It’s the start of a new quarter and it’s a great time to consider a new headshot! Springtime in Dallas is beautiful when the weather behaves and indoor studios make it super easy to shoot new headshots all year long. Now, if you’re considering a new headshot, let’s talking about what to wear for your headshots.
When it comes to headshots, what you wear can make a big difference in how you’re perceived. Whether you’re taking headshots for a job interview, acting portfolio, or social media profile, it’s important to dress appropriately and make a good first impression. Here are some tips and tricks for what to wear for headshots.
Keep it simple and classic
When it comes to choosing an outfit for your headshot, it’s best to keep it simple and classic. Avoid busy patterns or bright colors that can be distracting. Stick to neutral colors like black, white, gray, or navy. A simple, well-fitted shirt or blouse is always a safe choice. Remember, the focus should be on your face, not your outfit.
Choose colors that complement your skin tone
When selecting an outfit for your headshot, it’s necessary to consider your skin tone. Particular colors can enhance your natural features and make you look more vibrant and alive. For example, if you have warm undertones in your skin, earthy colors like olive green, rust, and mustard yellow can be flattering. If you have cool undertones, jewel tones like emerald green, sapphire blue, and ruby red can make your skin look radiant. Experiment with different colors to find what works best for you.
Avoid busy patterns and logos
When choosing an outfit for your headshot, it’s best to avoid busy patterns and logos. These can be distracting and take away from the focus of the photo, which is your face. Stick to solid colors or subtle patterns that won’t overpower the image. Additionally, avoid clothing with large graphics or text, as these can also be distracting and take away from the professional look you want to convey. Keep it simple and classic for the best results.
Pay attention to fit and tailoring
When choosing an outfit for your headshot, it’s important to pay attention to the fit and tailoring of your clothing. Clothes that are too loose or too tight can be unflattering and take away from the overall look of the photo. Consider getting your outfit tailored to ensure a perfect fit. This will not only make you look better in the photo, but it will also give off a more professional and put-together vibe. Remember, your headshot is often the first impression you make, so it’s important to make it count.
Don’t forget about hair, makeup, and accessories
While your outfit is important for your headshot, don’t forget about the other details like hair, makeup, and accessories. For hair, keep it simple and avoid any drastic changes right before your photoshoot. Stick to a natural makeup look that enhances your features without being too heavy. As for accessories, keep them minimal and avoid anything too distracting. Remember, the focus should be on your face and not your accessories.
What to Wear for Headshots Ideas
The Purpose of Your Business Headshot: A Guide to Dressing and Preparing
Before we dive into chatting about professional headshots, let’s take a step back and consider what you hope to achieve with these images. Whether it’s for your company or personal brand, knowing your goals can help you make the right decisions when it comes to preparing for your headshot.
Remember, your headshot is often the first impression people have of you, so it’s important to make it count. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with all the tips and tricks you need to look your best.
Now, let’s talk about what to wear. With so many options out there, it can be overwhelming, but we’ve got you covered. From black or white to sleeveless or not, and even glasses, we’ve got all the details covered in our downloadable preparation guide.
Our guide is based on the questions we get asked most frequently, and it’s designed to help you feel confident and prepared for your headshot session. You can download it here and get started on your journey to a picture-perfect headshot!
How to Dress Your Best for a Professional Headshot
Dressing for success is always a bit of a tricky business, but when it comes to a professional headshot, the stakes can feel even higher. After all, this one photo could be the first impression you make on a potential client or employer. But don’t worry, we’re going to talk about it. I’m here to guide you through the process and help you look your absolute best.
Consider Your Industry – What to Wear for Headshots
Before you start digging through your closet, take a moment to consider your industry. What’s appropriate for a corporate job might not be the best fit for a startup or creative industry. Think about what your colleagues and competitors wear, and aim to match their level of formality. That being said, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. If you’re known for your bold style, find a way to incorporate that into your outfit.
Think About Your Audience
Who are you trying to impress with this headshot? Is it your boss, a potential client, or a casting director? Different audiences will have different expectations, so make sure you’re dressing for the right occasion. If you’re not sure, think about what you would wear to a meeting with them. Aim for something that makes you feel confident and comfortable.
Examples of Professional Attire – What to Wear for Headshots
If you’re still feeling stumped, here are some general guidelines for different industries:
- Corporate: A suit or blazer with a button-up shirt and tie for men, and a blouse or dress with a blazer for women.
- Creative/Startup: Dress pants or a skirt with a sweater or blouse for men, and a statement top or dress with bold accessories for women.
- Acting/Modeling: Solid colors with simple, timeless cuts that showcase your features.
- Entrepreneur/Small Business Owner: Dress according to your brand and target audience. If you’re a fitness coach, wear athletic gear. If you’re a chef, wear your chef’s jacket.
Remember, the most important thing is to feel comfortable and confident in what you’re wearing. So, go ahead and rock that bold statement piece or funky accessory. As long as you feel like your best self, your headshot is sure to be a success!
What to Wear for Headshots: Clothing Tips
Hey there, let’s chat about some friendly clothing tips for your upcoming professional headshot! Don’t worry if you’re not sure what to wear – I’m here to help.
First things first, don’t feel like you have to stick with just one outfit. While some photographers might limit you to just one, most will let you try on multiple outfits to make sure you find something you love. And hey, sometimes what you thought would look great doesn’t quite translate in photos, so it’s always a good idea to have a backup option.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed about finding the perfect outfit, have no fear! I recommend trying out a clothing rental service like Rent the Runway. It’s super easy to find clothes in your size, they ship quickly, and you can send them back after your shoot. Plus, you can wear designer clothes for free with a membership – pretty cool, right?
Renting clothes can save you a ton of stress and help you look your best without breaking the bank. Alright, let’s get into some more tips on what works for headshots!
What to Wear for Headshots: Is there a “Best Color”?
Let’s talk about colors and what to wear for your headshots! There’s no one “right” color to wear, but it’s important to consider how different colors can affect the overall look and feel of your photo.
As a general rule, I aim to draw the viewer’s attention to your eyes and smile. While bold and bright colors can be eye-catching, they can also be distracting and draw attention away from your face. However, if you’re looking to stand out on a platform like LinkedIn, a bold color can help you get noticed.
If you want to convey a more approachable and relatable image, consider wearing neutral or softer tones. Ultimately, the best color for you is one that complements your skin tone and makes you feel confident and comfortable. If there’s a color that brings out your eyes or makes you feel great, that’s a great choice!
Remember, there’s no need to stress over finding the “perfect” color. Just choose something that you love and feel good in, and your personality will shine through in your headshot.
If you want to feel extra confident with what colors you’re wearing, I recommend looking into getting a color analysis. There are companies like Created Colorful and House of Colour that can complete a color analysis and based on your skin tone, eye color, hair color, they can give you your best color palette that will complement your natural coloring.
Here’s my own experience with a virtual color analysis consultation.
What to Wear for Headshots: Clothing Fit Tips
Let’s talk about how your clothes should fit!
Nowadays, it’s popular to wear baggy clothing, and while that style can be cool in person, it might not look as good in your headshot. Here’s why: when you move around in loose clothing, your body still has shape and movement. However, in a photograph, those same clothes can look shapeless and unflattering.
I get it though, the 90’s and early 2000’s have made a come back. I walk into Target and get flashbacks of clothing racks when I was in middle school and high school. It’s kind of wild. I recommend wearing what makes you feel confident and comfortable, but lean more towards your most professional style.
Now, let me be clear – I’m all about body positivity and celebrating every size and shape. But after working with women for years, I’ve noticed that most of them prefer to see themselves in more fitted clothing in their headshots. Of course, there are some exceptions where looser clothing can work if you’re posing in a specific way, but it’s not always easy to achieve.
So, when you’re getting ready for your headshot, try to wear clothes that fit well and show off your shape. You want to feel confident and comfortable, and clothes that fit properly can help with that.
What to Wear for Headshots: Hair & Makeup Tips
Hairstyles for Headshots
The best advice for your headshot hairstyle is to be yourself! Embrace your natural curls, don’t try to straighten them out just for the photo. And if you have a short haircut, don’t worry about getting extensions just for the shoot. You want your headshot to reflect the real you on your best day, not a made-up version of someone else.
A helpful tip for the ladies: if you can, wear your hair down or style it in a way that shows off its natural beauty. The camera only captures you from the front, so if you have a ponytail in the back, it might not show up in the photo!
I can attest to that! As someone who wears their hair pulled back all the time, I recommend getting your headshots with your hair down (if possible). Sometimes, depending on the hairstyle, you can look like you have really short hair if it’s pulled back. If you want to wear a ponytail, I’d recommend a lower side ponytail, so that your hair falls onto your shoulder.
Makeup for Headshots
One question I hear a lot is whether or not to hire a makeup artist for headshots. While it can be a nice addition, I don’t believe it’s necessary. If you don’t usually wear makeup, you shouldn’t feel like you have to wear it for your headshot. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable and confident in your own skin, so you can project your true self in your professional photos.
If you do wear makeup regularly, I’d recommend applying your makeup a little heavier than everyday makeup. Consider wearing your makeup as you’d apply it for a special occasion, wedding, or television appearance. The camera tends to remove color from your face in general, so having makeup applied a little heavier can ensure your features show up beautifully on camera.
READY TO BOOK YOUR HEADSHOTS OR PERSONAL BRANDING PHOTOS?
If you are a small business owner or entrepreneur in the North Dallas area, including Frisco, McKinney, Prosper, Celina, Plano, Little Elm, and more – and you’re looking for a branding shoot with a photographer with a proven planning process in place, I’m ready to chat!
Step 1. Get in Touch – click and contact today
Step 2. Discovery Call – we’ll chat about your business and your vision for brand photos
Step 3. Book your Shoot – if we’re a “match” let’s get you on the schedule and start planning
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