What to Wear for Headshots
When preparing for your lifestyle headshot session, the right outfit can make all the difference in creating a polished and professional look that truly reflects you and your brand. At Overflow Creative, our neutral studio backdrop allows your personality and brand to shine, so choosing the right wardrobe can enhance your session and help you feel confident in front of the camera. Here are some tips to help you look and feel your best.
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For the "TLDR Guys" - Scroll to the bottom for a quick guide!
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1. Embrace Comfort and Movement
Lifestyle headshots often incorporate movement to create natural, engaging images. Choose outfits that allow you to move comfortably. Fabrics with a bit of stretch, soft textures, and well-fitted (but not tight) clothing work beautifully. Avoid anything too restrictive—you’ll want to feel at ease during the session.
2. Keep Patterns in Check
While bold patterns can be fun, they can also distract from your face in a photo. If patterns are a big part of your brand, keep them subtle or limited to a statement piece, like a scarf or jacket. Otherwise, opt for solids or muted patterns that complement your style without overwhelming the image.
3. Choose Colors That Complement You and Your Brand
Color plays a crucial role in creating headshots that align with your branding while enhancing your natural features. Here’s how to decide:
Brand Colors: If you have established brand colors, incorporate them thoughtfully. Use softer tones for subtle branding or stronger hues for bold branding.
Flattering Colors: Consider what works with your skin tone, eye color, and hair color.Warm undertones often shine in earthy tones like olive, rust, and mustard or warm neutrals like cream or camel.
Cool undertones look great in jewel tones like emerald, sapphire, or soft pastels like blush and lavender.
If you’re unsure, neutrals like navy, charcoal, or beige are universally flattering and pair well with a variety of backgrounds.
4. Plan for Texture and Layers
Texture can add depth and interest to your photos, especially in a neutral studio setting. Consider incorporating a knit sweater, leather jacket, or silk blouse to elevate your look. Layering also adds versatility—you can switch up your look quickly with a blazer or cardigan.
5. Pay Attention to the Details
Preparation is key to ensuring your outfit looks as good in photos as it does in person.
Wrinkles: Steam or iron your clothing before the session to eliminate wrinkles, which can be distracting in photos.
Fit: Ensure your outfit fits well and flatters your shape. A quick trip to the tailor can make a world of difference.
Accessories: Keep accessories minimal to avoid distractions. Small, meaningful pieces like a watch or necklace can add a nice touch without overwhelming the look.
6. Consider the Season and Studio Setting
Since our studio features cozy, neutral décor, outfits that feel warm, natural, and timeless will photograph beautifully. For seasonal sessions, consider layering for warmth or incorporating seasonal hues like deep reds or icy blues in winter or light florals and pastels in spring.
7. Coordinate with Intention (for Groups)
If your session includes a team or group, coordinate outfits for a cohesive look. Avoid overly matching outfits, and instead, select a color palette with complementary tones. Think “cohesive, not identical.”
8. Prepare for the Day
A little planning goes a long way in ensuring a smooth session. Here’s what to do the day before:
Try on your outfit and move around to ensure it’s comfortable and flattering from all angles.
Get a good night’s sleep and hydrate for fresh, glowing skin.
Bring a lint roller and a backup outfit just in case.
What if I'm Plus-Sized?
For plus-size clients, the key is to wear clothing that flatters your shape while making you feel confident and comfortable:
Structured Fits: Look for tops and dresses with structure, such as wrap styles, peplum shapes, or blazers with defined waists.
Necklines That Flatter: V-necks and scoop necklines elongate your neck and create a balanced look.
Avoid Bulk: Skip overly baggy clothing that hides your shape. Instead, opt for clothes that skim your body without clinging.
Vertical Details: Choose pieces with vertical seams, patterns, or design elements to create a lengthened silhouette.
Focus on Comfort: Remember, comfort is key! Avoid anything that feels too tight or restricting. Comfortable translates to confidence in photos and that's the #1 thing you should wear!
The Guys Guide:
Men often prefer straightforward advice, so here’s a quick checklist for a polished look:
Shirts: Opt for well-fitted button-ups or shirts in solid colors or subtle patterns. Avoid loud designs or logos unless it's for your brand. Consider a good fit, make sure it's clean and wrinkle free. Simple solid color tees can work well, but often pair best with some sort or details or props to tell the story of what you do.
Jackets: A blazer or tailored jacket instantly adds professionalism - if that's what you're going for. If your session is casual, a textured jacket or button up works well, but if your brand is more casual, it's totally ok to skip it!
Pants: Stick to classic options like chinos or jeans. Make sure they’re wrinkle-free and properly hemmed.
Shoes: Wear clean, polished shoes that match the formality of your outfit. Avoid sneakers unless they’re part of your brand style.
Grooming: Trim facial hair, moisturize, and ensure your hairstyle is fresh. Chapstick and a quick shine to any glasses can also make a big difference.
Ready for A Headshot You’ll Love?
At Overflow Creative, my goal is to capture headshots that reflect the real you while showcasing your personality and professionalism. By planning your wardrobe carefully, you’ll feel confident, comfortable, and ready to shine.
Need more tips or have questions about your session? Let’s chat! Contact me to start planning your next headshot session.
