What to Wear (and What NOT to Wear) for Your Headshots

Written By Mackenzie Dalton

You booked the headshot session. Now comes the question I hear all the time:

“Okay… but what am I supposed to wear?”

The good news is, you don’t need to buy a whole new outfit or stress over finding the “perfect” shirt. The goal of a great headshot is for you to be the focus, not your clothing. Here are my best tips for choosing what to wear (and what to leave at home) for your next headshot session.

1. Choose something you actually feel good in

If you feel uncomfortable in what you’re wearing, it will show up in your photos. Choose something that fits well, feels like you, and makes you feel confident.

Think about what you would wear to an important meeting with a dream client, a presentation, or a day when you want to feel especially put-together.

Your headshot should feel like the best version of you, not a costume.

2. Stick with simple, classic pieces

Headshots are meant to have longevity, so I generally recommend clothing that won’t feel dated six months from now.

Examples:

A well-fitted blazer

A simple blouse or button-down

A classic sweater

A solid-colored dress

A simple top with a great neckline

You don’t need a complicated outfit to make a great photograph. In fact, simpler is often better because it keeps attention where it belongs: on your face.

3. Pay attention to color

Color can make a huge difference in how your headshot feels.

Choose colors that complement your skin tone and make your eyes pop. Jewel tones, earthy neutrals, soft blues, creams, and rich greens can photograph beautifully.

If you’re unsure what colors look best on you, bring a few options. We can look at them together and decide what works best with the location, lighting, and overall look we’re creating.

If we’re shooting on a white backdrop, I recommend NOT wearing solid white because your body disappears into the background.

4. Make sure your clothes fit well

Clothing that is too tight can bunch or pull in places you don’t want it to. Clothing that’s too loose can sometimes make you look less polished than you actually are.

Before your session, try your outfit on and move around in it. Sit down, raise your arms, and make sure you feel comfortable.

5. Think about your profession and your personal brand

Your headshot should make sense for the work you do.

A corporate attorney may want a very different look than a creative director, interior designer, realtor, or small-business owner.

Ask yourself:

“What do I want someone to assume about me when they see this photo?”

Professional? Approachable? Creative? Sophisticated? Warm? Fun? Trustworthy?

Your clothing is part of that visual story.

If you’re using your headshot for your website or personal brand, think beyond simply looking “professional.” Think about whether your outfit communicates who you are and what you do.

What NOT to Wear for Headshots

1. Avoid busy patterns

Small stripes, tiny checks, and overly intricate patterns can be distracting in photographs. Some patterns can also create an unwanted visual effect called moiré, especially when viewed on a screen.

If you love patterns, you don’t necessarily have to avoid them completely. Just consider choosing one that is larger, simpler, and less visually busy.

2. Skip clothing with large logos or words

Unless the logo is an intentional part of your brand, I’d leave any clothes with lettering at home.

Your headshot isn’t an advertisement for your shirt. We want people looking at you.

3. Don’t wear something just because it’s “professional”

You don’t automatically need a black blazer and white shirt. If that’s genuinely your style, great! But if you spend your entire workday in jeans and a beautiful blouse, wearing a suit for your headshot might actually make the photo feel less like you.

The best headshots feel authentic.

4. Don’t save your outfit decision for the morning of your session

Please don’t do this to yourself. Lay everything out the night before. Try it on. Look at it in natural light. Make sure it’s clean, wrinkle-free, and ready to go.

If you have a couple options to choose from, bring them. We can look at it together!

A Few Final Tips

  • Iron or steam your clothes. (please!!!)

    • Wrinkles are much easier to prevent than they are to edit.

  • Pay attention to the neckline.

    • Because headshots are cropped closely, the neckline of your shirt becomes an important part of the image. Choose something that frames your face nicely. A button down or v-necked blouse are flattering on everyone.

  • Keep accessories small and simple.

    • Jewelry can add personality, but if it’s large or distracting, it can pull attention away from your face.

At the end of the day, the best thing you can wear to your headshot session is something that makes you feel like yourself.

Don’t overthink it.

Choose something you love. Make sure it fits well. Keep it simple. And let your personality do the rest.

I’ll take care of the lighting, posing, and photography. You just need to show up as yourself.

Mackenzie Dalton