Headshot Outfits: What to Wear and What to Avoid

From The Rock’s infamous fanny pack to Zendaya’s couture, fashion speaks volumes when it comes to headshots and first impressions. Headshots should let a casting director know who you are, so what you’re wearing is very telling. As you put together a portfolio and embark on your career, consider these tips on what to wear and what not to wear when it comes to outfits for headshot sessions.

Do pick the right colors. They’re essential to a great photograph, and picking the proper ones can make or break your professional appearance.

• Neutral: Colors like black, white, tan, and nude are always strong contenders, since neutral hues allow the true star (you!) to shine.
• Muted: You can also mix things up with muted and darker tones that enliven the photo without drawing attention away from your face. Colors like charcoal, plum, burgundy, navy, and emerald bring a certain richness to headshots. Choose which one works best for you by first determining your skin undertone and matching colors from there. 
• Shade-specific: In general, people with cooler undertones will look best in cooler colors (those that lean blue), while people with warm undertones will look better in warmer colors like burgundy and ivory (those that look more orange/red). People with neutral undertones can go either way, but they should stick with either warm tones or cool tones instead of mixing and matching.

Don’t wear bright colors or crazy patterns. Avoid colors or patterns that distract from your face. Bright, bombastic hues draw attention away and may come across as more tacky than trendsetting. Patterns should also be kept to a minimum. Polka dots and pinstripes are overwhelming and may not be the most flattering for all body types. If you do go with a pattern, make it minimal and layer it beneath a solid piece that’s a complementary color.

 

Do choose the right accessories. The point of a headshot is to keep all eyes on you, so pick accessories (and makeup) that complement you.

• Simple: Aim for a clean and elegant vibe—a thin chain with a small pendant, delicate posts, an unobtrusive scarf, or other minimalist accessories.
• Complementary: Choose items that draw attention to your face. If you’re like Stanley Tucci and have a signature pair of glasses you always rock, wear them for your headshot; otherwise, only wear frames that are thin and basic and don’t distract from your overall look.
• Don’t wear extravagant, distracting jewelry. Tempting as it may be to stand out with a wild statement piece, the casting director is more likely to remember your jewelry than your face. You’ll stand out, but not in a good way. 

Do wear clothes that flatter your body. The best outfits for headshots are made up of simple pieces that don’t distract from your potential as a performer. 

• Basics: A well-made, solid-colored T-shirt, medium-washed denim jeans, and a properly tailored blazer are staple pieces to keep handy for your next photo shoot. 
• A good fit: The most important part? Clothes should fit right. Don’t let attachment to a certain piece keep you from looking your best.

Don’t force your body into trendy clothing. Not every fashion trend is made for every body. Know what you look best in, and keep your style simple and elegant. The best clothes to wear for headshots are the ones that look like they were made for you—they fit both your body and your spirit.

Do pick outfits that make the right impression. Consider the roles you want to audition for, or otherwise the types of gigs you want to land, and build your outfits around that conceptually.

• Match the role: Look at roles similar to the ones you want to audition for and take note of how those roles might translate to your headshot vibe—without feeling costume-y. An actor looking for more serious roles might choose muted tones and professional pieces, while one who wants to highlight their sex appeal might opt for something a bit more revealing.

Don’t wear a costume. While it’s great to wear outfits that complement the type of characters you hope to play, you shouldn’t walk into your next photo shoot in full costume. Headshots are part of your visual résumé, something that casting directors will see and (hopefully) understand who you are as a performer. Avoid any headshot outfits that are too specific or limiting, like long white coats for doctors or Stetsons for cowboys. Dress for the roles you want, but do so subtly and appropriately.