5 Tips On What To Wear In Your Headshots

Headshots have long been an essential part of representing, advertising and branding oneself or their business. But now a days with Linked In, social media, internet networking groups and meetups posting real time updates with rapidly occuring changes, they are more important than ever. That old headshot you have been using for the last 8 years just isn’t going to cut it.  Technology makes it easy for people, but also almost sets the standard, for constant refreshing updates of image and representation. While a headhsot should remain consistent to your appearance and your brand, it should also be a current and fresh representation at all times.

I have styled many people for photoshoots, including headshots. I find that often people are unsure about what to wear and they either over think it (wear the newest trendiest outfit they have) or not put enough thought into it (wearing that same old grey suit again huh?). Here are 5 tips to help you decide what to wear in your next head shot:

1. Err on the side of classic over trendy so your portrait is more timeless. While you may be excited about your new studded zebra top or the fact that spiked necklaces are in, you should opt for more basic pieces like solid blazers or sheath dresses to wear instead. This will ensure you get the longest amount of use out of the photo as possible, and the fashion that is in one day and out the next does not dictate the longevity of your headshot.

The same rule applies for hair and makeup. Typical rule of thumb is keep it clean, light and natural looking as pertaining to your business and industry.

2. Necklines are ultra important. Since this is a close up shot, typically shoulders up, your neckline can actually help frame you face. My favorite tip for those with a fuller face or a shorter neck is to wear a v-neck because that will help elongate the neck and visually thin out the face. Also important of course to ensure your neckline is not too revealing.

3. Tastefully import your personality and brand into your photos. While this is a professional representation of you, it is still important to have your style or signature present. Depending on your industry you can have different variations of this. For example, an artist may rock a faux hawk in her headshot where you surely wouldnt expect to see that from a realtor! Or a young professional woman wanting to wear a necklace in her headshot could pull off a statement necklace where an older woman in finance may opt for pearls.

4. Speaking of accessories, you know I feel they are one’s personal stamp on their wardrobe. They are the perfect way to input your personality into an ensemble or take it up a notch. The same is true for jewelry in headshots; I just caution you to choose either a necklace or an earring to take center stage rather than wearing them both as statement pieces.

5. Color has a huge impact. Neutrals like black, white, navy, grey and brown are common and safe choices. But depending on your hair and skin tone a bright jewel tone or pastel may really brighten your face. Colors are strategic in business because they evoke emotion- it has been said that McDonalds uses yellow and red because children respond to primary colors. Spas choose blues because they are calming. Do some research on what colors work best for you to brighten up your face and compliment your skin tone. Wearing your company colors (or at least one of them) in your headshots is also a great tip for keeping branding consistent.

Here are my headshots! I used the first one for 3 years, then when I cut a foot of hair off I knew it was time for a new photo to match my new look.