What To Wear For A Headshot | Tips for Enhancing Your Headshot

Are you getting ready for a headshot and unsure what to wear?

People often need to do better to dress right. They either overdo it or underdo it.

With our guidance, you will get the just-right look for your upcoming headshot.

In this article, I will teach you some tips and tricks we have tried and tested to create amazing headshots.

What To Wear For A Professional Headshot

Choosing what to wear for your headshot can be exciting and slightly overwhelming.

The key is to balance showcasing your personality while maintaining a polished, professional appearance.

Here are some tips to guide you in choosing the perfect outfit:

Wear Classic Colors And Solid Colors

You can choose classic colors like navy blue, charcoal, black, and white. These colors can never go wrong and are timeless choices.

You can also opt for solid colors, as they photograph well and are less distracting. 

Avoid Busy Patterns

Your personal style may contain floral prints, small checks, or pinstripes, it may not work well when it comes to a headshot photo session.

Avoid wearing very busy patterns as they might take command too much attention in your headshot.

They can create a moire effect in photos that are viewed online, in which they become blurry and unrecognizable. So, keep it simple for a clean and polished look.

Wear Clothing In Contrast To Your Skin Tone

It is well-known that your best headshots come out when your clothing, background, and skin tone are in contrast. 

So, if you have a lighter skin tone, go for something a little darker, and if you have a dark skin tone, go for something lighter.

This will ensure that your face pops out in the picture. As you can see in the picture above, the person has a light skin tone and is wearing a dark outfit which works well for the headshot.

Dress For Your Industry

Look out for the dress code of your industry; for example, in a corporate environment, opt for a business professional look with a suit or a tailored dress. 

If you are working in a start-up company or something less corporate, a little casual clothing can work. But remember, you want to make sure you look polished.

Creative industries may allow for more individuality, but it’s essential to find a balance that aligns with your professional image.

Wear Well-Fitting Clothes

Wear clothes that fit you well. Ill-fitted clothes make you look unprofessional and, well, just not ready for work.

Don’t forget to iron your clothes.

More often than not, you will only see the upper half of your torso in a headshot. So make sure when you’re getting your headshot taken, you’re wearing a well-fitting top.

Watch Out For Your Neckline

Avoid deep necks, something equally revealing, or even high necks that can be distracting.

V-necks and scoop necklines are often safe and elegant choices.

You want to make sure that your headshot puts emphasis on you and provides a professional image.

Additional Consideration

Wearing Jewelleries For Headshot

If you will be wearing jewelry for your headshot, keep it minimal, simple, and tasteful.

Subtle is the way to go. Don’t wear anything big or flashy.

The image above on the right is a perfect example of appropriate jewelry for a headshot.

Whereas, the image on the left is an example of a headshot where the jewelry is a little overbearing.

Wearing glasses For A Business Headshot Photo

If you are wearing glasses, make sure they have minimal or no reflective coating. 

Avoid something like the image above on the left. The glasses are extremely reflective and you don’t see the person’s eyes.

The image on the right is a great example of how you want your headshot to look with glasses.

Make sure your glasses are clean and neat, with no spots or dirt on them.

Grooming Matters

Your headshot is not just about the clothes; grooming plays a crucial role. 

The headshot above is a great example of someone with good grooming for a headshot. They have a nice and clean haircut and a well-groomed beard that gives a professional look.

Ensure your hair is neat, natural, and shiny. 

Do not make buns or ponytails. Keep your hair styled as you usually do. 

Pay attention to small details, like clean, trimmed nails.

You can also hire a professional makeup artist.

Bring Options

Bring a few outfit options to your professional headshot session. 

This allows you and the photographer to choose the best look that complements the background and lighting. 

It’s always good to have alternatives on hand.

Background

Try to keep your background plain so that the focus remains on you. The background should not be hazy or overwhelming. It can be distracting.

In the images above, the one on the right has a plain background and keeps the focus on the person in the picture.

Whereas, in the picture on the left, the background is distracting.

Benefits Of Professional Headshots

No matter what profession you are in, having a good headshot is important and has many benefits.

Especially if you have an online business, having a good headshot is crucial for your professional image.

The following are the benefits of business headshots.

A strong first impression

Your headshot is the first impression you make on your connections. A professionally taken headshot shows your confidence and personality. 

It shows how serious you are about your business and how approachable you are.

Trust and Credibility building

Let’s be honest, you trust a person’s face more than just their name.

A good headshot gives a face to a name and helps in building trust and credibility by doing so.

For example, adding a headshot to a resume can help humanize it and make a lasting impression on the person reviewing your resume.

If you need any help with your resume, check one of our favorite Resume builders, Rezi AI:

Personal Branding

Your headshot is an essential element of your personal brand. It is an opportunity to showcase your personality, style, and approachability. 

A well-crafted headshot can convey your brand message effectively, making you more memorable in the minds of those who come across it.

Enhances your online presence

Your headshot is the picture of you that you often use on your website, social media, and other online places. 

A good headshot can leave a positive impression on people who visit your online spaces and help you build a strong presence on the internet.

Boosts your confidence

A professional photo shoot can make you look and feel good. When you feel good about yourself, it boosts your confidence.

Using AI For Headshots

In today’s technology-driven world, the latest technology is AI (artificial intelligence), which is taking the world by storm and is making significant strides in various industries.

Professional photography is another field that hasn’t remained untouched by it. 

These days, people are opting for AI headshots rather than professional photographers.

You can use AI headshot generators to create professional-looking headshots from the comfort of your home.

If you are looking for an AI headshot generator, check out Aragon AI:

You should also checkout our review of Dezgo if you’re looking for a tool to further edit your images.

Benefits of using AI headshots

There are several benefits to using AI headshots. Some of them are given below.

Affordability

Professional photographers are great but often charge a hefty amount for their service, whereas AI headshots are much more budget-friendly.

Convenience

It is as convenient as sitting at home. Literally!

You can take an AI headshot from anywhere, as long as you have an internet connection.

You don’t have to worry much about your headshot outfits or what to wear for headshots.

Time efficiency for faster delivery

AIs do the job within hours. You don’t have to wait for a day or two, like with professional photographers.

Effortless editing

One knows the amount of work and time it takes to do the manual editing to get a polished look. AI tools do that with ease and precision.

Things To Be Careful About While Using AI Headshots

Challenges in Achieving Realism

AI headshots, while powerful, may not always deliver flawless results. 

Occasionally, they can generate unrealistic outcomes, such as overly smooth skin or enlarged eyes. 

In some instances, the AI might even introduce entirely new features, like additional fingers or teeth.

Limited Influence Over the Final Output

Compared to traditional headshots, where you have significant control, AI headshots grant less influence over the final product. 

The AI’s decisions about your appearance are rooted in the data it has been trained on, making it challenging to achieve your precise desired look.

Concerns Regarding Privacy

The privacy implications of AI headshots can be a worry for some individuals. 

As the AI analyzes facial features to create a digital representation, there’s a potential risk of this data being used to identify or track individuals, raising valid privacy concerns.

Potential for Bias

AI headshots can exhibit biases since they are trained on data collected from real individuals. 

This means the AI might be inclined to produce headshots that mirror the biases present in its training data. 

For instance, it might more frequently generate headshots of individuals who are white, male, and thin.

Limitations in Capturing Personality

One of the notable limitations of AI headshots is their inability to fully capture the diverse range of human emotions and personalities. 

Restricted to analyzing facial features, AI lacks access to critical information such as body language, tone of voice, and facial expressions.

Tips for Navigating Challenges:

Start with a High-Quality Image

The foundation of a quality AI headshot lies in the source image. Ensure it is well-lit, focused, and features a neutral background for optimal results.

Choose a Reputable AI Headshot Generator

With numerous AI headshot generators available, thorough research is essential. Opt for a generator with a solid reputation for consistently delivering high-quality and unbiased results.

Preview Your Headshot Thoughtfully

After generating your AI headshot, take the time to carefully preview it. 

Ensure it aligns with your expectations, and if not, don’t hesitate to experiment with different settings or generate a new headshot.

Practice Responsible Use of AI Headshots

While AI headshots offer a convenient way to create professional-looking images, it’s crucial to use them responsibly. 

Be mindful of the technology’s limitations and approach it with an awareness of its potential impact on privacy and bias.

Conclusion

Headshots are an essential part of your personal brand. Headshots are useful for various purposes, be they job applications, marketing materials, social media profiles, or networking events.

By following the instructions given above, you will get a headshot that will reach a larger audience. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What should I wear for a casual headshot?

For a casual headshot, you could go for something that you wear on a daily basis in your day-to-day life. You can go for more casual clothing, but make sure to keep your clothes tidy and clean.

What do I wear to a headshot?

You can wear a suit jacket with colors ranging from navy blue to charcoal, and classic black is the best. You can wear a simple tie and avoid bold-colored or heavy-patterned ties.

What are appropriate corporate headshots?

Appropriate corporate headshots are the ones that represent you and your profession.

Should you smile in your headshot?

Yes, it makes you look more approachable, and you are likely to get a higher rating compared to your competitors with neutral or no expressions at all.