Headshot Clothing for Her: Our Recommendations

There is a reason why fashion is so interesting: you can find out much about a person by checking out their outfit and accessories!
Besides being fascinating, fashion is also highly creative. There are so many options to choose from, that it’s easy to get overwhelmed in front of your closet—especially when preparing for your photoshoot.

Our clothes speak for us and help us tell our story. Colors and shapes can define how we look and what we represent, so let them bring out the best of us!
With a little guidance from our headshot experts, we will help you get in the right headshot mindset and choose the outfit that matches your brand and makes you feel comfortable and self-confident.
Choose Clothes That Represent Your Brand
Every brand has a personality. Your choice of clothes should represent this identity. For example, a corporate lawyer dresses differently than a graphic designer who represents an edgy brand.
Let your brand speak through your clothes and help your customers understand who you are at a glance. There are so many styles to choose from: whimsical, edgy, professional, classic, official, sophisticated, or artistic to name a few. A startup will likely have a different brand feel compared to an engineering company, and the clothes worn by its employees will reflect that.
Our best advice is to think of the clothes you would wear to meet a new client. What kind of an impression would you like to make? What would you like your clothes to tell them about you? Once you have answered these questions, you’ll have the outfit you are looking for.
Outfits That Photograph Well
Years of experience have shown us that some outfits photograph well while others often struggle to bring out the essence of your personality. You are looking for an outfit that works well for both you and the camera.
1. Colors
The first thing to consider is colors. Which colors photograph well?
Experience dictates that solid colors such as navy blue, dark green, gray, chocolate, or maroon photograph well. They bring out your energy and catch people’s attention.
Pale and pastel colors can look faded and make your complexion look pale. Shades too close to the color of the skin blend in and don’t make your face stand out, especially if you have very fair skin.

Having said that, we have photographed people wearing muted and delicate colors and it has worked out beautifully. Pale colors have the ability to help people connect with your image and personality, as they are quieter and gentler colors. If you have confidence in your outfit, it will likely work for you.
We are often asked about black. Black is a safe choice, especially if it’s layered with a lighter color. If you like the authority and sophistication associated with black, then that’s your color.
However, black can also be too rigid and serious unless you accessorize it. Also, a black jacket can be the standard for many businesses and industries but would look out of place for other brands.
2. Patterns
Most photographers warn against bold patterns. Stripes, dots, or leopard patterns can distract the eye and drive people’s attention away from your face. Remember that a headshot is all about your face, so flamboyant patterns can be too flashy.
A light stripe can work rather well and add interest to your outfit but, generally, solid colors work best.
3. Layers
Layers are attractive to the eye and give an extra touch of refinement to your look. As a bonus, they also photograph very well.
Instead of going for a single clothes layer, go for two layers, such as a shirt and jacket, a dress and jacket, a cardigan and a dress, or any two layers that work for you.
4. Choose Well-Fitting Clothes
Well-fitting clothes photograph much better than clothes that are too loose or too tight.
Loose clothes won’t make you look more comfortable. Instead, they will look ill-fitting and won’t flatter your figure. As a rule, the flowing feel of loose clothes can’t be caught well in a headshot photo.
Likewise, clothes that are too tight will show stretching buttonholes and pulling seams. While this may seem minor, you would be amazed by what people pick up in a split second of looking at a headshot and how it influences their perception.
5. Accessorize
You can accessorize your outfit to make it more… you, as long as they are not so bulky or bold that they distract viewers and draw attention away from your face.
Keep your accessorizing touches small but meaningful and you will see that even the smallest details stand out in a headshot. A thin scarf, for example, or an elegant necklace can add style and sophistication, and speak volumes about you.
6. Necklines
V-shaped necklines are the most flattering. Scoop necks can look a bit empty unless you accessorize them with an interesting necklace or something that matches your style.

Collar shirts and jackets work equally well. As a bonus, their layered texture adds depth and interest.
Avoid deep necklines that can be too revealing. People’s gaze will be drawn to your chest instead of your eyes and face.
7. Sleeves
Unless you are a sports coach, sleeveless dresses, blouses, or shirts may look out of place. Most people prefer long or three-quarter sleeves.
If your brand and industry support a sleeveless dress, you can wear it and maybe add a touch of elegance with a scarf or shawl.
8. Materials
Reflective, see-through, or shiny materials don’t normally photograph well. Opt for natural fibers without any shine. These will photograph much better and look uniform on you.

9. Iron Your Clothes
One last tip: iron your clothes before the headshot. Creases will show and there is a limit to what our editing tools can do to erase them.
Ideally, change clothes in our studio so you don’t have to wear them on your way to your photo shoot. Your outfit will look fresh and crisp when we take your photo.

Our Best Advice: Wear Clothes That Are You
While this is our guide to what outfits photograph well, we have found that different people wear the same clothes differently. We each have our unique personality and that’s what stands out in a photo shoot. It is your unique style that makes you an interesting and capable professional.
So, although headshot tips for women matter, we are often surprised by how people can pull off wearing clothes that would look completely out of place if worn by someone else.
Let’s discuss your wardrobe when you book your photoshoot with Denver Headshot Co. Call us at 720-712-4829 or contact us online and we will take it from there!