We ask all of our photographers to answer the question, “What should clients wear for headshots?” to gather their expert opinions on what looks best. Our photographers had plenty to share! Without further ado, here are the best types of clothing to wear to your headshot session.
Remember, a headshot session is an opportunity to showcase your best self—it’s not a time to pretend to be someone else. Be authentic, and wear something that makes you feel confident and comfortable.
Before your session, we take the time to discuss how to present your best self in your headshots. Bring a few outfit options and have a conversation with us to determine what works best for your personal and corporate brand.
Hair: Schedule a haircut about a week before your session to allow the style to settle. If you color your hair, do so at least a week in advance to ensure a natural look.
Skin: Wash your face before your session to remove dirt and oil, reducing shine. If you have dry skin, apply moisturizer the night before to maintain a balanced complexion. However, avoid applying moisturizer on the day of your session, as it can make your skin appear shiny.
Facial Hair: If you shave, do so within four hours of your session to maintain a clean look. If you have a beard or mustache, ensure it’s neatly trimmed and well-groomed. Choose a style that aligns with your personal brand and enhances your overall appearance.
Your headshot should reflect your authentic self, so wear colors that complement your complexion and hair color. While bold colors are not required, lighter shades can sometimes be more flattering, as darker colors may create an overpowering effect, making you look tired or drained.
You likely already know which colors suit you best, but if you’re unsure, get a second opinion. Ask a trusted friend, partner, or even your photographer for guidance. Alternatively, bring a few outfit choices to your session—our photographers are happy to advise on what best complements your complexion and conveys the right message.
Avoid neon colors, as they reflect light onto your skin and create unnatural color casts. Capturing neon shades accurately requires special lighting that most photographers do not use.
Additionally, steer clear of flesh-toned clothing that closely matches your skin tone, as it can create the illusion that you are not wearing a top—an impression you likely don’t want for a professional headshot.
A common misconception is that headshot outfits should feature complementary colors, like a painting. However, headshots are meant to emphasize you, not your clothing. Your eyes should be the focal point, and distracting colors or busy patterns can take attention away from your face. If patterns and vibrant colors are part of your brand identity, feel free to incorporate them, but otherwise, keep it simple.
Clothing should fit your body well—neither too tight nor too loose. We encourage embracing your body shape and size, but be mindful that overly tight clothing may highlight areas you don’t want to accentuate, while overly loose clothing can obscure your shape, making it look like you’re “swimming” in fabric.
For a polished look, ensure that if you’re wearing a jacket, it fits well with your shirt. A common mistake is pairing a loose-fitting shirt with a tight jacket, which creates wrinkles that can be distracting in photos.
Apply makeup that enhances your natural features without looking heavy. A matte finish helps reduce shine under studio lights. If you’re unsure, consider hiring a professional makeup artist who specializes in photography.
That said, you’re not required to hire a makeup artist if you feel confident doing your own makeup. However, if you choose to work with one, be sure to communicate the purpose of the shoot. For business headshots, ensure the artist has experience in corporate photography to avoid an overly dramatic or exaggerated look that may not align with professional branding.
Wrinkles are not something we edit out of headshots unless you opt for our Advanced Photo Editing Services. Clothing materials like cotton wrinkle quickly, so we recommend ironing your shirt the night before your session.
To keep your clothes pristine, consider bringing them in a garment bag and changing at our studio before your session begins.
Avoid practicing poses and facial expressions in front of a mirror before your session. Many people believe this helps, but in reality, our faces have a complex set of muscles that should be naturally engaged to create genuine expressions. A forced or overly rehearsed smile often looks unnatural.
Instead, let our professional photographers guide you to a natural, flattering pose. We will help you feel comfortable and ensure you have multiple options to choose from. While inspiration from others’ poses can be helpful, what works for one person may not be the best fit for you. Trust us to find the pose that best captures your personality and professional image.
Your headshot is an investment in your personal and professional brand. By following these guidelines, you’ll ensure that your session is a success and that your final images truly represent your best self.
✅ Get Plenty of Rest – A good night’s sleep before your session helps you look fresh and energized, reducing dark circles and puffiness.
✅ Stay Hydrated – Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your session to keep your skin clear and glowing.
✅ Avoid Alcohol & Excessive Caffeine – These can dehydrate your skin and cause puffiness or redness. Stick to water and herbal tea instead.
✅ Test Your Outfits in Natural Light – Try on your selected outfits in front of a mirror near a window to see how the colors complement your skin tone.
✅ Bring a Lint Roller – Ensure your clothing is free from lint, pet hair, or dust, as these can be distracting in high-resolution images.
✅ Wear Minimal Jewelry – Keep accessories simple and classic to avoid distractions from your face.
✅ Avoid Glasses Glare – If you wear glasses, ask your photographer about anti-glare solutions or bring a pair with non-reflective lenses. Blue filter monitor lenses are highly reflective and not recommended
