What you wear to your headshot session has a bigger impact on your final photos than almost anything else. The right outfit makes you look polished, confident, and on-brand. The wrong one can distract from your face — which is the whole point of a headshot.

Here's exactly what works, what to avoid, and how to prepare your wardrobe for a great session.

A headshot is a portrait of you — not your outfit. Your clothing should complement your face, not compete with it. When in doubt, simpler is better.

Best choices:

• Deep, saturated solids: navy, forest green, burgundy, cobalt, charcoal
• Warm neutrals: camel, rust, warm grey, cream
• Classic black and white (though avoid stark white near the face)

Avoid:

• Neon or very bright colors — they cast color onto your skin
• Very pale pastels — they can wash out against light backgrounds
• Busy patterns, stripes, or plaid — they distract the eye and can create visual "noise" in the image
• Logos, text, or graphics — they date quickly and look unprofessional

For headshots, the neckline matters more than you might think — it frames your face.

• V-necks and scoop necks are universally flattering and draw the eye upward
• Crew necks and turtlenecks work well for a clean, professional look
• Collared shirts (button-downs, blazers) read as authoritative and polished
• Avoid strapless or off-shoulder styles for professional headshots — they can look underdressed in a cropped frame

Fit matters enormously. Clothes that fit well always photograph better than clothes that are too loose or too tight. If something doesn't fit perfectly, leave it at home.

A blazer, cardigan, or structured jacket adds polish and visual depth to a headshot. It also gives you a second look within the same session — jacket on for the formal shots, jacket off for something more relaxed.

For a standard headshot session, bring 2–3 complete outfits. This gives you variety without overwhelming the session. We'll help you choose what works best on camera.

For a personal brand session, 3–4 outfits is ideal — you want enough variety to cover different platforms and contexts.

Hair: Style it the way you normally would for an important meeting. If you're getting a haircut, do it 1–2 weeks before the shoot so it has time to settle.

Makeup: Natural to polished. The goal is to look like yourself on your best day — not a dramatically different version of yourself.

Jewelry: Simple and understated. Statement pieces can work, but avoid anything that jingles, catches the light awkwardly, or distracts from your face.

Glasses: If you wear them regularly, bring them. We can shoot with and without.

Have questions about what to wear for your session? Contact us — we're happy to help you prepare. Or book your headshot session today.