Key takeaways
- Dark, solid, muted colors photograph best.
- Light pastels and busy patterns can cast a hue or pull attention from your face.
- Hold tops close to your face in a mirror to see which colors complement you.
- Your personal style still matters. The goal is a clean, uncluttered look.
Why color matters in a headshot
Color near your face reflects onto your skin. Bright or light colors can cast a slight hue, and busy patterns compete with your expression. The right wardrobe does the opposite: it gives you a clean, uncluttered look that keeps attention where it belongs, on your face and your eyes.
It is still important to convey your personal style and choices. We simply give guidelines that are less distracting and help create an overall clean view of your look. This is covered thoroughly in the prep guide every client receives.
Colors that work
- Dark, solid neutrals: black, charcoal, gray and brown work especially well for a polished, professional look.
- Muted tones generally work better than very bright ones.
- One color you love. A favorite shade that suits your skin tone adds personality, especially for a second, less formal look.
Colors and patterns to use carefully
- Light pastels can cast a slight hue on the face.
- Bright white can wash out fair skin. If you wear white, make sure it is well-fitted, because white is unforgiving.
- Stripes, prints and logos take attention from your face and can date a photo quickly.
- Sheer, lace and puffy fabrics often photograph poorly.
A simple mirror test
Hold the top you are considering close to your face in a mirror, in good light. Notice what happens to your skin. Does it look brighter and healthier, or flat and tired? Try your two or three favorites this way before you decide.
Building two looks that work together
A reliable approach for a two-look session is one dark neutral piece and one color you love, plus a jacket or layer that lets us change the look quickly. Layers help: an undershirt with a coordinating jacket or sweater lets us shoot both looks with minimal change. For help balancing professional and personal, read should headshots be casual or formal?
Fit and condition matter as much as color
Even the perfect color will not rescue wrinkled or baggy clothing. Everything should be well-fitted and freshly ironed. See how to prepare for a headshot session for the full checklist.
Questions about what to wear? Contact us before your session. We are happy to help you choose. Learn more about our professional headshot sessions, or see what is included in every session.
