Your headshot is often the first impression potential clients or employers will have of you, so it’s important to make it count. The key to your success is in your appearance – after all, the right outfit can help you stand out and show off your best self in a professional setting. From choosing colors that complement your skin tone to picking styles that align with your industry, every detail matters – and we’re here to help!
Read on to find out our 7 tips for great headshot outfits – female edition. No matter if you’re in a corporate role, running your own business, or working in a creative field, these tips will help you look polished, confident, and approachable when it’s time to get in front of the camera.
1. Match Your Outfit to Your Industry & Branding
What to wear for a professional headshot? The female audience sure struggles with this question. The outfit you choose for your headshot should align with the professional image you want to convey and the industry you work in. Here’s a simple breakdown based on different professions:
Corporate Professionals (Realtors, Lawyers, Business Executives): A blouse or dress paired with a jacket is the ideal choice. This combination looks polished, professional, and exudes confidence. A suit would also be a great idea here!
Medical Professionals (Doctors, Dentists, Nurses): If you’re in the medical field, consider wearing scrubs or a doctor’s coat for authenticity. Alternatively, a smart blouse or dress in neutral tones can also work well to convey professionalism and warmth.
Fitness Professionals (Personal Trainers, Coaches): A coordinated workout attire will help you look approachable and energetic, while showcasing your expertise in the fitness industry.
You can choose bright colors or something that’s a bit more toned down – you can never go wrong with neutral tones. More on that later!
Small Business Owners or Entrepreneurs: A blouse or dress paired with a cardigan or blazer gives you versatility. You can create a professional look by keeping the jacket or cardigan on for some shots, and then removing it for others – it will give a more relaxed vibe. And again, if you want, you can put on a suit.
2. Color of Clothing
The right color can bring out your natural features and ensure your picture makes a lasting impression on anyone who sees it. When choosing colors for your headshot outfits (female audience!), consider these tips:
- Stick to Solid Colors: Solid colors tend to work better than patterns, which can be distracting. Small patterns, in particular, can create visual “noise” and pull attention away from your face. Solid colors help keep the focus on you, ensuring you look sharp and professional.
- Best Colors for Different Skin Tones: The right colors can highlight your natural features. For fair skin, soft blues, pastel shades, and light pinks work well. Medium skin tones often look great in jewel tones like emerald green, deep purple, and rich red. Darker skin tones can rock bold, bright colors like cobalt blue, mustard, or vibrant jewel tones.
- Avoid Neon Colors & Light Whites: Neon colors can overpower the photo and make it harder to focus on your face. Similarly, very bright white can create glare or wash you out under certain lighting. Instead, opt for colors that provide a nice contrast without being too harsh on the eyes.
3. Clothing Style
Your clothing style should be simple, professional, and timeless. Headshots are meant to last for a while, so it’s important to choose outfits that won’t look dated in a few months.
Here’s a concept that works – we call it “Timeless Over Trendy.” While it might be tempting to wear the latest trends, it’s best to choose clothing that has a classic look. A tailored blouse, dress, or blazer are safe bets that won’t go out of style quickly.
Our next piece of advice? Keep it simple! Avoid clothing that is too complicated or flashy. Your outfit should enhance your image without distracting from your face. Focus on clean lines and subtle details.
Remember, you want your headshot to reflect the best version of yourself, so avoid overly trendy items or accessories that may draw attention away from your face.
4. Wear a Well-Fitted Outfit
The fit of your clothing plays a huge role in how your headshot turns out. Well-fitted clothing gives you a polished and professional look, while baggy or overly tight clothing can make you look uncomfortable and detract from the overall image. Simply put:
- Avoid Baggy Clothing: Clothes that are too loose can make you appear larger than you are and create an unflattering silhouette. Opt for items that are tailored to your body for a more flattering look.
- Say No to Tight Clothing: On the other hand, tight clothing can lead to bulges or discomfort, and it might show in the final shot. Make sure your outfit fits comfortably, allowing you to move freely and look at ease.
Pro Tip: If possible, have your clothes tailored – it’s a surefire way to achieve a perfect fit. This small detail can make a big difference in how professional and polished you look in your photos.
5. Consider Necklines and Collars
The right neckline can frame your face beautifully and enhance the overall look of your headshot – don’t forget about this small detail when choosing your best headshot outfit!
Modest necklines such as V-necks, boat necks, or crew necks are all great choices. These necklines elongate the neck and draw attention to your face, which is the focal point of the photo.
But remember to avoid overly low-cut tops and turtlenecks. While V-necks are flattering, excessively low-cut tops can be distracting and unprofessional. Turtlenecks, on the other hand, can make your neck appear shorter and your face less prominent.
The best thing you can do here in this situation is to stick with moderate necklines for a polished, balanced look.
6. Pay Attention to Fabric Choices
The fabric of your clothing plays a major role in how you look on camera. Some materials photograph better than others – choose wisely! Here’s what we think works great (and not so great):
- Matte Fabrics Are IN: Shiny fabrics like satin or silk can reflect light and create glare, which can distract from your face. Matte fabrics like cotton, linen, or wool are great choices as they provide a clean, polished look without any shine.
- Wrinkles Are OUT: Wrinkled clothing can show up in photos, so it’s important to choose fabrics that hold their shape and don’t crease easily. Iron or steam your clothes beforehand to ensure they’re wrinkle-free for the shoot.
- Sheer Fabrics – Also OUT: Sheer fabrics can be problematic in all types of headshots as they may reveal more than you intended. Stick to opaque fabrics that offer full coverage to keep your look professional and polished.
7. Ask Your Photographer
If you are absolutely unsure, always ask your photographer. They should be happy to help! Do it before the photo shoot, though – you want to be prepared, isn’t that right? And in the moment of your portrait or headshot session, it might be a bit too late for that.
What to Wear for Headshots – Female Tips
Your headshot speaks volumes before you even say a word. In this situation, choose an outfit that reflects your professionalism and makes you feel confident. The right clothing can transform how you’re perceived, so make it count – and it will be visible on camera, but you probably know that already!Need expert help with your headshot? Don’t leave it to chance, then! Visit our professional headshots service page and book your session today.
