Don’t know what to wear for headshots? We’ve got your back, front and sides with these 8 Key Rules for a Super Flattering Headshots Wardrobe.
We all want to look our best when it comes to our headshots. That means finding exactly the right thing to wear, of course.
But in some ways, dressing for the camera is different than dressing for an event or meeting. That’s why we wanted to share our best tips on what to wear for headshots when you come to a session at SchlickArt.
Here’s our 8 Key Wardrobe Rules to dress for success with a photographer’s eye.
SCV Photographer Tips: What To Wear For Headshots You’ll Love
1. Solid colors are always better than patterns.
It makes sense to wear classic black and white, especially when you’re trying to make a safe, camera-friendly choice for your portrait. But color can be really beautiful and, more importantly, memorable. Wear any color that feels right, but skip the patterns. The attention should be on YOU.
2. Fitted is always better than baggy.
This may sound counterintuitive, but on camera, you look thinner in fitted clothes that hug your shape. We often hide our insecurities in loose clothing, jackets or dark tones. But here’s the secret: I can fix it in post-production! Don’t layer a jacket over your favorite sleeveless dress when I can make you love your arms with posing and delicate retouching.
3. Classic silhouettes look good on everyone.
When in doubt about what to wear, stick to the classic silhouettes that have been a favorite for decades: a Calvin Klein A-line dress, or a charcoal gray suit, which always looks expensive on camera. A navy suit is nice, too, and men can dress up their look with a patterned jacket – but avoid pinstripe, which doesn’t photograph well.
4. Dress how you would to meet a new client.
Sometimes, when we know we’re getting our picture taken, we do something funny like wear a formal black dress, even when we’d never wear that to meet a client. You don’t want to look so different in your headshot that your clients don’t recognize you when they meet you in person. That’s why we always suggest you choose your go-to work outfits that you absolutely love.
5. Complement your brand.
You also want to look like your brand. If your brand is casual, you can dress more casual in your headshot. It also means you want to choose your colors with your brand in mind. We recommend wearing colors that complement your brand, rather than wearing all your brand colors in your wardrobe. If your colors are red, black and white, for example, then go with a charcoal suit and red tie, and we can shoot you against a white or black background.
6. The cover should match the story.
The last piece to consider when choosing wardrobe for an individual headshot is the message you want to convey. What do you want people to see when they look at your headshot? Confidence? Intelligence? Compassion? Leadership? A suit and tie, for example, says professionalism and confidence, while a button-up shirt and nice jeans gives you more of an approachable, friendly vibe.
7. Teams should complement – not match.
When coordinating multiple outfits for a team shoot, it’s best to choose colors that complement each other, rather than going for an exact match. Decide on a color palette that uses all the same tones (i.e. jewel tones, pastels, muted tone, etc.) and let your team choose the colors that work best for them.
8. Always overpack.
Last but not least, always bring more options instead of less to your shoot. If you can’t decide, bring it all. We’ll help you carry things in, and then we’ll help you pick the best two. When it comes to a headshot, don’t just hope for the best – bring options.
Still have questions about what to wear for headshots? Call SchlickArt for personalized advice. We’re happy to help you figure out the best colors, silhouettes and more.
About Lindsay’s Photography for Women
With the mind of a businesswoman and the heart of an adventurer, Lindsay began to conceive of a different kind of Santa Clarita photography business. In her vision, stepping in front of the camera could be an empowering experience that gave her clients more than just a photograph — it would give people a new way of seeing themselves. With an eye for seeing the beauty in life and in others, Lindsay could use the camera to spread beauty. Ask her what to wear for headshots if you want personalized advice!
About SchlickArt Photography and Video
SchlickArt, a boutique photo and video studio in Santa Clarita, started in March 2012 with the simple idea that empowerment creates a kind of beauty and authenticity that shines through every camera lens. Built on a philosophy — rather than a product, service or person — SchlickArt has rapidly evolved, meeting professional portraiture, business photo and business video needs as diverse as the community we capture. It’s the desire to take care of you, the client, that drives us at SchlickArt.