One of the most common questions people ask before their headshot session is: "What should I wear?" Your wardrobe choice can make or break your headshot, so it's worth putting thought into this decision. The good news is that choosing the right outfit doesn't have to be complicated. This complete guide will help you select clothing that photographs beautifully and helps you look confident, professional, and approachable.

Why Does Your Wardrobe Matter for Headshots?

Your clothing should complement you, not compete with you. The goal of a headshot is to show your face clearly and create a professional first impression. Your outfit should:

• Direct attention to your face, not your clothes
• Reflect your personality and professional brand
• Photograph well with professional lighting
• Make you feel confident and comfortable
• Appear timeless rather than trendy

What Colors Should I Wear for Headshots?

Color choice is crucial for headshots. Here's what works best:

Best Colors for Headshots

• Jewel Tones: Deep blues, emerald greens, burgundy, and sapphire photograph beautifully
• Earth Tones: Navy, charcoal gray, olive, chocolate brown, and deep burgundy
• Medium Tones: Colors that create contrast with your skin tone without being too bright
• Classic Neutrals: Gray, navy blue, and deep colors that aren't pure black or white

Colors to Avoid

• Pure White: Can cause glare and wash out your features under professional lighting
• Pure Black: Can be too harsh and make you appear as a floating head
• Neon or Bright Colors: Oversaturated colors distract from your face and reflect onto your skin
• Red: Can cast a red glow on your face and is difficult for cameras to capture accurately

Should I Wear Patterns or Solid Colors?

Solid colors are almost always the best choice for headshots. Here's why:

• Patterns draw attention away from your face
• Small patterns can create a moiré effect (wavy lines) on camera
• Patterns can date your photo quickly as styles change
• Solid colors create a clean, timeless look

If you absolutely must wear a pattern, keep it very subtle and avoid stripes, checks, or busy prints.

What Should I Wear Based on My Industry?

Your wardrobe should reflect your professional field:

Business and Corporate Headshots

For business professionals, lawyers, real estate agents, and corporate employees:

• Button-down shirts or blouses in solid colors
• Blazers or suit jackets
• Professional dress or business casual attire
• Conservative, polished look

Learn more about business headshots that elevate your professional brand.

Acting and Modeling Headshots

For actors and models:

• Simple, form-fitting clothing that shows your body type
• Multiple looks that show your range (commercial, theatrical, character)
• Clothing that reflects the types of roles you're pursuing
• V-necks and scoop necks typically photograph better than crew necks

Get tips for acting headshots that get you noticed.

Creative Professionals

For designers, artists, photographers, and creative fields:

• You have more flexibility to show personality
• Can incorporate subtle accessories or unique pieces
• Still keep it professional and ensure clothes don't overwhelm your face

How Many Outfits Should I Bring?

Plan to bring 3-5 outfit options to your headshot session. This gives you:

• Variety in your final images
• Options for different uses (LinkedIn, company website, marketing materials)
• Backup choices in case something doesn't photograph well
• Flexibility to try different looks and styles

What About Necklines and Sleeves?

Best Necklines

• V-necks: Elongate the neck and frame the face beautifully
• Scoop necks: Flattering and professional
• Collared shirts: Classic and professional for business headshots
• Boat necks: Can work well, especially for women

Necklines to Avoid

• Crew necks: Can make your neck appear shorter
• Turtlenecks: Can be unflattering and make you appear to have no neck
• Very low-cut tops: Can be distracting and unprofessional

Sleeve Considerations

• Short sleeves or 3/4 sleeves typically photograph well
• Long sleeves are professional and timeless
• Sleeveless can work but may limit usage in conservative industries

Should I Wear Accessories for Headshots?

Keep accessories minimal and intentional:

What Works

• Simple, classic jewelry (small earrings, simple necklace)
• A watch (if it's part of your everyday style)
• Minimal, professional pieces that don't distract

What to Avoid

• Large, dangly earrings that draw attention
• Multiple necklaces or bracelets that create noise when you move
• Statement pieces that overpower your face
• Anything that glares or reflects light (highly polished metals)

What About Glasses?

If you normally wear glasses:

• Definitely bring them to the session
• Have the lenses cleaned beforehand
• Consider getting photos with and without them
• The photographer can adjust lighting to minimize glare
• Anti-reflective coating on lenses helps tremendously

Should I Wear Makeup for Headshots?

Yes! Everyone should wear some makeup for headshots:

For Women

• Natural-looking makeup that enhances your features
• Foundation or powder to even skin tone and reduce shine
• Defined eyes (mascara, eyeliner, eyeshadow)
• Natural-looking lipstick or gloss
• More makeup than usual daily wear, but natural-looking on camera

For Men

• Powder to reduce shine (camera lights intensify oil on skin)
• Light foundation if needed to even skin tone
• Consider professional grooming or a touch-up before the session

Consider hiring a professional makeup artist who specializes in photography makeup for the best results.

What Should I Do About Hair?

• Get a haircut 1-2 weeks before your session (not the day before)
• Style your hair the way you normally wear it professionally
• Avoid trying a completely new hairstyle right before your session
• Bring products to touch up between outfit changes
• Consider professional hair styling for your session

Clothing Fit and Comfort

How your clothes fit is just as important as what you wear:

• Clothes should fit well - not too tight or too loose
• Avoid anything that you'll need to constantly adjust
• Make sure collars lay flat and sleeves are the right length
• Bring an iron or steamer - wrinkles show up on camera
• Wear clothes that make you feel confident

Final Wardrobe Checklist

Before your headshot session, make sure you've:

• ✅ Selected 3-5 solid-colored outfits
• ✅ Chosen colors that complement your skin tone
• ✅ Avoided patterns, logos, and distracting elements
• ✅ Pressed or steamed all clothing
• ✅ Tried everything on to ensure proper fit
• ✅ Planned minimal, professional accessories
• ✅ Arranged for makeup and hair styling
• ✅ Brought backup options

When in Doubt, Ask Your Photographer

Your photographer can provide specific guidance based on:

• The background and lighting setup they'll use
• Your industry and how the photos will be used
• Their experience with what photographs best
• Your personal style and brand

Don't hesitate to reach out before your session with wardrobe questions or photos of outfit options.

Ready for Your Professional Headshots?

At Ace Photo & Video in Las Vegas, we provide detailed wardrobe guidance before every session. We'll help you choose outfits that photograph beautifully and reflect your professional brand. Our goal is to make you look and feel confident during your session so your headshots show the best version of you.