Top Five Tips: What to Wear for Your Headshot
The right outfit helps you feel relaxed and look natural on camera. Here are five simple tips on colours, styling and fit so your headshot keeps the focus on you.
One of the most common questions I get before a session is, “What should I wear?” It is a great question. What you wear can make a real difference to how confident and comfortable you feel on the day.
The right outfit helps you feel relaxed, look natural, and keeps the focus on you. Here are my top five tips to help you choose what to wear for your headshot session.
1. Bring Plenty of Options
One of the best pieces of advice I can give you is to have more options ready than you think you will need. I always suggest at least three outfits, but I am happiest when clients have a whole range laid out and ready to choose from. Sometimes people apologise for having too much - but honestly, it is brilliant. It gives us the freedom to experiment and find what works best.
You might think you do not look good in a certain colour or style, but it is my job to see what you do not. I have lost count of the number of times someone has said, “I only have this because you suggested it, but I never wear this colour,” and then loved the result.
The camera sees colours and textures differently to the mirror, and what looks great in person might not photograph quite the same way. So, before I arrive, pull together a few options; smart shirts, relaxed tops, maybe a jacket or two. Because I come to you, it is easy to have a few extras to hand. We will take our time and see what works best on camera.
2. Keep It Simple
The focus of your headshot should be you - not your clothes. Leave that Metallica T-shirt and neon yellow bomber jacket in the wardrobe. People want to see your face (that is why it is called a headshot), not judge you on your fashion choices.
Big patterns, logos, or really bright colours can pull attention away from your expression. Mid-tone colours usually look great and help keep things timeless rather than trendy. For men, maybe skip the electric blue shirt, yellow tie, and wild pin-striped suit. For women, avoid busy floral prints with strings and bows that go in every direction.
Layers and textures, on the other hand, can add just the right amount of interest without stealing the show. A simple jacket, a soft knit, or a shirt with a bit of texture can all work beautifully. Big prints or complicated patterns tend to fight for attention - and in a headshot, that is never a good thing.
And if you are thinking about jewellery, keep it simple there too. Necklaces can look great - just make sure they sit nicely within the frame and do not compete with your neckline. Subtle usually photographs better than flashy.
3. Choose Clothes That Feel Fresh and Fit Well
This one sounds obvious, but you would be surprised how often it gets missed. A freshly pressed shirt or a top that fits nicely can make a world of difference. Wrinkles, tired collars, or loose threads catch the light and pull attention away from your face - and no one wants that.
It is also worth checking for those little details that creep in when you are busy: a missing button, a stray thread, or the inevitable pet hair. My beagle sheds like it is her full-time job, so I completely get it. A quick once-over before we start keeps everything looking sharp.
I will always help tidy up small details, but starting with clothes that are clean, pressed and ready to go means you can relax and focus on looking confident - not on whether your collar is doing its own thing.
4. Dress for Your Role (and the One You Want)
Your outfit should reflect how you want to be seen; confident, capable, and approachable. If you are in a formal role, a sharp jacket or tailored shirt can give you that polished, professional edge. If you are more creative or client-facing, something a little more relaxed might feel more “you”.
There is no strict dress code these days, so think about the image you want to project. Are you the expert people trust with serious decisions, or the approachable professional who makes clients feel instantly at ease? Your clothes can quietly say all that before you have even spoken.
If you are unsure, have a couple of options ready - we can easily do one more formal look and one that is a bit more relaxed. You will know instantly which one feels right when you see it on screen.
5. Choose Colours That Complement You
Colour makes a big difference in how your headshot feels. Soft, neutral tones tend to flatter most people, but do not be afraid to include a few favourites too. Sometimes the colour you would never expect turns out to be the one that looks fantastic on camera.
Very bright whites, heavy blacks or neon colours can be tricky - they tend to overpower your skin tone and pull focus from your expression. Mid-tone shades, muted blues, earthy tones or soft pastels usually work best.
And if you are not sure, no problem. We will test a few options together and see what photographs best. You might be surprised which colour ends up being your favourite.
Final Thought
At the end of the day, your headshot is not really about clothes - it is about confidence. When you feel comfortable and look like yourself, everything else falls into place.
So, pick outfits that make you feel good, keep things simple, and trust the process. We will find what works best for you - and you might even enjoy it.