Guide
What to wear for professional headshots.
The short version: wear what you'd wear to meet an important client, in a solid color that isn't too bright, and make sure it fits at the shoulders.
Do
- Solid, mid-to-deep colors: navy, charcoal, green, burgundy, soft blue
- Clothes that fit well at the shoulders and neckline
- A jacket or layer if your workplace wears one
- Glasses if you wear them every day
- Your usual hair and makeup, just neat
Skip
- Busy patterns, thin stripes and large logos
- Neon or very bright colors that reflect onto skin
- Wrinkled or ill-fitting tops
- Anything you'd tug at or adjust during the day
- A brand-new haircut the day before
On the day
Arrive a few minutes early, check your collar and hair in a mirror, and bring a comb or lip balm if you use them. The photographer will coach posture and expression, so you don't need to practice a pose. Pick the frame you like best on the screen; it arrives on your phone, retouched, seconds later.
Questions
Quick answers.
What colors look best in a headshot?
Solid, mid-to-deep tones: navy, charcoal, forest green, burgundy, soft blue. They keep attention on the face.
Should I wear white or black?
Both work under a jacket. On their own, bright white can wash out and pure black can lose detail, so a layer helps.
Glasses or no glasses?
Wear them if you wear them every day. Our lighting is set to keep glare down.
Can I bring a change of clothes?
For office days, yes. At events, sessions are quick, so come as you are or pick one look.
Get a proposal
Planning headshots for your team?
We'll send a version of this guide you can forward to everyone.