What to wear for Headshots and Personal Branding portraits
Not sure what to wear for your photoshoot? We got you! Use this visual guide to plan out your wardrobe for your photography session. We'll ease our way in and start with the basics. You'll be styling and photo ready in no time!
THE DO’S AND DON’TS
THE DO’S
Solid color neutrals, jewel tone, or earth tone colors.
Colors that highlight your eyes, hair, or skin tone.
Variety of textures - lace, satin, velvet, leather, metallic.
Variety of necklines and sleeve lengths.
Mixture of outfit styles (formal, casual, layers with blazers or jackets).
Extra backup outfits, at least 3 additional complete outfits.
Accessorize! Bring a variety of simple jewelry and layering options like jackets, blazers, and cardigans.
Ladies: bring a variety of strap and strapless bras in nude and black. Try on outfits with the appropriate undergarments ahead of the shoot day to assure fit and no visibility.
THE DON’TS
Overly baggy or boxy clothing, form fitting is best.
Very low necklines. Consider the tighter headshot crop and where your neckline will fall.
Material that shows excessive wear or distressing.
Neon and excessively very bright colors.
Busy patterns (minimal small patterns are okay), logos, graphics, and text.
Very flashy jewelry. Less is more! Simple mixed metal options are best.
Wearing watches, bracelets, or hair bands around the wrists the day of the shoot. These can leave indentation marks on the skin.
PICK COLORS WITH PURPOSE
When in doubt, use your hues that flatter your eyes, skin tone, or hair color. Gemstone or neutral colors generally look fantastic on everyone. Some examples include: cream, taupe, plum, wine, emerald green, sage, and sapphire.
If your photos are for business, think about power colors. Outfits anchored by the solid black, white, gray, red, navy, or mixed metal tones tend to exude strength and authority. This can be an excellent way to infuse your business photos with built-in ethos.
WHEN IN DOUBT, GO NEUTRAL
Not quite sure what your branding colors are yet? Or maybe you need headshots that look classic and polished. Sticking with a neutral color pallet will make you look professional and put together. Black and white will always be a clean and timeless look!
AIM FOR VARIETY
Variety is the spice of life and the delicious icing on the cake of incredible portraits! Depending on which type of session you’ve booked, you will probably have the option to pose in 3 to 5 outfits during our shoot. We advise that clients stay true to their signature style or the looks they want to portray, but show variety within that general theme. Each different outfit provides an opportunity to present a unique layer of your true self. Here are some easy ways to change up your looks while keeping it authentic:
Show your formal side (ex: LinkedIn profile headshot), a business casual look (ex: friendly yet professional), and your casual side (ex: Facebook profile headshot to show personality)
Switch up the colors of each outfit, while still referencing your brand colors for cohesive looks
Keep it fresh with a range of necklines and sleeve lengths
Embellish each look with a layering option: blazer, leather jacket, jean jacket, or cardigan to easily change it up and add posing variety
WEAR YOUR PERSONALITY
You want your headshots to look genuine and authentic? What you wear should exude your personality to help you to be seen in the light that you wish to be seen as. Don’t wear a pant suit or a dress unless it fits your personality.
If you are a casual person, dress in professional casuals, keeping other tips listed here in mind. A solid button down shirt or blouse paired with jeans is a professional yet laid back look.
If you want to be seen as fun, bright colors or accessories like bow tie, jewelry, scarves, or bright shoes can help convey some pizzazz.
If you like to be seen as trendy, go for it! If you would rather look classic, there’s nothing wrong with that either! You don’t have to fit a mold. Be true to yourself and it will show through your images. Honestly, nothing is boring or too loud. People want to know you and see YOU!
Nicolena - Owner of ACE Hair. Brand style: edgy, creative, and rock n’ roll
Dr. Utibe Essien - Physician, scientist, avid shoe collector, and advocate of racial and ethnic disparities
WARDROBE PREP
Have all clothes camera ready: steamed/ironed, lint rolled, and remove any tags. Have all wardrobe hanging on individual hangers.
Once you start gathering wardrobe options, feel free to email us images of each outfit to studio@kaelaspeicher.com. This is optional but recommended. Full body cell phone pictures work great. This gives us an idea of how everything fits and will photograph prior to the shoot. Knowing the outfits ahead time, can be helpful for selecting the best backgrounds to complement your wardrobe, utilize shoot time efficiently, and allow time to make any changes before the shoot day.
Jewelry should be simple and not overly distracting. We are a fan of mixed metals (gold, silver, rose gold, etc) or jewelry that references your brand colors.
Don’t forget your bottoms! On Headshot Mini Days, we still photograph 3/4 length shots from the knee up. For Personal Branding session, we photograph full length. Bring a variety of pants, jeans, skirt, and shoe options to complete each outfit.
Pack up your car 1-2 days ahead of your photoshoot. This takes the stress out of packing on the day of your shoot, and gives you time to double check that you have everything packed and ready to go.
FACE & HAIR PREP
Arrive with a completely clean face. No makeup, SPFs, and only lightweight moisturizers applied to the face (no oils or heavy creams, as these can interfere with the makeup).
If you have any skin sensitivities or allergies, it is your responsibility to notify us ahead of time and mention this to the makeup artist. We are happy to use products specifically for skin sensitivities.
Do not pluck eyebrows the morning of the shoot, as this will show swelling and redness. Any waxing, plucking, or bleaching should be done no less than 1 week before the shoot day.
Hair prep for Headshot Mini sessions: hair should be completely dry, styled, and camera ready. We will be doing only hair flyaway touch ups.
Hair prep for Personal Branding sessions: hair should be completely dry and 1 day unwashed. Our stylist will be fully styling your hair. Feel free to bring any of your favorite hair styling products if you have a product you love.
Shoot days require a lot of energy so be sure to get some extra ZZZs for your beauty rest and drink plenty of water. H20 will keep your skin hydrated and give your face a camera ready glow.
Avoid drinking alcohol the night before the shoot or anything that can stain your teeth the morning of the shoot.
NAILS
Nails should be clean, trimmed, and manicured with natural rounded edges.
We recommend a short to medium length nail with natural slightly rounded edges. This is a natural and classic look that will not distract or become untrendy over the years.
If using polish, a fresh and even coat of clear polish or a nude color like taupe are recommended. Nude tones are universally flattering and work with any outfit. If you prefer color, gemstone shades are great options or a color that references your brand color palette.
THE DAY OF THE SHOOT
While sitting for hair and makeup application, please avoid wearing excessively tight clothes (especially jeans), hair ties, watches, or anything tight around your wrists the morning of the shoot. These can leave red indentation marks on the skin.
Shoots require high energy. Bring water and your favorite snacks to munch on throughout the day to refuel.
Please alert us if you have any existing medical conditions that may require attention during the shoot. We are happy to work at a pace where you are most comfortable and take any necessary precautions.
Sit back and relax! Our team of professionals are here to help and guide you every step of the way. Aim to have fun and trust the process. We are excited to create your best headshots yet!
Congrats, you are on your way to an amazing shoot!
Read on to learn more about:
How to prepare your wardrobe and
How to prepare yourself - all about hair, skin, and nails!
