choosing the right neckline for your headshot is crucial. Higher necklines are preferable to avoid any unintended provocative appearance. Blouses and tops with higher necklines help project competence in photos.

Moderately open necklines such as modest V-necks, boat necks, or crew necklines are ideal for professional headshots. V-necks can elongate the neck, creating a flattering silhouette. It's best to avoid turtlenecks as they can make the neck appear shorter and create an unflattering appearance.

Accessorizing Smartly: Jewelry

Accessorizing smartly can enhance your professional headshot without detracting from your face. Simple jewelry is recommended to avoid drawing attention away from your face in professional portraits. Choose one or two accessories that enhance your outfit and align with your personal brand.

• Earrings: Small, stud earrings or simple hoops add subtle elegance without distraction.

• Necklaces: If you choose to wear a necklace, opt for a simple, delicate piece that doesn't overpower your neckline.

Avoid heavy or extravagant jewelry to keep the focus on your face and maintain a professional appearance.

Hair and Makeup Preparation

Preparing your hair and makeup is essential for a successful headshot session.

• Hair: Your hair should be neat and styled. Avoid fresh haircuts right before the shoot. Use hairspray or styling products to maintain your hairstyle during the shoot.

• Makeup: Aim for a clean look with matte skin and enhanced eyes. Makeup slightly darker than your usual day-to-day look is recommended to counteract lighting effects. For lips, use a slightly darker color to ensure it appears well in photographs.

• Avoid Shiny Products: Steer clear of products with shimmer or shine, as studio lighting can amplify these effects.

• Skincare: Avoid using sunscreen-containing products as they can affect your skin tone under bright studio lights. Drinking plenty of water in advance helps keep skin looking radiant in photos.

• Rest: Aim for at least seven hours of sleep the night before the shoot for a fresher appearance.

Clothing Choices

• Blouses and Tops: Solid-colored blouses with simple designs work best. Avoid overly frilly or embellished tops.

• Blazers and Jackets: A well-fitted blazer or jacket adds a layer of professionalism. Darker colors are slimming and project authority.

• Dresses: If wearing a dress, ensure it has a professional cut and appropriate neckline.

What to Wear for Professional Headshots: Male

For men considering what to wear for professional headshots, the following tips will help you present a polished and professional image:

Suit Jackets and Formal Clothing

Wearing formal clothing helps improve your professional image and presence during headshots.

• Suits: Darker and more formal attire is advised for professionals, especially in conservative fields like law and finance. A well-fitted suit in navy blue, charcoal gray, or black conveys professionalism.

• Shirts: Wear a crisp, well-pressed dress shirt. Light colors like white, light blue, or pale gray work well under dark suits.

• Ties: Consider wearing ties that complement your suit. Darker colors are slimming and can add a touch of sophistication. Avoid overly bold patterns; opt for subtle designs or solid colors.

• Layers: Wearing layers, such as a vest under your suit jacket, can add depth to your look.

Accessorizing Smartly: Glasses and Accessories

• Glasses: If you wear glasses, ensure they are spotless to avoid any visible smudges in your photos. Glasses can add personality to your professional photo, enhancing your overall look. If possible, use glasses with non-reflective lenses to minimize glare.

• Jewelry: Keep accessories minimal. A classic watch or simple cufflinks can add a subtle touch of style without being distracting.

Grooming and Hair

• Hair: Hair should be neat and well-groomed. Avoid getting a haircut right before the shoot to allow your hair to settle.

• Facial Hair: If you have facial hair, ensure it is well-trimmed and tidy. If you're clean-shaven, a fresh shave on the day of the shoot will give a crisp appearance.

• Skin Care: Hydrate your skin by drinking plenty of water in the days leading up to the shoot. A matte moisturizer can help reduce shine under studio lights.

• Makeup (Optional): While not common, a light application of powder can reduce shine and even out skin tone, especially if you have oily skin.

Clothing Fit

• Proper Fit: Ensure your suit and shirt fit well. Baggy or ill-fitting clothing can look unprofessional.

• Collars and Cuffs: Collars should fit snugly without gaps. Cuffs should peek out slightly from your jacket sleeves.

How Many Outfits to Bring to Your Photo Session

Multiple outfits enhance variety and provide options for your final images. It's generally recommended to bring around 2 to 3 outfits for a successful professional headshot session. This applies to both men and women.

Including at least two distinct looks showcases versatility in your headshot portfolio. A variety of outfits captures diverse expressions and styles, enhancing the session's outcome. Ensure your outfits are prepared by bringing a wardrobe bag, pressed clothing, and lint-free options to guarantee readiness for the shoot.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

Avoid busy patterns, logos, and clothing that detracts from your professional image. Older, worn-out clothing detracts from a polished appearance in headshots. Casual attire may undermine your confidence and authority; choose professional clothing.

Ensure your clothing is well-fitted, clean, and pressed to maintain a sharp appearance. Distractions from the main subject, such as undershirts or unflattering clothes, should be avoided.

Preparing for the Shoot: Practical Tips

• Hydrate: Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to the shoot to keep your skin looking its best.

• Organize Your Outfits: Bringing clothing in wardrobe bags maintains their quality before the shoot. Arrive with organized outfits on hangers to streamline the preparation process.

• Press and Clean: Ensure that your clothing is pressed and lint-free to prevent a non-professional appearance in high-resolution images.

• Consult Your Photographer: Discuss clothing layers and colors with your photographer, as they can offer advice on what works best with their lighting and backdrop setup. Consider the value of a personal styling consultation for its convenience, expertise, and detailed service, which can help you choose the best outfits within your budget.

• Rest Well: Get a good night’s sleep before the shoot to look refreshed.

Matching Your Outfit with the Background

Consider contrasting your outfit with your backdrop to ensure you stand out in your professional headshot. The color wheel helps identify colors that create appealing combinations with your skin tone.

Matching your outfit with the background creates a visually impactful headshot. This ensures you remain the focus of the photo and that your overall look is cohesive and professional.

Getting the Most Out of Your Professional Headshot

To get the most out of your professional headshot, proper preparation is key. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your photo session:

• Wear Comfortable and Confident Clothing: Choose clothes that make you feel comfortable and confident. Avoid wearing anything that doesn’t belong to you or that you’re not used to wearing, as it can affect your comfort and confidence during the shoot.

• Consider Your Profession and Industry: Think about your profession and industry when selecting your outfit. If you have branded work clothes, such as shirts with logos or a branded apron, consider incorporating them into your photos to reinforce your personal brand.

• Bring a Few Options: Having multiple outfit options can add variety to your headshots. Consider bringing a blazer, jumper, or scarf to add layers or textures to your look.

• Wear Your Hair Naturally: Style your hair the way you typically wear it. Avoid getting a new haircut or over-styling your hair right before your session to ensure you look like yourself.

• Consider a Professional Makeup Artist: Hiring a professional makeup artist can help you highlight your best features. However, if you’re unsure, doing your hair and makeup yourself can also work well, as long as it enhances your natural look.

• Bring Props: Props can add context and personality to your headshots. Consider bringing items like a mobile phone, laptop, or camera. Jewelry and scarves can also add variety to your outfit.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your professional headshot accurately represents your personal brand and helps you make a great first impression. A well-prepared photo session will result in headshots that you can confidently use across various platforms to enhance your professional image.

Final Touches: Retouching and Editing

Retouching smooths skin and softens under-eye circles, crow's feet, and wrinkles. Many photographers include basic retouching services to enhance your images subtly.

Background removal techniques help to eliminate distractions and create a uniform look in headshots. These final touches ensure that your professional headshot is polished and presents you in the best possible light.

Summary

In summary, selecting the right outfit for your professional headshot involves considering color, fit, and accessories. Whether you're male or female, solid colors, well-fitted clothing, and minimal jewelry can make a huge difference. Preparing your hair and makeup, bringing multiple outfits, and avoiding common mistakes will ensure you look your best. Remember, your headshot is a vital part of your personal brand, so take the time to get it right.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I wear my hair up or down for a headshot?

For Women: Wearing your hair up can help slim your face and neck, allowing your features to shine through more prominently. It gives a clean and polished look that's perfect for photos. However, if you typically wear your hair down and it feels more natural to you, that's perfectly acceptable. The key is to style your hair neatly, whether it's up or down.

For Men: Ensure your hair is neatly styled in a way that reflects your everyday professional appearance. Avoid drastic changes to your hairstyle right before the shoot.

How many outfits should I bring to my professional headshot session?

Bring about 2 to 3 outfits for your professional headshot session to give yourself plenty of options and variety for the final images. You'll feel more confident with different looks to choose from!

What colors should I avoid wearing for my headshot?

It's best to avoid pure white, bright red, busy patterns, and logos for your headshot, as they can be hard to photograph and distracting. Stick to solid colors to keep the focus on you!

Should I wear glasses in my professional headshot?

Absolutely, if you usually wear glasses, you should wear them for your professional headshot. Just make sure they're clean and consider using non-reflective lenses to minimize glare.

How should I prepare my hair and makeup for the headshot session?

For Women: Keep your hair neat and styled while opting for makeup that's a bit darker than normal to offset the lighting. Steer clear of fresh haircuts right before the session and stick to matte skin products for the best look.

For Men: Ensure your hair is neatly styled, and consider a light application of powder to reduce shine. If you have facial hair, make sure it's well-groomed.