Knowing what to wear for headshots is one of the first questions professionals ask us before new photos. The good news is that the best headshot outfits are simple. Your clothes should frame your face, fit well and match the way you want people to see you, whether that’s a polished executive, a warm and approachable business owner or an actor ready for casting.
Here’s what works on camera, what to skip and how to plan your outfit around where your headshots will actually be used.
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Start With Where Your Headshot Will Be Used
Before you open your closet, think about where people will see your photo. A LinkedIn profile, a law firm bio, a realtor sign, a speaker page and an acting submission all call for slightly different looks.
- Corporate and LinkedIn headshots: dress the way you would for an important meeting with a new client, or one step dressier than your everyday office wear.
- Business owners and creatives: wear what you would wear to meet your ideal client. A well-fitted sweater or a structured top can feel more like you than a suit.
- Acting headshots: keep it simple and close to the roles you’re submitting for. Casting directors want to see you, so plain, fitted tops in solid colors work best.
When you tell us where the images will appear, we can plan the right crops, backgrounds and variety for each use. Our Atlanta headshots guide walks through what to expect from the session itself.
The Best Colors to Wear for Headshots
Solid colors are the safest choice for headshots, and medium to rich tones usually photograph best. They keep attention on your face and look good on almost every skin tone.
Colors that photograph well:
- Navy, charcoal and soft gray
- Jewel tones such as emerald, sapphire, plum and deep teal
- Warm neutrals such as camel, olive and rust
- Soft blues and dusty pinks for a lighter, approachable feel
A simple test: hold the top up to your face in natural light by a window. If your skin looks brighter and your eyes stand out, it’s a good choice. If the color pulls the attention away from your face, try another.
Bright white and solid black can work, especially under a blazer, but they’re harder to get right on their own. Bright white can draw the eye away from your face, and solid black can lose its shape in a darker photo. Pairing either one with a contrasting layer gives you the polished look without the risk.
Planning family photos too? Our family photo outfit guide covers coordinating a group.
Necklines, Fit and Fabric
Because most headshots are framed from the chest up, the neckline matters more than anything below it.
- Necklines: V-necks, open collars, scoop necks and boat necks flatter most people because they draw the eye up toward your face. Very high crew necks can look shortened in a tight crop.
- Fit: choose pieces that fit well through the shoulders. Tops that are too loose bunch up, and tops that are too tight pull across the chest or buttons. If you’ve changed sizes recently, go with what fits today.
- Fabric: matte fabrics with a little structure photograph best. Very shiny fabrics can reflect light, and thin knits can cling.
- Sleeves: if your headshot might be cropped wider for a website or speaker page, short or three-quarter sleeves look more finished than sleeveless tops for most business uses.
Steam or press everything the night before and bring a lint roller. Wrinkles and lint are much easier to fix before the session than after it.
Layers That Add Polish
A layer is the easiest way to look more put-together in a headshot, and it gives you two looks from one outfit.
- A well-fitted blazer over a solid top is the classic business headshot
- A cardigan or soft jacket feels more approachable and works well for teachers, therapists and healthcare professionals
- For men, a jacket with an open collar, or a jacket and tie, gives you a dressy option and a relaxed option in one session
Skip bulky sweaters and puffy jackets, which add width in a tight crop.
What Not to Wear for Headshots
A few choices tend to pull attention away from you:
- Busy patterns and small stripes: tight patterns can create a wavy effect on camera. A subtle texture is fine.
- Logos and large text: they date the photo and distract from your face.
- Neon and very bright colors: they can reflect color onto your skin.
- Statement jewelry: large earrings or chunky necklaces compete with your face. Small studs, a simple chain or a watch are plenty.
- Clothing you haven’t worn yet: wear something you’ve already tested for comfort and fit.
What to Wear for Headshots: Women
A solid top or dress with a flattering neckline, plus a blazer or jacket to layer over it, is the easiest place to start. A sheath dress, a wrap top or a silk-look blouse under a blazer all work well.
- Choose simple jewelry you wear every day
- For business headshots, keep makeup close to how you wear it for an important day at work. For acting headshots, a very natural look works best.
- Bring a hair tie and a small brush or comb for quick touch-ups
What to Wear for Headshots: Men
A jacket in navy, charcoal or gray is the easiest place to start. Under it, a solid or very subtly textured shirt in light blue, white or a soft color works well.
- Make sure the collar fits without gaping and the shirt is pressed
- If you wear a tie, choose a solid or small, subtle pattern
- Groom facial hair a day or two before, so it looks neat but natural
Acting Headshots
For acting headshots, simple is best. Plan a fitted top in a solid color that suits your coloring for a commercial look, and a slightly darker or more textured layer for a theatrical look. Skip anything that looks like a costume. Our actor headshots page covers what to expect at an actor session.
Plan Your Outfit Before Your Session
The easiest sessions start with an outfit already chosen. If you’d like a second opinion, send us cell phone photos of the options you’re considering before your session and we’ll help you put your look together. If you’re still torn, bring a couple of options, but keep it to just a couple so your session time goes to your photos. Bring everything on hangers so it arrives wrinkle-free.
If you’re booking headshots for a whole team, a simple wardrobe guide for everyone (for example, solid colors with a dark jacket) keeps the team page consistent. Our corporate headshots page covers group sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Color to Wear for Headshots?
Solid, medium to rich colors photograph best for most people: navy, charcoal, jewel tones like emerald or sapphire, and warm neutrals like camel or olive. Pick a color that makes your skin look bright and your eyes stand out.
What Should You Not Wear for Headshots?
Avoid busy patterns, small stripes, logos, neon colors and large statement jewelry. They pull attention away from your face. Wrinkled or ill-fitting clothing also shows clearly in a close crop.
How Many Outfits Should I Bring for Headshots?
One outfit you’ve already planned is usually all you need, plus a layer like a blazer or cardigan if it suits your look. If you can’t decide, send us photos of your options before your session so we can help you choose ahead of time, and bring no more than a couple of choices.
How Much Makeup Should I Wear for Headshots?
For business and LinkedIn headshots, your everyday polished makeup is usually perfect. Matte or satin finishes photograph better than very shiny products. Natural retouching is part of our editing process, and it’s always your choice: if you’d like little or no retouching, just tell us. For acting headshots, casting directors want to see exactly what you look like, so most actors choose a no-makeup or very natural look and keep retouching truly minimal.
What Jewelry Should I Wear for Headshots?
Keep it small and simple: stud earrings, a fine chain or a watch you wear every day. Large or very shiny pieces compete with your face.
What Should I Wear for LinkedIn Headshots?
Dress the way you would for an important meeting in your industry. A solid top with a blazer or jacket is a safe, polished choice for most professions.
Ready for New Headshots?
Tell us where your new photos will be used and we’ll help you plan the outfits, look and session that fit. You can see our public portrait pricing on our portrait photography prices page.
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