When considering what to wear for a headshot, whether you’ve booked professional headshots for work, a family photoshoot or you’re at an event where you know people will be snapping pictures, it can bring you more confidence and you will project yourself better if you’re feeling comfortable and stylish in what you are wearing.
If you have had some colour analysis, you are already in a strong position as you know what shades suit you. If you haven’t been colour-analysed, there is a tip I can share, so please read on. After that, think about pattern and style and you can be putting together a camera-ready outfit with ease when considering what to wear for a headshot!
These days, professional photos are as likely to be outdoors as indoors, so you may want to factor in whether there will be a bit of wind blowing your hair, or a bit of damp which may wreak havoc with your newly curled or straightened locks. In some circumstances the really natural look is what you want to achieve, so a bit of frizz or wind won’t feel like your look is ruined if you have prepared for that. Discussing the location with your photographer is great preparation.
What are great colours to wear?
If you’ve been colour-analysed, you already have a palette that you know flatters your natural skin, hair and eye colour. If you haven’t, you can run a little experiment to see what suits you best. First, find a spot in really good natural light, but not in direct, bright sunlight. If you’re wearing make-up, take it off. Grab a mirror (free standing is easier if you have one) and a selection of tops from your wardrobe in the widest range of colours you can find. Standing in front of the mirror, hold each top up under your chin and see what effect that colour has: some are likely to make you look pale, or even ill, while others will bring out the colour of your eyes or make your skin glow. It’s those flattering colours we want!
Once you have a colour palette to work with, there are a few further tips. Firstly, any colour that is too similar to your own skin tone can wash you out in a photo and you’ll risk blending in to your outfit. It is usually better to pick something significantly lighter or darker than your skin tone to provide good contrast. If you’re having a professional shoot for business, neutral colours – cream, grey and navy blue are better than black. You can then accent them with a pop of another, flattering colour using a scarf or necklace that matches your eyes, for example, which will bring a little more life and personality to the final image. If you do want to introduce colour into your outfit, perhaps think about green or purple as your base.
Finally on colour, if you know what your background is going to be, try to make sure your outfit contrasts with that so you don’t disappear into it. This is where something like a pashmina or jacket in a contrasting colour can be useful; a bright jacket worn while you’re outdoors at a wedding reception so you don’t blend into the lawn, then removed when you’re indoors. If you’re having a professional shoot, you may want to take two or three different tops or outfits with you anyway so just make sure they are not all the same colour to give you choice.
Pattern or plain?
As a general rule, it’s better to wear one plain, solid colour than patterns when you’re having your photo taken but that doesn’t suit everyone’s style or personality so here are a couple of things to consider.
Make sure the pattern you choose doesn’t distract from you. A Hawaiian-loud shirt might be your thing but people will see the shirt before they see the person. A pattern that is large scale is also likely to dominate more than a smaller one. Equally, too small a print might not look great on the images. Either tone down the colours or go for a medium-scale pattern that won’t draw the eye so much. This also goes for large motifs or slogans (unless they are necessary as branding for example).
Some patterns can provoke quite a strong reaction or assumption in others. What impression will an in-your-face pinstripe or bright tartan give to others? A simple, subtle stripe may be more stylish or professional than a bold check. After all, when people see your photo, you probably want them to think “she looks lovely” rather than “she’ll be domineering ”! This is particularly true if it’s a photo you’ll use for business.
Style
Your style should reflect the purpose or the occasion that the photos are being taken for: if you’re having professional headshots, you’ll want to look (probably) business-like and proficient; if you’re at a wedding, you’ll want to look stylish and like you’re having fun! That is clearly your starting point.
After that, you will want your choice of outfit to reflect – at least in part – your own personal style. If you never wear suits for work, you might feel really uncomfortable if you’re wearing one for your shoot and that will probably show in the final image. These days, workwear is much less formal. If you do not have a uniform, a dress without a jacket can look appropriate, or a blouse or neat jumper. Perhaps a waistcoat could be an interesting alternative over a blouse.
If you are wearing an ‘old favourite’ piece, check it really carefully for loose threads, missing buttons and whether it’s faded a little. You might not notice little imperfections like this but you can almost guarantee they’ll show up in a photo! Does the outfit still fit you well? Losing or gaining weight can mean an outfit looks unflattering: stretches or gapes are often exaggerated by the camera, especially when you sit down. Whether you go for a completely new outfit or a trusted piece, make sure it is clean and wrinkle-free.
Bear current fashion in mind when choosing your outfit. As you age, and fashion changes, pictures can quickly date. A more ‘timeless’ choice of outfit will probably date less quickly than others.
Hair, make-up and accessories
Your choice of hair style, make-up and jewellery or scarf can really enhance your look, or it can seriously detract from it. It’s usually better to go for less, more subtle and stylish, than more so they don’t draw attention away from your face. Ask someone you trust about your choice of lipstick. Some lipsticks can make you look scary and that may not be how you want to come across.
You might find it useful to slip a comb and some translucent powder into your bag for the day, just to keep on top of any developing shine or loose wisps of hair. Remember that stills photography requires a lighter touch on make-up than video does; you don’t want to end up looking like the cartoon version of yourself!
If you are a glasses wearer, don’t worry about how they will look in the photos. They are part of you and you’ll probably feel more like yourself if you are wearing them. However, do make sure they are clean! Dust or finger-marks may well show up in the final image, particularly if you’re having individual headshots. If you do decide to go without in your photos, remember to take your glasses off at least half hour beforehand so those tell-tale little red nose marks have time to disappear!
Final thoughts
Do not ignore your footwear! Footwear is a real give-away to your personality. And, if you do not present it in the best way (it looks uncomfortable, inappropriate for the situation, or unkempt) you are also giving a message. I have met clients that find it difficult to find footwear because they have a particular issue. Of course that happens, but just be mindful that your full silhouette may be captured, and therefore you need to plan literally from head to toe, just in case.
If you are worried about how you will look (you wish you had done something about losing a few pounds before the day), I recommend a great bra and firm undies, providing it doesn’t drain the colour from your face!
Ultimately, a photo of yourself that you like will be flattering but will still look like you. You therefore need to feel like yourself when the photo is taken. Taking a little time to plan your outfit(s) that you feel comfortable and confident in is definitely the key to that.
Want to book a professional photography session?
If reading this has made you think it is time for a refresh of your headshot, you’re in luck! Brilliant photographer Amanda Herbert is based on the Isle of Wight and will be only too happy to help. If you want to book me to do your make-up, I will be on the island on Friday 12th April so you can have the benefit of both our expertise! Book your slot with both of us here.
I’d also recommend Amanda’s lovely free gift, a guide to help you prepare for your shoot, here.
You contact also Amanda on 07719 316609 or me, Fiona, on 07469 246722 if you have questions.
We look forward to working with you.
