WHAT TO WEAR FOR HEADSHOTS AND HOW TO PREPARE
Headshots are key to connecting with your customers and clients. When people find you online, they want to know who they’re dealing with.
Authentic team headshots build trust in your brand, and professional photos show your commitment to quality. I’ve put together a guide to help you choose the right outfits, with makeup tips and practical advice to prepare for your professional photos.
First, Consider Your Profession:
We want to dress to impress your ideal client while staying true to yourself.
Lawyers, government employees or people working in more conservative industries should wear darker and more formal clothing.
People working in start-ups or less traditional industries can wear more casual clothing for headshots.
Artists can do just about anything, but don’t wear anything that will detract from your face.
Next, Let’s Talk Color!
Choose Mid-Tone to Jewel Tone Color Range
Choose colors in the mid-tone to jewel tone range. The best colors for headshots are those in the mid-tone spectrum or in muted and dark shades.
Some of my favorite colors for headshots include burgundy, navy, plum, emerald green, and charcoal. Your skin tone can help you decide which specific shade of each color works best for you.
Avoid pastels and neons. Do not wear bright pink, bright orange, turquoise, mint green, coral or any neon colors whatsoever.
Solid colors with subtle or no patterns are always the best choice for headshots.
Now, Let’s Talk About Do's and Don'ts:
Do:
Dress like your boss: look to your boss or another industry leader you respect on how to dress and what is appropriate for your industry.
Choose darker hues: darker colors have an impact on perceptions of intelligence and ability!
Stick with simple jewelry.
Stick with solid and simple colors.
Choose wardrobe colors that contrast with backdrop color so you stand out.
Choose color that is significantly darker or lighter than your skin tone.
Choose moderately open necklines such as modest V necks, boat or crew necklines.
Wear a higher neckline: headshots are typically cropped closely around your head and face, so, even work appropriate tops with lower necklines, could end up looking more provocative than you intended.
Opt for tailored or fitted clothing for a cleaner look.
If you plan to wear a blazer or suit jacket, make sure it fits closely around the shoulders and arms, even if that means it’s slightly too tight.
Wear long sleeves or three-quarter sleeves look more professional. If you decide on a tank top or sleeveless top, bring a sweater along too for a few shots.
Layers work well for headshots, if you want to wear layers, choose lighter colors underneath and darker colors for suit jackets and blazers on top.
If you don’t love your midsection, pick a jacket, sweater or blazer that can be buttoned.
Avoid:
Avoid overly-casual clothing: consider formal clothing options that make you feel good about yourself. Stick with formal options like suits, ties, and formal blouses.
Avoid loose or baggy clothing: they make you look larger in photos.
Avoid wearing something that is too tight: this can lead to bulging.
Avoid shoulder pads in jackets and suits: they make you look boxy, wide and can convey tension rather than relaxation.
Avoid fabrics that are clingy or shiny.
Avoid older, worn-out clothing.
Avoid bold or busy patterns: they tend to distract from your beautiful face.
Avoid logos of any kind, unless they are your company logo.
For gentlemen, ditch the undershirt and “Floppy Collar”. If you are not wearing a tie, make sure your collar is stiff.
Ditch the undershirt.
Look for a stiff collar.
Glasses
Choose glasses without reflective coating. Avoid lenses with purple tint or screen glare coatings, as they can cause issues in photos.
Ensure lenses are clean before your headshots for a clear appearance.
Let’s Talk Make Up!
In general, keep your makeup natural. Aim for an everyday look.
It is always a good idea to prepare your skin before your session
Wearing sunscreen in the weeks leading up to your shoot to prevent raccoon eyes or peeling skin.
Drink extra water the week before.
Avoid waxing, threading, or major skincare treatments right before your photos to prevent redness.
Schedule a haircut a couple of weeks in advance to ensure you have time to adjust to the new style.
Foundation Tips:
Avoid shiny, glowy, or dewy makeup, especially those with minerals or sunscreen.
Choose a matte foundation that matches your skin tone and blends well with your chest and neckline. Avoid thick layers to prevent caking and highlighting wrinkles.
For mature skin, use a thin liquid foundation instead of thick liquid or powder. Thick makeup can settle into fine lines and age your appearance. Opt for a light, moisturizing foundation and use a translucent powder to cover any shine.
If your makeup is shiny, use a loose, matte finishing powder like Laura Mercier’s Translucent Finishing Powder.
Apply concealer liberally to cover blemishes, but blend it well.
Natural Lipstick Tips:
Avoid super bold or dark lipstick. Choose a shade slightly darker than your natural lip color that matches your palette. Dark tones can make lips appear thinner.
Opt for lipstick with a slight shimmer or gloss. Matte lipstick may make lips look thinner.
Avoid strong lip lines or over-extending your lip line, as these can appear odd on camera.
Neutral Eye Makeup Tips:
Use neutral-toned eyeshadow.
Highlight under the browline with matte ivory or white shade to open up the eyes; concealer can also work here.
Avoid eyeliner on the lower lash line, as it can make eyes look smaller and older.
Avoid long fake lashes, as they can overshadow eyes and create shadows.
Steer clear of shimmery eyeshadow, which can settle into creases and highlight lines.
Opt for black mascara; brown can be too light for photographs.
Phew! I realize this is a lot to process! Feel free to reach out if you need help deciding what to wear for headshots or if you have any questions. Remember, these are general tips, not strict rules that apply to everyone all the time.
If you’re looking to schedule a headshot session in the Newport Beach or Orange County areas, just drop me an email!
