Here are 10 tips to help you with making decisions of what to wear (+ a bonus about what not to wear) for your professional headshot portraits! I know this can be a stressful thing, so my hope is that these tips can help make it a little easier.
1. Wear colors that suit you and your business. I generally recommend wearing more neutral or mid-tone colors so that the color of your clothing doesn't overshadow you and your personality, but if you or your business have a signature color...wear it!! Colors that are highly recommended include blue, green, wine, and purple because they are flattering for a variety of skin tones. However, if you are always in red or pink as part of your brand, wear it! If you don't have a signature color, I would recommend keeping the color of your clothing in the same key as your background. If you are going to be photographed on a darker backdrop, you will want to consider darker colors. If the background will be white or a light gray, consider lighter colors to coordinate. Your eye goes to the point of highest contrast, so if your clothes are off key from the background, your face and personality will not be the first thing clients see!
2. Own your personality! If you are a fun and bubbly person, don't let your headshots be stuffy with a fake smile! Whether you smile with no teeth or your whole face opens up into a big grin, wear the smile that represents who you are!
3. Aim for classic but current with your clothing choices. Wear timeless pieces and update with current accessories. You don't have to go buy all new clothes, you can go shopping in your own closet! Solid colors are going to be more classic than patterns, so stick with solids! If you wear a jacket at work frequently, wear a jacket, but don't feel like you have to wear a jacket to look professional. Make sure clothes are clean and unwrinkled.
4. Ladies, flatter your figure and make sure you are comfortable! Sit, stand, and pose in front of the mirror to evaluate your outfit and make sure you are comfortable. Work with your body and bring attention to what you love! Light colors draw attention and dark colors minimize. So if you want to minimize a certain body part such as your hips, then consider a darker color for your pants or skirt (if also doing full-length shots). Fitted, not tight, clothes are best to flatter your shape. Excess fabric can make you look bigger, so consider a belt under your bust if a top is loose.
5. Men: Shoes should be shined and socks should match the pants if there will be any shots that are fully body. Make sure to trim your facial hair before the session and also pay attention to your ears and nose hairs! If wearing a collared shirt, make sure that your collar is not too tight as that will be unflattering.
6. Accessorize thoughtfully. Pick a few gorgeous accessories that you love rather than piling them all on. If accessories have sentimental value, that’s even better! Make sure to take off watches or hair ties prior to session, unless it is a sentimental piece! Less is better when it comes to accessories, and you don't want them to be too flashy.
7. Wear shirts with a neckline that will be flattering and show a little skin without revealing too much. You want to make sure that if the shot is cropped you will not seem topless...some good cuts are crew necks, boat necks, or v-neck. You may also consider wearing soft fabrics so that you are a little more comfortable than if you are wearing a shirt with stiff fabric that might be itchy!
8. If you will be getting full length branding shots done, wear your best shoes...or go barefoot! If barefoot, make sure feet are well-groomed. If you want to wear your best shoes consider that heels improve posture, creating a more flattering silhouette and can make you feel more confident.
9. Makeup...don’t be afraid of color, but also be careful not to go too overboard! You want to keep your makeup similar to your everyday style, but with just a touch more attention. You can give eyes, cheeks, and lips more definition with rich colors such as berries, reds, corals, plums and pinks for lips and cheeks. For eyes, be careful not to go too dark and smoky with your eyes, but do use deep jewel tones as well as grey or black. Use powder to avoid shine!
10. Keep Hair Natural. You might consider a professional blowout, but keep it similar to natural style. You may want to bring a brush or a comb to make sure that you can smooth your hair prior to having your photo taken
11. A few things NOT to wear: turtlenecks, shiny fabric, shirts that need to be "just so", busy patterns...and finally, anything that is not comfortable or representative of you!
It's important to remember too...I give all these tips as a guide, not to add more stress! I am always happy to help give guidance with wardrobe, so feel free to reach out prior to our session! I am also always happy to advise what will look best during a session, so feel free to bring options.
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