Top Ten: Boss-Lady Business Headshot Wardrobe Tips!
Ladies, I know you’re worried about looking your best for your upcoming professional headshot.
Well, worry no more!
I’m here to prepare you for the most successful headshot session you’ve ever had!
Here are my Top 10 Business Headshot Wardrobe Tips:
#1 Form-fitting is definitely best!
Always look for figure-hugging clothes to avoid adding visual bulk.
Even if you’re not crazy about your curves (which you totally should be, by the way!), opt for clothing that nips in at your natural waist or right beneath the bust.
Bulky or oversized clothing only makes you look bulky in photographs!
If you show up to your headshot session with only big, boxy, oversized clothing options, expect me to clip and pin it into shape before we start shooting!
#2 Textures spice things up!
Textures like lace, ruffles, beading, sequins, and ruching add visual interest.
Look for textured clothing in solid colors or subtle patterns.
Avoid busy patterns as they may detract from your face.
You can also add some personality by choosing a necklace that fits nicely into the shape of your neckline (more on necklines in tip #4).
#3 Think in layers.
Add a form-fitting jacket, blazer, or slim-fit knit cardigan, in a coordinating or contrasting color to add visual interest.
You can always try some shots with your jacket or sweater and some without to see what you like better.
Always err on the side of bringin too many options with you!
#4 Look for flattering necklines
Most women don’t look their best in a crew-neck top.
Crew-necks (think men’s t-shirts) cut across your neck in a way that is not the most visually flattering.
We can do better!
We want to visually elongate the neck with a V-neck or scoop-neck style, OR show off your collar bone with a bateau (ballet), sweetheart, or cowl style neckline.
Just make sure that the shoulder seems of your shirt actually sit at your shoulders, not drooping down your arms (unless of course you’re wearing an off-the-shoulder style).
#5 Avoid cap sleeves
Cap sleeves cut diagonally across the widest part of your arms, drawing attention to your upper arms and making them appear larger.
3/4 sleeves are universally flattering and slimming.
Sleeveless tops look great on toned arms, or pair with layers (see above) to slim arms.
Special note for the pale white girls:
If – like me – your upper arms are much lighter in color than your face/neck/chest (hello farmer’s tan), then your arms are going to draw attention away from your face and I promise you when you look at your photos, all you’ll see is your pale upper arms. Ask me how I know…. LOL!
(BTW, This is rarely a problem for darker or olive-skinned folks)
So, if you don’t LOVE your arms, don’t go sleeveless – trust me.
If you have a great sleeveless dress or top you want to wear but you don’t want to showcase your upper arms, consider adding a jacket, cardigan, or wrap to keep arms from becoming distracting.
#6 Your outfit should not compete with your face for attention (Duh, this is a HEADSHOT!)
Avoid loud colors, busy patterns, or multi-colored tops that steal attention away from your gorgeous smile.
Printed tops aren’t totally off-limits, just consider “breaking up” that print with a cardigan, jacket, or wrap of some sort.
If there is a super bright color or really bold pattern that you just have to wear, consider toning it down a bit by adding a smartly tailored blazer or open-front sweater over top.
#7 Consider your colors carefully
If your brand colors are important to you, consider incorporating them into your wardrobe, even if it’s just with a necklace or a pin.
If you are involved in politics or if you will use your headshot as a campaign photo, you might want to wear a color that denotes your party affiliation.
Most importantly, you want to make sure you wear a color (or colors) that flatters you and that you feel GREAT wearing!
After all, the whole point is to make sure YOU look great!
If you are not sure what your best colors are, consider you skin tone.
As a general rule of thumb, you don’t want to wear a color that closely matches your skin tone – contrast creates interest!
So, people with light skin should usually avoid beige tops, people with dark skin should usually stay away from shades of brown, and people with very pale skin (I refer to my own complexion as “clear”) should probably avoid stark white and pastel pink.
If you have a lot a red in your complexion, you may want to stay away from colors in the red/pink/orange family, as those may bring out the reddish tones in your skin.
Ladies with dark skin tend to look great in vibrant, saturated colors, and a white or light-colored layer is a great way to add contrast to rich skin tones, especially if you plan to wear a dark jacket or blazer.
Dark neutrals like grey, navy, and black look great on most people.
Like anything, these are just guidelines and not hard-and-fast rules, so take them with a grain of salt and be sure to choose colors that you love and feel beautiful wearing!
Here’s another great hack:
No matter what your skin tone, you can almost never go wrong with jewel tones!
#8 What not to wear for your Headshot
Super-saturated cherry reds, hot pinks, and most “neon” colors do not typically photograph very well, and they tend to steal attention away from your face anyway, but a darker or more muted version of those colors would look great!
In general, you should avoid most “in your face” colors UNLESS THEY FIT YOUR BRAND, as anything too bright or saturated can become distracting.
Again, if you really want to wear a super bright color, you can usually get away with it if you wear it UNDERNEATH a jacket or sweater (are you starting to see a pattern here??).
The colors and patterns you see below would have been too distracting on their own, but since each woman paired her bright or patterned top with a plain jacket, the result is a wonderfully balanced photo with a lovely pop of personality!
#9 Avoid the boring white button-down dress shirt!
A white dress shirt on its own rarely flatters anyone in a photograph.
Always pair a white button-down with something else to add visual interest and break up all that WHITE.
A fitted blazer, jacket, or sweater would be a great choice.
So would a few long, chunky necklaces, or even a skinny scarf or knotted handkerchief.
Here is the RIGHT way to do a white button-down:
#10 Wear clothing in colors and styles that represent you and your brand appropriately
If your brand image is very professional, you should probably be in a power suit, or at least a blazer (I usually prefer navy or grey over black).
If it’s more whimsical, go with some really fun colors, interesting jewelry, and lots of textures.
If it’s fun and playful, maybe go with something a little more casual: just a simple v-neck t-shirt or fitted sweater.
And if your brand image is a little bit edgy…. well, feel free to bust out that leather jacket, sister, and don’t be afraid to show off your tattoos!
Consider dressing in one or more of your brand colors, if appropriate, or you can incorporate your brand colors into your jewelry or accessories.
And of course, if you represent a clothing or accessory brand you should DEFINITELY be wearing that label in your headshots!
BONUS TIP #11:
When to update your Headshot:
As a general rule, you should update your professional Headshot at least once every two years OR anytime you change your hair!
That’s right: ANY TIME YOU CHANGE YOUR HAIR!!!
So, if you color or cut your hair (we’re not talking about just a trim or some highlights – I mean going from blonde to brunette or getting an entirely different haircut), or if you’ve grown your hair out since your last Headshot, it’s time for an update!
You should also update anytime you gain or lose a significant amount of weight, or if you get any major “work done” on your face (nose job, facelift, cheek implants, etc.).
The whole point is that if someone has only ever seen your headshot, but has never met you in person, they should be able to easily pick you out of a crowd.
There is nothing worse than having someone say to you, “Oh, I didn’t realize it was you! You look nothing like your headshot.”
Here’s a great example, below:
I put on a few pounds and let my signature short haircut grow out during Covid (gasp!), so my very favorite headshots (left) no longer look like me.
I had some new professional headshots done about a year ago (center) with my longer hair, but now that my hair is even longer (right) I need to get them redone AGAIN!
Can you see why regular updates are important?
I hope these tips help you prepare for your professional headshot session!
If you need more help, you can always book a personalized wardrobe consultation before your session!
Our stylist would be happy to raid your closet with you, or even go shopping with you if you need some extra help.
If you haven’t already scheduled your Professional Headshot Session yet, what the heck are you waiting for?????
Check out the options at: www.BestDamnHeadshots.com
Then reach out to get on our calendar TODAY!!!
We book up several weeks to a few months in advance, so don’t wait!
Schedule your headshot session right away!
To learn more about Personal Branding Sessions, hop over to www.BrandImageBoss.com, or get in touch with us at: info@eichphoto.com
Happy Branding!
