When it comes to choosing an outfit for a headshot, there are a few key things to keep in mind.
First, here's a short list of what to avoid before diving into how to choose an outfit that will optimize your headshot.
What to avoid
Why avoid these items listed below when choosing your outfit for photos? Generally, they do not photograph well.
- Spaghetti straps or strapless dresses
- Baggy clothes
- Clothes You Don’t Normally Wear
- Colors that match the background
- Neon colors
- White and Almost White
- Busy or very small patterns
Choosing your outfit
Overall, the key to choosing the right outfit for a headshot is to opt for something professional and flattering. A suit or other professional attire is generally a safe choice. Your clothes should reflect how you want your audience to perceive you as a person or professional.
Avoid anything that is too casual or too flashy and focus on choosing clothes that will help you look your best and represent you in the best light.
Steer away from trendy items as these can quickly go out of style and may take attention away from you. Choosing classic, timeless pieces will look good now and into the future.
Really small patterns can also be problematic to photograph. They cause what us nerdy photographers call “moire.” The small details in pattern can wreak havoc with the camera’s sensor and produces a strange, wavy pattern in your image. That wonkiness is moire. Herringbone, small checks, small stripes and dots can all cause moire. Even some solid fabrics with a tight weave and sheen can cause it.
How does it look & feel?
A week or so before your headshot, try on the outfit you are considering to be sure the fit and overall silhouette of the clothes are flattering to your body type.
Avoid anything that is too tight or too loose, and opt for clothes that fit well and are comfortable to wear when sitting and standing.
V neck lines strengthen the jaw line while crew neck or round neck line subtlety softens the jaw line. Low necklines, high structured collars, large buttons, etc may become distracting with a tight crop.
Choose simple patterns or solid colors. Stay away from graphic tees or shirts with logos, unless it’s part of your business uniform. It limits your cropping options!
Keep in mind, for headshots you’ll only see a few inches below the shoulders. If you are not sure about a top, take a selfie with just your head and shoulders to see the impact the neckline may have.
Color Considerations
Select a color that you like and that will look good in photos. Consider colors that will complement your skin tone and hair color. Choosing a top close to your eye color will help your eyes stand out.
Generally it's good to avoid white and almost white as your outer layer. White reflects light. It can make you appear as if you’re glowing. If you’re shooting outside, it can also pick up shades from the environment, so your white shirt might pick up greens from the trees or red from a brick wall. The same goes for shades that are off-white. Flesh-colored tones can also blend into your face or arms. That said, neutral tones that differ from your skin tone and whites as an accent, such as a white dress shirt under a blazer, can look quite nice.
If you like a color, it's best to stick with pastel hues or jewel tones and leave the neon at home. Neon colors, or any fluorescent color, will reflect light back into your face. So if you wear a neon pink t-shirt, for example, the shirt will reflect neon pink light up onto your face and you’ll sort of glow pink. Ditto for neon green or yellow.
Also take the color of the backdrop into consideration with your final selection. Avoid wearing anything in a similar color to the backdrop, as this can make you blend in and be difficult to see in the photo.
For example, if the backdrop is a medium neutral gray, colors that are similar to the gray, such as light gray, beige, or tan, will not stand out as much in the photo. Colors that are bold and vibrant will pop and help you stand out against the gray backdrop.
Green and gray make an excellent combo. Against a gray backdrop your greens will be greener than you imagined. Black and gray can combine forces to create an understated, sleek, and sophisticated statement. Blue-green paired with gray will elicit the mood of a stormy sea.
Black or navy blue and gray can combine forces to create an understated, sleek, and sophisticated statement. Blue-green paired with gray will elicit the mood of a stormy sea. Lighter blues work nicely against gray.
I'm here if you'd like to talk through your ideas and help if you have questions!