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Dressing for Success: The Ultimate Guide to What to Wear for Your Next Headshot

Whether you are updating your LinkedIn profile, building a personal portfolio, or preparing for a school or career milestone, a great headshot is your digital first impression. Because people usually see your photo at a smaller scale (like a thumbnail on a screen), your clothing plays a huge role in how approachable, confident, and professional you look.

1. Choose the Right Colors

Your outfit’s color should complement your skin tone and help your face pop, rather than distracting from it.

• Go for Mid-to-Deep Tones: Jewel tones like emerald green, sapphire blue, plum, and rich burgundy look fantastic on almost everyone.
• Be Careful with Pure White and Black: Solid white shirts can sometimes look too bright or wash out your face under studio lights. On the flip side, solid black can sometimes hide details and look a bit heavy. If you love wearing black or white, layer it with a colored jacket or cardigan to add dimension.
• Avoid Neon and Busy Overload: Highly fluorescent colors can cast harsh color reflections onto your skin.

2. Keep Patterns Subtle

When it comes to prints and patterns, less is definitely more.

• The Rule of Thumb: If a pattern is loud enough to catch someone’s eye immediately, it is too distracting for a headshot.
• Safe Choices: Solid colors are always a classic and safe bet. If you prefer patterns, opt for subtle, low-contrast designs like a faint pinstripe, a delicate texture, or a small polka dot. Avoid large plaids, wide stripes, or busy geometric prints.

3. Dress for Your Industry or Vibe

The best outfit depends on the context of where your headshot will be used:

• Professional / Corporate: Think tailored blazers, collared shirts, blouses, or neat sweaters. Stick to structured silhouettes that communicate reliability and polish.
• Creative / Casual: If you are in a creative field (like design, acting, or media) or want a friendly, approachable vibe, you can lean into smart-casual wear. A nice knit sweater, a well-fitted t-shirt under a denim jacket, or an interesting texture can show off your personality.
• Academic / School: Neat, clean, and classic is key. A collared shirt, a simple blouse, or a comfortable polo or sweater ensures a timeless look that you won’t look back on and cringe years from now.

4. Pay Attention to Necklines and Details

Since headshots typically frame you from the chest up, the neckline and upper details of your clothing matter most.

• Neckline Options: Crew necks, V-necks, and button-downs work wonderfully. Choose a neckline that feels comfortable and flatters your frame.
• Keep Accessories Simple: Large, dangling earrings or chunky statement necklaces can pull attention away from your eyes. Instead, opt for understated pieces like delicate studs or a simple chain necklace.
• Iron and Lint-Roll: Cameras pick up every little detail. Take a few minutes to iron out wrinkles and lint-roll your clothes before stepping in front of the lens.

Checklist Before the Shoot

• [ ] Fit: Is the clothing comfortable and well-fitted? (Avoid clothes that are too tight or overly baggy).
• [ ] Layering: Do you have a jacket, cardigan, or blazer to easily switch up your look?
• [ ] Confidence: Do you feel like yourself in this outfit?

Ultimately, the best thing you can wear in a headshot is confidence. Pick something that makes you feel great, relax your shoulders, and smile!

What kind of headshot are you getting ready for—is it for LinkedIn, a school project, or something else?