For headshots, wear solid colors in mid to deep tones, a neckline that frames your face, and fabric that holds its shape when you sit. Skip logos, tiny patterns and anything you would not wear to work. Then bring two or three options, because many headshot sessions include several looks and the best outfit is often the one you did not expect. Here are the details.
Start with what the headshot is for
A headshot for a law firm's website and one for a yoga studio's Instagram need different clothes. Before you plan outfits, think about:
- Your industry's normal. What do people in your field wear to meet a new client?
- Where the photo will appear. LinkedIn and company pages lean classic. Personal brands, creative work and social media can be more relaxed.
- How you want to come across. Approachable, authoritative, creative, calm.
Dress one small step up from what you wear on a normal workday. That usually looks right.
Colors that work
Solid colors keep attention on your face. Good choices for most people:
- Navy, which flatters almost everyone and reads as trustworthy.
- Charcoal and mid grey, classic and quiet.
- Deep jewel tones: burgundy, forest green, plum, teal. They add warmth without shouting.
- Soft blue and dusty colors for a lighter, friendly look.
- Camel and warm neutrals for a relaxed but polished feel.
What tends to cause trouble:
- Pure white tops, which can be bright next to the face. They are fine under a jacket.
- Black from top to bottom against a dark backdrop, where you can disappear into it.
- Neon and very saturated colors, which reflect color onto your skin.
- Colors close to your skin tone, which can wash you out.
Choosing by skin tone, roughly
These are starting points, not rules:
- Fair skin often looks good in navy, soft blue, charcoal, berry tones and forest green. Very pale beige can blend in.
- Medium and olive skin suits most jewel tones, warm greys, teal and rich blues.
- Deep skin looks striking in jewel tones, cobalt, cream and warm whites. Very dark brown close to your skin tone can blur the edges.
If you are unsure, bring both a lighter and a darker option and ask the photographer which works better on the backdrop.
Match the backdrop
Most headshot studios use neutral or dark backdrops. A mid-tone top stands out on both. If you plan a dark backdrop, avoid an all-black outfit. If you plan light grey or white, avoid a very pale top. More in which headshot backdrop to choose.
Fit, fabric and patterns
Necklines and fit
The camera sees mostly your head, neck and shoulders, so that area matters most.
- V-necks and open collars lengthen the neck and frame the face.
- Crew necks work, especially under a jacket.
- Structured shoulders, from a blazer or a well-cut top, make almost anyone look sharper.
- Avoid very low necklines, strapless or thin-strap tops (they can look like you are not wearing anything in a tight crop), and big turtlenecks that swallow your chin.
- Fit matters more than brand. A jacket that pulls at the button or gapes at the collar shows in every frame.
Fabrics
- Matte fabrics like wool, cotton and crepe photograph best.
- Avoid shiny satin and anything very thin that clings or wrinkles.
- Steam or iron the night before. Creases at the collar and shoulders show.
- Bring a lint roller. Dark jackets find every speck of dust.
Patterns
Solid is safest. Small patterns, like tiny checks or fine stripes, can shimmer on screen. A subtle texture, such as a herringbone jacket or a knit, is fine. If you love a pattern, make it one of your looks rather than the main one.
Glasses, grooming and accessories
Glasses
If you wear glasses every day, wear them in at least one look. People who know you will expect them. A few tips:
- Clean them before you arrive.
- If your lenses are very reflective, a good photographer will adjust your angle and the light to keep glare down.
- Bring them even if you plan to go without. You may want both options.
Grooming and makeup
- Haircut about a week before, so it has settled.
- Shave or trim beards the morning of, or decide to keep the stubble on purpose.
- Makeup: your normal everyday makeup, a little more defined. Matte foundation and powder help with shine. Avoid heavy shimmer.
- Lips: a natural tone or your usual color. Lip balm helps more than you would think.
- Nails, if your hands might be in a frame: clean and neutral.
- Bring a comb, powder, and anything you usually touch up with. You will have a moment between looks.
Retouching cleans up skin, stray hairs and color, but it should not reshape you. Showing up rested does more than any edit.
Jewelry and accessories
Keep it simple. Small earrings, a watch, a simple necklace. Large statement pieces can pull attention, unless they are part of your brand. Remove lanyards, pens in pockets and anything that sticks out of a jacket.
How to plan three looks
A simple plan that covers most needs, if your session includes three looks (check the profile for how many):
- Most formal: a jacket or blazer over a solid top. Your LinkedIn and company page photo.
- Same top, no jacket, or an open collar. Friendlier, good for a website or bio.
- Different color or more relaxed: a knit, a jewel-toned top, or a softer shirt. Good for social media, speaking or your own site.
Bring each outfit on a hanger, with the shoes if they might show. You can change at the studio between looks. A typical session spends about ten minutes on each, as described in what happens during a headshot session.
Actors have their own needs, with different looks for commercial and theatrical work. See actor headshots in NYC.
Quick answers
What color is best for a professional headshot?
Navy, charcoal and deep jewel tones suit most people and most backdrops. Avoid an outfit that matches the backdrop or your skin tone.
Should I wear a suit for my headshot?
If that is what you wear to meet clients, yes. Otherwise, a structured jacket over a simple top gives a similar polish without looking like a costume.
How many outfits should I bring?
One for each look included in the session, usually two or three, plus a spare top if you are torn.
Find your photographer
Plan your outfits, then browse headshot photographers in New York City and Long Island and pick a date that suits your week. Or read our full guide to professional headshots in NYC.