Professional Headshot Style Guide
When it comes to your headshots many people have the same question, âBut what should I wear?â. Thatâs why weâve put together the following tips and recommendations to help ease your wardrobe anxiety.
Folks often get wrapped up in the idea of finding the perfect outfit completely overlooking the one thing that is most important, staying true to who you are. Your headshot session should be a reflection of you in your best light. You want to dress as if you are meeting with your finest client, a potential new boss, or if youâre an actor, a big time casting director. What you wear should reflect your personality and your profession while staying true to who you are on an every day basis. If you never wear dresses, donât bother bringing that expensive dress to your session; youâll just be uncomfortable and nothing shows through more in your facial expressions than being uncomfortable. Wear outfits that make you feel like the best version of you. When you are confident, it shows.
Women
Women getting headshots for business purposes should look for simple colors and patterns. We normally recommend solid colored shirts, however a houndstooth or plaid pattern jacket can help add flair to that professional look. While you may want to stay away from plunging necklines, playing with different style necklines is great. We suggest bringing a few neckline options such as a V-neck, a collared shirt, and even a standard cut neckline to see what looks best on you. Bringing a blazer or two can add a whole other vibe to a solid color top. You may love that pink blouse as it is, but have you ever tried it with a grey blazer?, You may be surprised at what you actually like best when you see how they photograph together. Jewelry can always be a fun way to spice up a look. A chunky necklace or pair of earrings can add a little something extra to that plain top.
Men
Men coming in for business headshots should bring a couple button down shirt options. We normally recommend white or light blue, however it is OK to think outside the box and bring along something a little more bold such as light pink or even a Robert Graham âdress shirtâ style. Along with these button downs we suggest bringing a blazer or sports coat that compliment them. The lighter colored shirts look great with a dark blue/navy, dark grey, or even black jackets. While neckties may be corporate style for some companies, we find that most business professionals here in sunny Florida are opting to forego the ties all together and go with a more relaxed business professional look. If you do feel like a tie is necessary we recommend bringing a few options to try out during the session.
Talent
Coming in for talent headshots? Your headshots are all about attitude & expression. Your wardrobe should reflect the roles that you are going for in your career while also being something you feel confident in. For women we suggest staying away from thin strapped tank tops or busy patterns. Focus on colors that accentuate your eyes. If you have blue eyes, bring out that baby blue top. Avoid graphic tees or sweatshirts. If you do not have any specific roles in mind, we suggest wearing outfits that you would wear to go out with friends or wear on a daytime date.
A couple things that are important for any headshot session wardrobe is to make sure your clothing is free of wrinkles and lint/pet hair. While we do provide steamers, irons, & lint rollers to our clients it will be best to arrive with clothing that is pressed and cleaned and ready to wear.
Joslyn Devaney
SRQ Headshots