Headshot Style Hacks: What to Wear for a Confident Personal Brand
So, you have an upcoming headshot session and are excited to make a killer first impression. Maybe you’re considering booking your first session but have no idea what to wear. You want to look confident, professional, and, most importantly, like your true badass self. But as you stand before your wardrobe, you realize you must figure out what outfit will best represent your personality and help you stand out.
How do you strike the perfect balance between looking polished and letting your individuality shine through? You may be questioning whether bold colours, patterns, or accessories will enhance or distract from your overall image. Or you're considering aligning your outfit with your brand or industry.
Let's hang out if these questions are swirling around in your head for a few minutes. We’ll go over what to wear to your headshot session, break down the dos and dont’s of headshot attire, and offer tips to help you put your best foot - errrrr, face forward.
Dress to Impress - Embrace Your Brand
Before diving into your wardrobe, first, I have to preface this article with a huge “it depends” and “rules are made to be broken” - at least when it comes to personal branding. So, let’s take a moment to reflect on your brand or industry. Are you a trailblazing entrepreneur looking to make a statement or a corporate professional aiming for a polished and approachable look? Are you an eccentric creative looking to make a bold impression with your personal image? Identifying your brand's essence or industry's norms will guide your clothing choices.
Layers
Adding layers can give you various options during your session, allowing you to create different looks easily. For men, a blazer, shirt, and tie can easily be reduced to an open-button shirt for a more casual vibe. For women, consider a tailored blazer over a blouse, which can be removed to reveal a simple, elegant top or a statement necklace underneath.
Patterns & Textures
While showing off your unique style is essential, I always recommend avoiding busy patterns or delicate textures. They can remove the focus from your face and make the photo look cluttered. Additionally, fine stripes and textured shirts can cause moiré in your photo. Instead, opt for solid colours that complement your features and enhance your overall appearance.
Moire Effect on Men’s Blazer
Colour
The colours you choose for your headshot outfit can significantly impact your headshot’s look and feel. When selecting the right hues, you must consider your skin tone and the effect specific colours may have in creating contrast or balance.
Colour Psychology: colours have a powerful impact on how we feel and behave. For example, blue is often associated with trust, confidence, and professionalism, while red is associated with passion, energy, and excitement. Green can represent growth, harmony, and health, while yellow is associated with happiness, optimism, and creativity. Purple can evoke luxury, creativity, and ambition, while black is associated with sophistication and elegance.
Complement Your Skin Tone: Choose colours that complement your skin tone and bring out your natural glow. Cooler skin tones look great in blues, greens, and purples, while warmer skin tones often shine in reds, oranges, and yellows. Neutral skin tones can look stunning in a broader range of colours.
By carefully selecting colours that suit your skin tone and creating a visually engaging image, you'll be well on your way to capturing a headshot that showcases your personal brand.
Comfort and Fit - Feel Confident and at Ease
While looking your best in your headshot is essential, it's just as important to feel comfortable and confident in your attire. When you're at ease in your clothes, it shows in your expression and body language, making for a more genuine and captivating headshot.
Fit Matters: Choose clothes that fit you well and flatter your body shape. Clothes that are too tight or loose can make you look uncomfortable and may not photograph well. Opt for tailored pieces that hug your body in the right places, accentuating your best features without constricting your movement.
Comfort is Key: Select attire that you feel at ease wearing. If you're not accustomed to formal attire, you might feel out of place in a suit or a dress, which could show in your headshot. Instead, consider a smart-casual outfit that aligns with your style and allows you to feel like yourself.
Dress for Movement: During your headshot session, you may be asked to move or pose in various ways to capture the perfect shot. Ensure your chosen outfit allows for a range of motion without causing discomfort or wardrobe malfunctions. Stretchy or flexible fabrics and well-fitting garments will enable you to move quickly and confidently.
By prioritizing comfort and fit, you can project your inner Savage with confidence, making your headshot session a more enjoyable and successful experience.
Grooming and Personal Care - Look and Feel Your Best
Your headshot reflects your brand and professionalism, so attention to grooming and personal care is crucial. Proper grooming helps you look polished and put-together and boosts your confidence during the session.
Hair: Ensure your hair is well-groomed and styled before your headshot session. Opt for a hairstyle that you feel confident wearing and one that suits your face shape. If you want a haircut or to change your style, do so at least a week before your session to allow time for adjustments and settling into the new look.
Facial Hair: For men with facial hair, ensure it's neatly trimmed and well-maintained. If you prefer a clean-shaven look, shave the day before or the morning of your session to avoid irritation or redness.
Makeup: For those who wear makeup, aim for a natural, polished look that highlights your best features without appearing overly done. Avoid heavy makeup or trendy techniques that may date your headshot. Consider using a makeup artist if you need clarification on applying makeup for a professional photo.
Skin Care: In the days leading up to your headshot session, take good care of your skin by staying hydrated, moisturizing, and exfoliating. This will help you achieve a healthy, glowing complexion. If you're concerned about blemishes or imperfections, a skilled photographer can address these concerns during editing.
Investing time in grooming and personal care will make you look your best and feel more confident and ready to conquer your headshot session. With these tips, you're on your way to capturing a headshot that embodies YOU.
Outfit Do's and Don'ts - Essential Tips for a Standout Headshot
To help you make the most of your headshot session and ensure you walk away with a photo that captures your inner Brand, keep these outfits do's and don'ts in mind:
Do's:
Consider multiple outfits: Bring a few outfit options to your session, so you can change your look and find the one that works best for your headshot.
Dress for your industry: Keep in mind the image you want to project within your industry, and choose outfits that align with the expectations and norms of your field while still showcasing your personality.
Pay attention to the neckline: The neckline of your top can significantly impact the overall look of your headshot. Opt for a neckline that flatters your face shape and complements your features and doesn’t try to hide it!
Consider the backdrop: Coordinate your outfit with the backdrop your photographer will use for your session. Ensure your clothing is consistent with the background.
Don'ts:
Don't wear logos or brand names: Avoid clothing with visible logos, brand names, or slogans, as they can be distracting and take away from your professional image.
Remember the details: Wrinkled or stained clothing can detract from your headshot. Make sure your outfit is clean, well-ironed, and in good condition before your session.
Don't rely solely on trends: While staying current and fashionable is essential, avoid overly trendy outfits that might quickly become outdated. Instead, opt for timeless, timeless pieces that will remain relevant.
Pay attention to the shoes: Although your shoes might not be visible in your headshot, wearing a complete outfit, including appropriate footwear, can help you feel more confident and put-together during your session.
By following these do's and don'ts, you'll be well-prepared to showcase your inner Brand Savage through outfit choices, ensuring a successful and impactful headshot session.
Congratulations on making it this far! By now, you've learned some valuable tips to help you make a statement in your upcoming headshot session. Remember, the perfect headshot is about capturing your unique personality and brand while looking professional and polished.
If you're ready to take your headshot game to the next level, don't hesitate to book a session with me. As a local photographer specializing in headshots, I have the skills and experience to capture your best angle and help you stand out. Let's work together to create a headshot that showcases your inner Brand Savage and enables you to make an unforgettable first impression!
So embrace your style, confidence, and uniqueness, and let's create magic with your headshots!
