How Should I Dress for My Headshots?

In our visually driven world, your headshot serves as your virtual first impression. Whether you’re a professional seeking to update your LinkedIn profile or an aspiring actor building your portfolio, your headshot can be a powerful tool to communicate your personal brand and message. One of the key considerations when preparing for a headshot session is what to wear. Should you opt for a classic suit to convey professionalism, or embrace a more casual look for a lifestyle shot? Read on, and let’s pick the perfect attire for your headshot session.

Before you start rummaging through your closet, it’s essential to think about the message you want your headshot to convey. Your clothing choices can send subtle yet powerful signals to your audience. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Professionalism: If you’re in a corporate or formal field, such as law or finance, dressing in a suit or business attire can emphasize your commitment to professionalism and competence. A suit exudes confidence and can help establish trust with potential clients or employers.
2. Authenticity: On the other hand, if you want to convey a more relaxed and approachable image, consider opting for casual, lifestyle clothing. This approach can be ideal for creative professionals, artists, or those in industries where a personal touch is highly valued.
3. Industry Norms: Research the norms within your industry. What do your colleagues or competitors wear in their headshots? While it’s crucial to stand out, it’s equally important not to appear out of touch or too unconventional for your field. So check in with others in your field or in similar fields.
4. Company Culture: If you’re getting a headshot for your workplace, consider your company’s culture. Do they lean towards a formal or casual dress code? Aligning your attire with your company’s culture can reinforce your fit within the organization.

Outdoor vs. Indoor Sessions

Now that you have a better understanding of the message you want to convey, you should also consider the setting of your headshot session. Outdoor and indoor sessions each offer unique opportunities and challenges when it comes to wardrobe choices.

Outdoor Sessions:

Outdoor sessions can provide a relaxed and natural backdrop, allowing you to incorporate your surroundings into your headshot. For outdoor shoots, it’s often best to choose clothing that complements the environment while keeping comfort in mind. Here are some tips:

• Layers: Weather can be unpredictable, so consider layering your outfit. This allows you to adjust your clothing as needed to stay comfortable throughout the session. And layers offer you the opportunity to change the look of your pictures simply by removing a jacket or scarf.
• Colors: Choose colors that harmonize with the outdoor setting. Earthy tones, blues, and soft pastels often work well in natural environments. You don’t want to clash with your surroundings.
• Footwear: Comfortable shoes are essential, especially if you’ll be walking or standing for an extended period. If the location allows, you might also consider bringing a pair of dress shoes if you’re aiming for a more formal look. In most headshot sessions, your feet won’t show, but best to be prepared just in case!

Indoor Sessions:

Indoor sessions provide greater control over lighting and background, making them ideal for those seeking a polished and professional look. Here are some indoor session wardrobe considerations:

• Formal vs. Semi-formal: For indoor sessions, it’s easier to achieve a polished look, making formal attire like suits or business dresses a great choice. However, semi-formal options, such as a well-fitted blazer with a crisp shirt, can also convey professionalism without feeling overly formal.
• Accessories: Don’t forget about accessories! A tie, statement necklace, or a well-chosen pair of earrings can add a touch of personality to your headshot without overpowering the image.
• Comfort: Regardless of whether you choose a formal or semi-formal look, prioritize comfort. You want to feel relaxed and confident during your session, so opt for clothing that fits well and doesn’t cause discomfort.

My personal preference is outdoor sessions, mainly because I prefer to shoot without a flash. I love natural light. But I do shoot indoors as well. For these sessions, you might consider your office space. Sort of like a branding session. Clean up your desk/shelf area, and let’s shoot where you actually work. Do you work remote? Well how about we meet at a fun, local coffee or book shop? Maybe a cafe with some fun outdoor tables?

If your office space or the place you like to get your work done is not appropriate, consider renting a studio space or a nice meeting room. There are many office buildings that rent out space for corporate functions. Why not use one of these for your headshots? So many options…

Here is a quick summary of what I believe is the most important things to remember when getting ready for your headshots…

7 Important Things to Think About for Your Headshots

1.  The most important thing is to wear something you are comfortable in.  Preferably something you have worn before and know how it falls when you’re standing, sitting, etc..

2.  If you’re going for a professional, polished look, a business suit for both men and women looks nice. 

3.  Pick a color that you like.  Do you have a favorite?  Do you have a color you look best in?  If so, wear that! 

4.  Layers also work well in corporate headshot pictures. A shirt/sweater with a jacket that you can easily throw on will give a nice variety in the look of your pictures.  (If anyone wants a full body shot, be sure they think about their shoes.  However, for most of these pictures, it will be from the waist area and up). 

5.  Another thing to think about is pockets – a lot of people like a place to put their hands when being photographed.  But don’t worry if you don’t have pockets… Paula has all kinds of posing tricks to help you feel relaxed.  

6.  As for colors, I think simple tones without busy patterns looks best.  But this is really a personal preference and depends on the look each person is going for!  A solid color jacket with a pop of color underneath makes for a nice, polished look.

7.  Jewelry is a great accessory too.  Just make sure that the jewelry you’re wearing works with your outfit.  For instance, if you want your necklace to show in your pictures, make sure the neckline of your shirt/sweater allows for that.

And most importantly:  TRY ON YOUR OUTFIT BEFORE THE DAY OF YOUR PICTURES!  How does it look when you’re standing up?  Sitting down?  Don’t overthink it, but do test it out before your pictures just in case.

What you wear to a headshot session depends on the message you want to send and the context of the shoot. Whether you choose a suit for a polished and professional image or opt for casual clothing to convey authenticity, your attire should align with your personal brand and the expectations of your audience. I always tell clients that they should wear something that they would be impressed by or attracted to when looking at someone else’s headshot.

Does a suit instill confidence in you? Or do you think it’s too formal? What about jeans? Maybe that’s too casual. Dress for the message you want to send out to people who will see your headshot before they meet you. By considering all these factors and discussing your goals with me, together we can ensure that your headshot captures the essence of who you are and what you represent. So, go ahead, dress for success, and let your headshot speak volumes about you. And always remember…your headshot does not have to be shot against a boring, gray backdrop. Of course, it can be, but it does not have to be!

As always, you can find me over at Paula Mason Photography. Let me know how I can help!

Until next time…