Top Five Tips: What to Wear for Your Headshot

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.

For more on getting ready, have a look at my preparation guide.