A great headshot is mostly about the face, so the clothes have one job: stay out of the way. Here is what works in front of the camera, and what to avoid.
The short version: solid colors in mid to dark tones, a neckline that frames the face, nothing with small patterns or big logos, and a second top just in case.
Colors that photograph well
- Solid, mid to dark tones like navy, charcoal, forest green, burgundy and deep blue look polished and keep attention on the face.
- Soft colors like light blue or dusty pink work well under a darker jacket.
- Bright white and neon tend to overpower the face and lose detail on camera.
- Match the team. For company headshots, agree on a general palette (all dark, or all light) so the team page looks like one company.
Patterns and logos
Skip small checks, tight stripes and busy prints. They can shimmer or distort on camera. Big logos and slogans pull the eye away from the face, and other companies’ logos can make a photo unusable for marketing.
Fit and necklines
Choose clothes that fit well through the shoulders, and press them the night before. Collars, V-necks and jackets frame the face nicely. Very high necklines can shorten the neck, and very low ones can be distracting in a tight crop.
Glasses, jewelry and grooming
- Glasses: wear them if you usually do. Anti-glare lenses help, and the photographer can adjust angles to avoid reflections.
- Jewelry: keep it simple. A watch or small earrings look great; statement pieces can steal the frame.
- Hair and makeup: go with your normal, everyday look, slightly polished. Matte skin products photograph better than shiny ones.
- Facial hair: trim a day or two before so it looks natural, not freshly cut.
Bring a backup
Bring a second top or jacket. If the first choice blends into the background or reads poorly on camera, a quick change saves the session.
For team headshot days
If you are organizing headshots for a whole team, send this guide out a week ahead with one line about the dress code you want (business, business casual or brand colors). It is the single easiest way to get photos that match. See how our team headshot days work.