Dress to Impress: Outfit Tips for Headshots
Professional headshots are an excellent investment in your career, whether you’re a small business owner, a salesperson, or any professional who wants to grow in your industry. You can rest assured that I’ll put all my expertise to work to create the best headshot for your personal brand and the look you’re aiming for, but part of your image depends on you and your outfit choice. Check out these tips to nail your headshot wardrobe and dress to impress.
Pay Attention to the Fit
My clients often ask about the best colors and styles of clothes for their headshots, and yes, those details matter, but one of the most underrated factors is the fit. A well-fitting outfit makes you look more organized and put-together, and it’s most flattering for any body type too. Items that are too baggy or loose will make you look larger than you are or make you look overly casual, while items that are too tight will cause bulging or bunching and make you look heavier.
Go Classic
In your headshot wardrobe, simplicity is your friend. Opt for solid colors or a very simple pattern. Avoid pieces that are overly ornate or have a lot of decoration. Not only do you want to avoid anything that distracts from your face (the star of the show, of course) but you also want a timeless look, not a headshot that looks dated when a particular style goes out of fashion in six months. The same applies to jewelry and hairstyles.
Check for Signs of Wear
Clothing that looks old and excessively worn will immediately make you look less professional. If you’re planning on wearing some of your wardrobe staples, take a good, objective look at them. When you see something often, it’s easy to overlook signs of wear like worn fabric, color fading, pilling, or snags. In fact, if you have the budget, this is a great time to spring for a new piece or outfit.
Be Strategic with Your Color Choice
Do you know what colors look best with your skin color, hair color, and eye color? You can use a color analysis guide to find out so you can choose the most flattering colors for your headshot outfit. You can even bring in some psychology and use color theory to make sure your headshot sends the right message - for instance, dark colors make you look more authoritative and powerful while lighter colors make you look more approachable and friendly.
Talk Strategy with Your Photographer
This is the most important one: talk to your photographer! Making people look amazing in photos is what I do, so I have plenty of knowledge to share about what colors and cuts to wear in your headshots. We can chat about specifics when you book your session and I can offer you specific tips based on the image you want to portray, your industry, the framing of your photos, and more. Ready to get started? Book your headshot photography session with my Mercer Island studio today.
