Picking an outfit for your headshots can seem like a daunting task with no apparent finish line. Part of this is due to the infinite selection of colors, styles, etc. However, an important thing to keep in mind is that most headshots are usually taken for a specific purpose and that purpose is what you can use to determine what to wear for your headshots.
Style And Tone
Style is a good starting point when figuring out what to wear for your headshots. You would not wear the clothes you wore to your job interview to a casual event. What you need to do is consider what type of message you are trying to send via your headshot. Are you attempting to portray professionalism? Knowledge? Whatever the case may be, your choice of clothes can help you get that message across. If you are aiming for professionalism, you will want to go with formal clothes. You do not want to be underdressed if you are seeking to be portrayed as a professional. Likewise, you do not want to be overdressed if the purpose of your headshot is for a more casual purpose. Once you have narrowed down the style of clothes you will be wearing, you can proceed to figure out other details such as color.
What Colors Should I Wear?
Just like there is not a universal style that will work for everyone, there is not a specific color that will make your headshots better. Do not let this confuse you. This does not necessarily mean you can wear any color or design and expect it to look exceptional. One common rule of thumb is to avoid patterns on your clothes. Oftentimes, patterns distract the viewer from what should be the main focus of the image, you! Solid colors will be your best friends for your headshots. When it comes to combinations, complementary colors are what works best. If you are wearing a pale colored shirt, you can wear a jacket that will help that color stand out and the final product will be a combination of colors that are pleasing to the eyes. Do not forget that black and white are also colors and if paired properly with other colors, can create a very good combination. Another thing you want to avoid is having any logos or writing on your clothing. Just like the patterns, it will draw more of the viewer’s focus towards something other than yourself, which sort of defeats the whole purpose of taking headshots, to begin with.
Should I Wear Accessories?
Accessories can be both good and bad depending on how they are used and the choice of accessory. Eyeglasses are a commonly used one. If you normally wear eyeglasses, you might consider wearing them for your headshots as well. Some people are not used to being seen without their glasses and you do not want to appear uncomfortable in your headshots. You should also ask your photographer for their opinion. Sometimes it can be difficult because the glasses can cause a glare. Jewelry is another commonly worn accessory. If you plan on wearing a necklace or earrings, you should remember what was mentioned earlier about patterns. You do not want your jewelry to draw attention away from you. It is best to go with subtle jewelry that will enhance your headshot rather than overpower it.
