There are some basic and helpful principles for deciding what to wear for your headshot session. Using these tips as a foundation for your style at a headshot session can help you approach your session with a timeless, professional look that will extend the life of your headshot.
For more specific styling ideas for men, see Headshot Styling for Him
For more specific styling ideas for women, see Headshot Styling for Her.
1) Your most important meeting:
Because your headshot is your first personalized interaction with a potential client, a good rule of thumb to keep in mind when choosing what to wear for your headshot session is to dress as though you are headed to an important meeting or presentation. That mentality will set you up for success in choosing a wardrobe that will give you confidence and your images a polished professional look.
2) Wear it well:
We have a natural inclination to wear colors that we love, this is helpful because we tend to love colors that we look good in so you most likely already have the perfect outfit hanging in your closet. The most important thing is to make sure that it fits correctly in all areas. Even if you’re just getting a one look, shoulders up headshot, having ill-fitting clothes will make you uncomfortable which will make for an uncomfortable looking headshot. People will have no idea what size you are wearing, but they will notice if you’re wearing the wrong size.
3) Keep it classic:
Stick to the basics, a well tailored suit is always a safe place to start. Jewel tones are great colors and most people look good in greens and blues. Any jewelry should be classic and timeless as fad pieces will date your headshot and you’ll need to reshoot your headshots sooner.
4) Easy on the spray tans:
A heavy tan will tend to make you look heavier in your images. If you regularly get a spray tan go ahead and keep your normal appointment but don’t go heavy or lay out in the sun for a day right before you session.
5) Look your best:
Remember the goal of your headshot session is to have a professional image that you can use to promote yourself and your business for a few years. For this reason we recommend getting your hair trimmed about a week before your headshot session. We also recommend getting a manicure; you’ll want your nails to be neat and tidy in case your hands are in the final image you choose.
You should also consider having a professional hair and make-up artist meet you at our studio to do your hair and make-up. We have a list of hair and make-up professionals that we work with on a regular basis that are experts at tailoring hair and make-up especially for photoshoots. Be sure to let us know when you book your session if you’d like to book a hair and make-up artist and we will be happy to take care of it for you.
For more in-depth style suggestions and ideas see:
Headshot Styling for Him
Headshot Styling for Her