What to Wear to Your Headshot Session

You booked a headshot session. Now you are staring at your closet wondering what to wear. I get this question constantly, so here is the straightforward answer.

The short version: wear something that fits well, looks like you, and does not distract from your face. The rest of this post is the longer version with specifics.

The Goal

Your headshot is about your face. That is where people look. That is what they remember. Everything else in the frame should support that, not compete with it.

The right wardrobe disappears into the background. The wrong wardrobe pulls attention away from you. That is the only thing you need to keep in mind while making decisions.

What Works Well

Solid colors. Solids photograph cleanly. They do not create visual noise or distract from your face. When in doubt, go solid.

Darker tones. Navy, charcoal, black, deep green, burgundy. These tend to look polished and professional on most people. They also help draw attention upward to your face.

Muted colors. Softer versions of colors work well. Think dusty blue instead of electric blue. Sage instead of neon green. Muted tones photograph more naturally and do not overpower the image.

Layers. A blazer over a shirt. A cardigan over a blouse. Layers add visual interest without adding clutter. They also give you options during the session if we want to switch up the look.

Clothes that fit. This matters more than brand, style, or price. Clothes that fit your body well look better on camera than expensive clothes that do not fit right. If something is too tight, too loose, or pulls in weird places, leave it at home.

What to Avoid

Busy patterns. Stripes, plaids, complex prints, tiny repeating patterns. These create visual chaos on camera. They can also cause a weird effect called moire where the pattern seems to vibrate or shimmer. Stick with solids or very subtle textures.

Large logos or text. Your headshot should not be an advertisement for a brand. Visible logos distract from your face and can date the photo quickly. Keep it clean.

Bright white. Pure white tends to reflect light and can blow out on camera, especially in bright conditions. It also draws the eye away from your face. If you want to wear something light, opt for cream, ivory, or light gray instead.

Neon or overly bright colors. These can cast color onto your skin and create unflattering reflections. They also tend to dominate the frame. Save the highlighter yellow for another occasion.

Clothes that do not fit. Too tight looks uncomfortable. Too loose looks sloppy. Wrinkled looks careless. None of these help your headshot.

Trendy pieces that will date quickly. Your headshot should last a few years. If something is extremely trendy right now, it might look dated in 18 months. Classic styles tend to age better.

A Note on Color

Different colors work better on different skin tones. There is no universal answer. But here are some general guidelines:

Warm skin tones (yellow or golden undertones) often look good in earth tones, warm reds, oranges, yellows, and warm greens.

Cool skin tones (pink or blue undertones) often look good in blues, purples, cool greens, and jewel tones.

Neutral skin tones can usually wear both warm and cool colors well.

If you are not sure what your undertone is, think about what colors you usually get compliments in. Wear those.

When in doubt, navy and charcoal work on almost everyone.

Match Your Industry

Your headshot should look like you belong in your field. What works for a lawyer is different from what works for a creative director. Think about the context where this photo will be used and dress accordingly.

Corporate or traditional fields (law, finance, medicine): Lean toward classic and polished. Blazers, button-downs, professional blouses. Conservative colors. Clean lines.

Creative fields (design, marketing, music, art): You have more flexibility. Show some personality. Interesting textures, bolder colors, less traditional silhouettes can work well.

Entrepreneurs and personal brands: Dress like the version of yourself your ideal clients want to work with. If your brand is approachable and casual, dress that way. If your brand is high-end and polished, dress that way.

The goal is alignment. Your wardrobe should match the message you want to send.

Bring Options

I always recommend bringing 2-3 outfit options to your session, even if you think you know what you want to wear.

Here is why:

• Something might look great in your mirror but not work on camera.
• The location or lighting might call for a different color than you expected.
• Having options reduces stress. You are not locked into one choice.
• We might have time for multiple looks, which gives you more variety.

Bring options on hangers so they stay wrinkle-free. We can look at them together at the start of the session and pick what works best.

Accessories

Keep it simple. Accessories should complement, not compete.

Jewelry: Small and subtle works best. Avoid anything large, shiny, or distracting. Statement necklaces can overwhelm a headshot. Simple studs or small hoops are usually fine.

Glasses: If you wear glasses daily, wear them in your headshot. People should recognize you. Just make sure they are clean and free of smudges. We will angle them to minimize glare.

Watches: Usually fine since they are not in the frame for a headshot. If we do wider shots, keep it simple.

Ties: Solid or subtle patterns. Avoid novelty ties unless your brand is specifically playful.

Grooming

A few quick notes:

• Hair: Style it however you normally wear it. This is not the day to try something dramatically new. If you are getting a haircut before the session, do it at least a week ahead so it has time to settle.
• Makeup: If you wear makeup, go slightly more defined than usual. Camera and lighting can wash out subtle makeup. But do not go so heavy that you look unlike yourself.
• Skin: Moisturize. Dry skin photographs poorly. If you are prone to shine, bring blotting papers or translucent powder for touch-ups.
• Facial hair: Trim or groom it however you normally wear it. Just make sure it looks intentional, not neglected.

The goal is to look like the best version of your normal self, not a different person.

The Night Before

A few things to do the night before your session:

• Lay out your outfit options. Check for wrinkles, stains, or missing buttons.
• Steam or iron anything that needs it.
• Get good sleep. Tired eyes show up on camera.
• Hydrate. It helps your skin look healthy.
• Avoid alcohol. It can cause puffiness and redness.

None of this is complicated. Just a little preparation so you show up feeling ready.

Do Not Overthink It

I know this is a lot of information. But here is the truth: wardrobe matters, but it is not the most important thing.

The most important thing is that you feel comfortable and like yourself. If you are stressed about your outfit, it will show in your face. If you feel confident in what you are wearing, that confidence translates to the camera.

Wear something you already know looks good on you. Something you feel like yourself in. Something you do not have to think about once you put it on.

If you follow the basics in this guide, you will be fine. And if you are still unsure, bring a few options and we will figure it out together.

Quick Reference

If you want the summary version to screenshot or save:

Do:

• Solid colors
• Darker or muted tones
• Clothes that fit well
• Layers for variety
• Classic styles
• Simple accessories
• Bring 2-3 options

Avoid:

• Busy patterns
• Large logos or text
• Bright white
• Neon colors
• Ill-fitting clothes
• Overly trendy pieces
• Distracting jewelry

Questions?

If you have already booked a session with me and have specific questions about your wardrobe, just ask. I am happy to look at photos of your options and give feedback before we meet.

If you have not booked yet, you can learn more about my headshot and branding packages here. Sessions start at $250 and include everything you need to walk away with photos you actually want to use.

I am based in Lake Charles, Louisiana and work throughout Southwest Louisiana. All sessions are on-location, so I come to you.

Ready to book? Get in touch here.

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About the Author

Dalton Barron is a portrait and branding photographer based in Lake Charles, Louisiana. He has been behind a camera for 13 years and specializes in working with people who want photos that actually feel like them. His approach, Conversational Photography, skips the stiff poses in favor of real interaction and natural results. He also photographs weddings under a separate brand at thefadedlens.com.

Dalton is a partner of Visit Lake Charles, supporting local tourism and business in Southwest Louisiana.