What to Wear for Headshots

Q: What colors are best for headshots?

Solid jewel tones such as deep blue, emerald, and burgundy, plus soft neutrals, flatter most skin tones. Avoid pure white and any color that matches your background or skin.

Q: How many outfits should I bring?

Bring three to five options plus a layer or two so there is flexibility to create variety on set.

Q: What should I wear for a corporate or LinkedIn headshot?

Dress one notch above your everyday work attire, such as a blazer, a crisp collared shirt, or a refined knit in a solid color.

Q: What should I wear for headshots in Los Angeles?

Go for an elevated everyday look. LA style is polished but casual, the weather is mild year-round, and you should dress for the market you are targeting.

What to wear for headshots: a professional actor headshot of actress Jalynn Irwin (aka Jay Irwin), photographed by Joshua Shelton at Headshots LA in Los Angeles. For wardrobe tips and to book your session, visit headshotsla.com or call (213) 986-6886.

What you wear for your headshot can make or break the final image. I’ve watched the right shirt turn a so-so session into a portfolio standout — and the wrong one quietly undo great lighting and a great expression. I’m Joshua Shelton, owner and lead photographer at Headshots LA, and “what to wear for headshots” is hands-down the question I’m asked most. So here’s my complete, no-fluff guide to dressing for headshots: what works, what to avoid, and exactly how to choose outfits for actors, models, and business professionals right here in Los Angeles.

What to Wear for Headshots: The Short Answer

If you only remember a handful of things, remember these:

Choose solid colors that complement your skin tone — skip busy patterns and visible logos.
Wear clothing that fits well: nothing baggy, nothing painted-on.
Bring 1 outfit for each look plus layers so we can build multiple looks on set.
Pick necklines and sleeves that flatter your frame.
Steam or iron everything — wrinkles always show up on camera. I have a steamer at the studio
Dress for the role or industry you’re targeting, not just your everyday closet.

General Rules for What to Wear for Headshots

These fundamentals apply to almost everyone, no matter your industry.

Color

Solid, rich colors photograph beautifully and keep the focus on your face. Jewel tones (deep blue, emerald, burgundy) flatter most skin tones, while soft neutrals read clean and professional. Avoid pure white (it can blow out) and be careful with colors that match your headshot background or your skin, since you can blend into either. A little color theory explains why certain shades make you pop on camera.

Fit

Fit is everything. Clothes that are too loose add bulk; too tight pulls and wrinkles. Well-tailored pieces make you look polished and put-together — which reads as confidence.

Necklines & Sleeves

Since headshots frame you from the chest or shoulders up, your neckline does a lot of work. Crew necks, V-necks, collared shirts, and structured tops all photograph well. Long or three-quarter sleeves usually look more intentional than tank tops or strapless looks, which can read as “floating head” on camera.

Patterns, Logos & Fabric

Loud patterns, tight stripes, and bold logos pull attention away from your eyes (and tiny stripes can even cause a distracting moiré effect). Choose smooth, matte fabrics over shiny or super-textured ones, and steam out every wrinkle before you arrive.

What to Wear for Headshots by Type

Actors

Actors should dress to their “type.” For commercial headshots, think bright, friendly, approachable everyday looks — the relatable neighbor, the upbeat professional. For theatrical headshots, go a touch deeper to match dramatic roles. Not sure which is which? See my breakdown of the difference between commercial and theatrical headshots, and the full actor headshot guide.

Business, Corporate & LinkedIn

For business headshots and LinkedIn headshots, dress one notch above your day-to-day work attire. A blazer, a crisp collared shirt, or a refined knit signals competence and trust. For corporate team headshots, agree on a simple dress code (for example, solid colors and blazers) so everyone looks consistent.

Models

For modeling digitals, agencies want to see the real you. Keep it simple and form-skimming: a fitted solid black tee or tank and clean black tight denim, minimal makeup, natural hair. The clothes should reveal your shape and features, not distract from them.

Kids & Teens

For kids’ headshots, keep it age-appropriate, colorful, and comfortable. Bring a couple of fun-but-simple tops, and let their personality shine through — agents respond to authentic, happy energy.

What to Wear for Headshots in Los Angeles

Los Angeles has its own style, and what to wear for headshots in LA leans toward “elevated everyday.” The industry here is famously casual, so a polished but relaxed look often beats a stiff, formal one. Because our weather is mild year-round, you don’t need to overthink seasons — focus on breathable fabrics and bring layers for flexibility. Above all, dress for the LA market you’re targeting, whether that’s entertainment, tech, real estate, or creative. When you arrive at my Los Angeles studio, I’ll help you choose the strongest looks from what you brought.

What NOT to Wear for Headshots

Busy patterns, tight stripes, or big brand logos
Pure bright white or neon colors
Baggy, oversized, or ill-fitting clothing
Shiny, wrinkled, or heavily textured fabrics
No jewelry
Brand-new clothes you haven’t worn (you won’t look natural in them)

Don’t Forget Grooming, Hair & Makeup

Wardrobe is only half the equation. Natural, camera-ready grooming ties the whole look together — my guide on hair and makeup for headshots covers exactly how to prep. And don’t stress about every tiny detail: my natural headshot retouching handles stray hairs, blemishes, and lint so you always look like the best version of yourself.

How I Help You Nail Your Wardrobe

You’re never on your own with this. Before your session we talk through your goals and looks, and I’ll send you my preparation checklist and photoshoot prep list so you walk in confident. On the day, I review everything you brought, help you mix and match outfits with the right backgrounds, and direct you to looks you’d never have picked yourself. After thousands of sessions, choosing what to wear for headshots is something I genuinely love helping clients get right.

What to Wear for Headshots: FAQ

What colors are best for headshots?

Solid jewel tones (deep blue, emerald, burgundy) and soft neutrals tend to flatter the most skin tones. Avoid pure white and any color that matches your background or your skin.

What should I avoid wearing for headshots?

Skip busy patterns, tight stripes, large logos, neon and pure white, baggy or too-tight clothing, shiny or wrinkled fabrics, and oversized jewelry that pulls focus from your face.

How many outfits should I bring?

Bring 1 outfit per look plus a layer or two. More looks give us flexibility to create variety, and I’ll help you pick the strongest combinations on set.

What should I wear for a corporate or LinkedIn headshot?

Dress one notch above your everyday work attire — a blazer, a crisp collared shirt, or a refined knit in a solid color projects competence and trust.

What should actors wear for headshots?

Dress to your type. Commercial looks are bright, friendly, and approachable; theatrical looks are slightly deeper and more textured to match dramatic roles.

What should I wear for headshots in Los Angeles?

Go for “elevated everyday.” LA style is polished but casual, the weather is mild year-round, and you should dress for the specific market you’re targeting.

Ready for Your Headshots?

Now that you know what to wear for headshots, let’s create images that get you noticed. Check out my current headshot packages or book your session online now. Questions about your looks? Call me directly at (213) 986-6886 and we’ll plan the perfect wardrobe together.