First impressions are everything, and in today’s digital age, your headshot is often the initial point of contact for potential clients, employers, and networking opportunities. 

As you prepare for your headshot session, it’s essential to carefully consider your wardrobe, ensuring that your attire complements your features and aligns with the image you want to portray. 

Whether you’re an actor, entrepreneur, or professional seeking to update your LinkedIn profile, selecting the right clothing for your headshot session can make all the difference. In this guide, we’ll explore the various factors to keep in mind when deciding what to wear for your headshot session, helping you create a memorable and impactful visual representation of yourself.

Your outfit should accentuate your best features while reflecting your unique style and personal brand. By paying attention to details such as color, fit, and accessories, you can ensure that your headshot captures the essence of who you are and positions you for success:

1. Carefully Assess Your Clothing Options: The primary reason why clients often need to schedule additional photoshoots is because they bring unsuitable clothing to the initial session. To avoid this mistake, take the time to evaluate your wardrobe and select appropriate options for your corporate headshot. Think about the message you want your clothing to convey, and choose outfits that are both professional and comfortable. You want to look your best, but you also want to feel confident and at ease during your session.
2. Opt for Professional Attire Over Casual Clothing: When it comes to corporate headshots, it’s essential to dress professionally. Your clothing should convey a sense of competence, confidence, and reliability, and be appropriate for your industry. Avoid overly casual outfits, such as t-shirts, shorts, or sandals. Instead, opt for clothing that reflects your personal brand and industry standards. A well-tailored suit, a crisp button-down shirt, or a classic blazer are all excellent options for men, while women may choose a tailored dress or pantsuit, paired with elegant accessories.
3. Stay True to Your Personal Style: While it’s important to look professional, it’s equally important to look like yourself in your headshot. Avoid overdoing your makeup or wearing excessive accessories that distract from your natural appearance. Aim for a polished yet authentic look that represents who you are. If you’re unsure what to wear, try experimenting with different clothing options ahead of time to see what looks and feels best.
4. Gather Inspiration and Create a Mood Board: If you’re unsure about the style or look you want to achieve, use platforms like Pinterest or other online resources to find inspiration for your corporate headshot. Collect images that you like and share them with your photographer to help guide your session. You may even consider creating a mood board with your favorite images, which can help your photographer understand your vision and execute it effectively.

5. Leave Undershirts at Home: Undershirts can create unnecessary bulk and lines, so it’s best to avoid them for your headshot session. If you’re worried about sweat stains or wrinkles, choose clothing made from breathable, wrinkle-resistant materials, such as cotton or wool. If you do need an extra layer, consider a lightweight cardigan or blazer that won’t add bulk to your outfit.

6. Shave and Groom Prior to Your Session: Make sure to shave any areas you don’t want the camera to capture, such as your neck, ears, and nose. Groom your hair and eyebrows as needed, and consider getting a haircut a week or two before your session. Avoid waxing too close to your appointment to prevent irritation and swelling, and remember to moisturize your skin to keep it looking healthy and hydrated.
7. Bring Multiple Outfit Options: To ensure you have a variety of looks to choose from, bring a suitcase of clothing options to your session. This will allow your photographer to provide guidance and find creative outfit combinations that suit your personality and style. Consider bringing different styles, colors, and textures to create a range of looks that showcase your versatility and professionalism.
8. Wear Newer, Well-Maintained Clothing: Opt for newer garments, as they tend to photograph better than older, worn-out clothes. Be sure to iron your clothes beforehand and utilize a steamer for touch-ups, if necessary. Wearing clothing that fits well and is in good condition will ensure that you look your best in your headshot, and that your message comes across loud and clear.
9. To ensure a polished appearance for your headshot session, make sure to iron your clothing beforehand. If you need any additional touch-ups, a steamer will be available in the studio to smooth out any wrinkles, giving your clothes a crisp, professional look. Properly pressed clothing will make you appear more put-together, which can greatly impact the final result of your headshots.
10. To keep your clothing in pristine condition, bring them to the studio on a hanger. This will help prevent creases and wrinkles, allowing you to look your best in front of the camera. Neatly hung clothes will also make outfit changes faster and more efficient, ensuring that you get the most out of your session time.
11. Understanding your color season can be an incredibly helpful. Not only your headshot session, but also for the rest of your life when it comes to picking out the best outfits for you.  Some colors may wash you out, while others can make you radiate and bring out your best features. Knowing which colors flatter you the most will help you select the perfect outfits for your shoot and enhance your overall appearance. You can hire someone online for around $60-100 to give you a full color profile reading.
12. When choosing clothing for your headshot session, opt for solid colors and low contrast patterns. Bold patterns and overly bright colors can be distracting and take away from your face, which should be the focal point of your headshots. By selecting more subdued options, you’ll ensure that your features stand out and are captured beautifully.
13. While it can be a good idea to have a few pieces in white, be sure to bring other color options as well. White can easily wash out in images, making you appear less vibrant and dynamic. By incorporating a variety of colors, you’ll be able to showcase different aspects of your personality and create a more versatile set of headshots.
14. For your headshot session, avoid clothing with logos, patterns, or images. These elements can be distracting and detract from your face, which should be the main focus of your headshots. Instead, choose clothing that is simple and classic, allowing your features and expression to take center stage.

Preparing for your headshot session can require careful consideration of your clothing, grooming, and overall presentation. By following the tips outlined above, you’ll ensure that you look polished, professional, and confident in your final images. 

Remember to iron your clothes, choose flattering colors and patterns, maintain proper grooming, and get plenty of rest before your session. With these simple steps, you’ll be well on your way to creating headshots that capture your most radiant self!

If you’re ready to take the next step in your professional journey, consider booking a headshot session with Lumena Photography, based in Vancouver, Canada. 

Our team is dedicated to helping you achieve the perfect headshots through detailed consultations, a comprehensive style guide, and professional hair and makeup services.

 We’ll walk you through every aspect of the process, ensuring that you’re fully prepared and looking your best for your session. Don’t leave your headshots to chance; you can trust Lumena Photography to help you create stunning images that showcase your unique personality and style. 

Contact us today to book your appointment and start your journey towards capturing the perfect headshots!