What to Wear for Headshots

Preparing for Your Professional Headshot Session

In a world where your online presence is often the first impression, a professional headshot is no longer a luxury—it’s an essential tool for your personal brand. A great portrait can communicate your confidence, personality, and professionalism long before you ever meet someone in person. To help you feel completely prepared and confident for your session, we've put together a few expert tips for what to wear and how to get ready.

1. Dress for Success

Today’s business portraits are less about being formal and more about showcasing your personality and style. The right outfit should make you feel empowered and ready to shine.

• Choose an outfit you love: The more confident you feel in what you're wearing, the more comfortable and natural you will look on camera.

• Coordinate with your brand: Think about where your headshot will be used. For a traditional corporate environment, a business suit or blazer is a safe bet. For a more personal brand or creative field, lean into layers and colors that reflect your unique personality.

• Bring options: We recommend bringing 2-3 top options and 1-2 pant options. The main focus will be on your upper body, but having coordinated bottoms and shoes is helpful for full-body shots.

• Opt for solid colors: Busy patterns, loud prints, or large logos can be distracting and visually "noisy," pulling attention away from your face. Instead, choose solid, neutral colors that create a clean, timeless look.

2. Skincare & Hair

Your skin and hair are key to a polished look. A little preparation goes a long way in ensuring you look your best.

• Start a week ahead: Exercise, get plenty of sleep, and drink plenty of water a week prior to your session to help your skin glow.

• Limit sun exposure to avoid sunburns or uneven skin tone.

• Exfoliate and moisturize: Exfoliate your skin to remove dead cells and apply a nutrient-rich cream to moisturize after showering.

• Keep makeup neutral and natural: We recommend using makeup to even out skin tone and enhance your features, rather than to create a dramatic look. The goal is to look like a polished version of yourself.

• Get a Trim: If you plan on a haircut, get it a week or two before your session. This gives your hair time to settle into a natural, comfortable style.

• Remove unwanted hair: Wax, pluck, or shave any unwanted hair from your face, ears, or nose a day or two before your session to avoid any redness or irritation.

3. The Final Touches

The details matter. A little attention to these final elements will make all the difference.

• Smile Prep: Your smile is your best asset. For brighter teeth, consider a professional or at-home whitening treatment a week before your session. On the day of your shoot, avoid foods and drinks that can stain, such as coffee, tea, and red wine. Remember to remove any dental aligners (like Invisalign) before your session to avoid glare and reflections in your photos.

• Moisturize Your Lips: Exfoliate and moisturize your lips for a smooth application of balm or lipstick.

• Hands & Nails: Your hands may show in some shots. A professional manicure isn't necessary, but clean, groomed nails with a neutral or clear polish will look polished and professional.

• Bring Layers: Dressing in layers is a great way to easily change your look without having to change into an entirely new outfit.

A headshot session is a collaborative process. We want you to feel confident, comfortable, and ready to show the world who you are. With a little preparation, you’ll walk away with images that not only capture a great moment but also perfectly represent your brand and personality.

Feeling a little overwhelmed with all these tips? Don't worry! We're here to help make your headshot session a seamless and successful experience. If you need a little extra guidance, please don't hesitate to reach out. We have a network of trusted hair, makeup, and wardrobe styling specialists who can help you with your preparation, ensuring you look and feel your absolute best on the day of your shoot. We want this to be an easy and enjoyable process from start to finish.