The short answer: wear solid, well-fitted clothing in mid-to-deep jewel tones (navy, burgundy, emerald, charcoal, or plum). Keep necklines and accessories simple, bring 2–3 outfit options, and make sure everything is steamed and lint-free. Avoid loud patterns, logos, neon, and anything baggy or too tight. Below is exactly how to choose for professional, LinkedIn, and actor headshots, including by skin tone, glasses, and industry.
What should you wear for a headshot?
The single rule behind every tip on this page: your clothing should support your face, not compete with it. A headshot is about your eyes and expression. The camera naturally pulls attention to the brightest, busiest, highest-contrast area of the frame, so your job is to make sure that area is your face, not a striped shirt or a chunky necklace.
In practice that means four things: solid colors, a flattering and well-fitted cut, simple necklines, and a color that contrasts with the backdrop. A structured layer like a blazer or jacket adds shape and reads as polished. In our LA studio sessions, the looks that consistently photograph best are a solid jewel-tone top under a structured blazer, and the most common regret we hear afterward is “I thought that patterned shirt would be fine.” When in doubt, simpler wins.
What are the best colors for headshots?
Solid, mid-to-deep jewel tones photograph richest and flatter the widest range of skin tones. They hold color under studio lighting without washing out, and they contrast cleanly against the neutral gray or white backdrops most studios use.
| Color | Why it works | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Navy | Universally flattering, reads competent and trustworthy | Everyone, the safest pick |
| Burgundy | Warm and approachable without being loud | Commercial actors, warm undertones |
| Emerald | Vivid and modern, makes eyes pop | Creatives, cool undertones |
| Charcoal | Sleek, neutral, quietly executive | Finance, legal, leadership |
| Plum | Distinctive but soft | Personal brands, creative roles |
| Crisp white | Clean and classic (only if it contrasts the backdrop) | Corporate, LinkedIn |
One adjustment to remember: match to your backdrop, not against yourself. Do not wear white on a white background or black on a dark one, or you will blend in. Beyond that, the biggest factor is your skin tone, which we cover next.
How do you choose colors for your skin tone?
Your undertone matters more than your favorite color. A quick test: look at the veins on your inner wrist. Bluish or purple veins usually mean a cool undertone, greenish veins usually mean a warm one, and if you genuinely cannot tell, you are probably neutral. Healthline has a fuller guide if you want to confirm.
- Cool undertones glow in true jewel tones: sapphire and navy, emerald, amethyst or plum, and deep berry.
- Warm undertones come alive in earthier shades: olive, rust or burnt orange, warm burgundy, and rich brown.
- Neutral undertones have the most freedom: navy, teal, soft gray, and dusty rose all work.
Whatever your undertone, keep contrast in mind. Light clothing on a light background blends in, dark on dark disappears, and dark on light (or light on dark) keeps you clearly defined.
What should you NOT wear for a headshot?
These are the choices that quietly ruin otherwise good photos:
- Busy patterns and tight stripes: they pull focus and can create a shimmering moiré effect on camera.
- Large logos, slogans, or graphics: they date the photo and distract from your face.
- Neon or very bright colors: they reflect color onto your skin and can make you look unwell.
- Pure white or pure black with no contrast: you either blow out or vanish into the backdrop.
- Baggy or too-tight clothing: both photograph badly. You want clean, intentional lines.
- Statement jewelry: big earrings or necklaces compete with your eyes.
- Anything wrinkled: nothing reads as unprofessional faster than a creased collar.
What about glasses, jewelry, and accessories?
If you wear glasses every day, wear them in your headshot so the photo looks like you. LinkedIn’s own advice is that your picture should reflect how you actually look day to day. Two things help with reflections: anti-glare lenses, or, if you have a spare frame, an empty pair from your optician removes glare entirely. Keep frames clean and sitting straight.
For jewelry, small and simple wins: stud earrings, a thin chain, a classic watch. Anything that catches the light or moves becomes a distraction. A good rule: if an accessory is the first thing you notice in the mirror, it will be the first thing the camera notices too.
How should your clothes fit?
Fit matters more than brand. Aim for fitted, not tight: clothing that follows your shape without pulling at the buttons or gaping at the neckline. Sleeves should reach the wrist, shoulders should sit where your shoulders actually are, and collars should lie flat.
A good photographer will help here. Clipping fabric at the back of a shirt or jacket to create a clean line on camera is a normal part of a directed session, and it is something we do in nearly every shoot. The closer your clothes fit before that, the better the result.
Does the neckline matter for headshots?
Yes. Because a headshot is cropped close, the neckline is often the only clothing detail that shows. Simple, flattering necklines keep the focus on your face: a crew or boat neck, a classic collar, a modest V, or a tailored lapel. Very low necklines can read as too informal, and very high or busy ones can shorten the neck on camera. If you are unsure, a structured collar or a blazer lapel is the safe, universally flattering choice.
What to wear for corporate and LinkedIn headshots?
For professional and LinkedIn photos, dress one notch sharper than your everyday work attire, then match the norm of your industry. A solid top or collared shirt with a tailored blazer is the reliable formula. LinkedIn’s profile photo tips say the same thing in two lines: solid colors do best on camera, and your photo should reflect how you actually look day to day.
- Finance, law, consulting: more conservative. Charcoal, navy, white, structured tailoring.
- Tech, startups, creative agencies: smart-casual. A solid knit, henley, or open-collar shirt, blazer optional, usually no tie.
- Personal brand and founders: dress for the role you want to be seen in. Consistency with the rest of your brand matters more than formality.
The underlying question for LinkedIn is simple: would you be comfortable meeting an important client looking exactly like this? If yes, you are dressed right. For a deeper breakdown, see our corporate and LinkedIn wardrobe guide.
What to wear for actor headshots?
Actor headshots play by different rules, because the goal is different. You are not signaling “professional,” you are signaling the kinds of roles you can book.
- Commercial headshots lean bright, friendly, and approachable: the relatable neighbor, the upbeat professional. Think clean colors and an open, warm vibe.
- Theatrical headshots lean deeper and more grounded: richer tones, a bit more edge or character, supporting the dramatic roles you submit for.
The constants still apply: solid colors, simple, well-fitted. Wear pieces that suggest a type rather than costume it. A henley hints at the everyman, a sharp collar hints at the lawyer, but never dress up in a literal uniform. Industry outlets like Backstage give the same advice. Your face and range are the subject, the clothes just frame the type. See our actor wardrobe guide for theatrical-versus-commercial specifics.
Does what you wear change by industry?
Yes. Here is the quick map:
- Finance / Legal: charcoal, navy, white; conservative tailoring; tie optional but traditional.
- Tech / Startup: solid knits, open collars, a blazer to add structure; relaxed but intentional.
- Creative / Marketing: more room for color, texture, and personality; show some taste.
- Healthcare: clean and approachable; a coat or scrubs if the photo is role-specific.
- Real estate / Personal brand: polished and warm; subtle brand colors are fine, loud branding is not.
Do the rules differ for men and women?
The fundamentals are the same for everyone: solid jewel tones, clean fit, simple necklines. A few practical differences:
- For men, fit at the shoulder and collar does most of the work. A well-fitted solid shirt, with or without a blazer, photographs better than an expensive but loose one. Keep facial hair tidy and intentional.
- For women, necklines and sleeve length give more range, so use them to frame the face. Simple jewelry and natural makeup that matches your daily look keep the focus where it belongs.
Either way, the camera rewards intention over formality.
What about seasonal and weather considerations?
Studio lighting is consistent year-round, so you can wear any season’s colors in any month. Two practical notes for Los Angeles: if you are coming from outside in summer, bring your top on a hanger and change at the studio to avoid sweat marks and wrinkles; and avoid a fresh, noticeable tan line or sunburn, which is hard to retouch naturally and dates the photo.
How many outfits should you bring?
Bring 2–3 looks so you leave with usable variety:
- A safe, professional option (navy or charcoal, blazer).
- One with a bit of color or personality (emerald, burgundy, plum).
- A layering swap. Adding or removing a jacket instantly gives you a second feel.
Bring them on hangers, steamed and ready. More good options means more final images you will actually want to use, which is exactly why multi-look sessions exist.
How should you prepare the day before and day of?
- Steam or iron everything the night before and try each piece on to check fit.
- Time grooming right: a haircut or color is best 1–2 weeks before, not the day of, so it looks settled rather than brand-new.
- Keep makeup natural and true to how you normally look. The goal is you on a good day.
- Bring backups: an extra top and a lint roller save sessions.
- Rest and hydrate. Skin and eyes photograph better when you are not running on empty.
Quick checklist
Do: solid jewel tones · fitted, tailored cuts · simple necklines · a blazer or layer · 2–3 steamed options · minimal accessories · glasses you actually wear. Avoid: busy patterns · logos and text · neon · white-on-white or black-on-black · baggy or tight fits · big jewelry · wrinkles.
Want a headshot that looks like the best version of you?
See packages and book a session at Headshot Buro: directed, real photography for LA professionals and actors, with wardrobe guidance built into every session. Backed by Match Production: 12+ years, 8,000+ headshots delivered, and a 5.0 average rating.
Frequently asked questions
What color is best for headshots? Solid mid-to-deep jewel tones: navy, burgundy, emerald, charcoal, plum. They flatter most skin tones and contrast cleanly with standard backdrops. Choose one that contrasts with your background.
What colors should you wear for your skin tone? Cool undertones suit navy, emerald, and plum; warm undertones suit burgundy, rust, and olive; neutral undertones can wear almost anything. Check your wrist veins: bluish means cool, greenish means warm.
Should you wear white for a headshot? A crisp white shirt works well for corporate looks, but only if it contrasts with the backdrop. Avoid white-on-white, which washes the photo out.
What should you not wear for headshots? Skip busy patterns and stripes, large logos, neon or very bright colors, anything baggy or too tight, statement jewelry, and wrinkled clothing.
What should you wear for a LinkedIn headshot? Dress one notch sharper than your daily work attire: a solid top or collared shirt, ideally with a blazer. Match your industry: conservative for finance and law, smart-casual for tech.
How many outfits should I bring to a headshot session? Bring 2–3 looks: one safe and professional, one with color or personality, and a layering option. Steam them and bring them on hangers.
