What you wear decides what people notice in your headshot. Here is what works for each industry, what to avoid, and how to get ready.
Dress for your industry
The right outfit for a corporate lawyer is not the right one for a Brooklyn graphic designer or an actor. Your headshot should say you belong in the field you want.
- Corporate professionals. Finance, law, real estate and executive roles in Manhattan call for a traditional, tailored look that reads as trustworthy and polished.
- Creative industries. Marketing, tech startups, advertising and design allow something more contemporary and expressive. Show some personal flair, but nothing distracting.
- Actors. You need range. Your clothes should support the character and leave your face and expression as the focus. Avoid anything that boxes you into one type unless you are going for a specific role.
- Models. The headshot shows your features, bone structure and adaptability. Keep clothes clean, simple and flattering.
Look at headshots of working people in your target industry in New York. What are they wearing?
Core style principles
These apply whatever your industry.
Fit
Fit matters most. Clothes that are too baggy or too tight hurt your image.
- Tailored. Garments should skim your body without pulling or creasing. A well-tailored blazer or a fitted blouse makes a big difference.
- Comfortable. You still need to move and sit. You want to look relaxed, not stiff.
Color
- Neutrals and jewel tones. Charcoal gray, navy, black, cream and white are safe. Jewel tones such as emerald green, sapphire blue or burgundy add a pop of color.
- Your skin tone. Choose colors that suit your skin and bring out your eyes. If you are unsure, hold different fabrics up to your face in natural light.
- Avoid fluorescent and overly bright colors, and busy patterns that distract from your face or cause moiré on camera.
Texture
Texture adds interest without a busy pattern. Fine-gauge knits, subtle herringbone, crisp cotton, smooth silk and tweed all photograph well. Avoid chunky knits and highly reflective fabrics that catch the light oddly.
Layers
Layers let you change looks fast during a session. A blazer, cardigan or vest changes an outfit at once. A crisp white shirt under a blazer, or a plain top under a cardigan, is an easy switch that saves time and gives your set more range.
Outfit ideas
Business professional
For executives, financial and legal professionals and anyone aiming at a high-stakes corporate job in the city.
- Men: A well-fitted suit jacket in navy, charcoal gray or black, a crisp dress shirt in white or light blue, and a tie. For slightly less formal, a sport coat or blazer with a button-down shirt, open collar.
- Women: A tailored blazer or suit jacket in a classic color over a professional blouse or shell top. A pencil skirt or tailored trousers work, though the photo shows your upper body. Keep necklines modest.
- Details: Tailoring matters. Press the shirt and make sure the jacket has no wrinkles.
Business casual
For tech, marketing, creative agencies, startups and many jobs in Brooklyn and downtown Manhattan.
- Men: A blazer or sport coat over a fitted polo, a fine-gauge sweater or a collared shirt (button-down or chambray). Dark-wash, well-fitting jeans or chinos can work, depending on the industry.
- Women: A blazer, cardigan or sweater over a well-fitting blouse or good knit top, with dark tailored trousers or a skirt.
- Details: You have more room for personality here. Fabrics can be more relaxed, such as merino wool or quality cotton blends.
Creative and actor looks
- Actors, the basic look. A simple solid t-shirt, crew neck or V-neck, in black, white, gray or a deep jewel tone. It puts the focus on your face and expression.
- Actors, character-specific. If you are going for a type (the edgy detective, the warm mom, the quirky best friend), bring an outfit that hints at it without being a costume. A leather jacket for edgy, a soft cardigan for warm, an unusual accessory for quirky.
- Actors, variety. Bring 2 to 3 distinct looks.
- Artists, designers and writers. Show your own brand. That could be a distinctive jacket, a minimalist piece of jewelry or interesting eyewear. Pick well-fitting pieces in interesting textures or cuts.
- Details: Avoid anything trendy that will date the headshot quickly.
Accessories and grooming
Accessories
- Jewelry. Keep it simple: small studs, a delicate necklace or a classic watch. Skip large, flashy or noisy pieces.
- Glasses. If you wear them daily, bring a clean pair with glare-free lenses. Some people shoot with and without.
Hair
- Cut early. Get a haircut or trim a week or two before the shoot so it settles.
- Everyday style. Do your hair as you would for an important meeting or audition. Avoid drastic changes right before.
- Flyaways. A light hairspray or product tames them.
Makeup
- Natural. Enhance your features and even out your skin tone. Do not go for a heavy "going out" look.
- Base. Foundation or concealer for blemishes and dark circles.
- Eyes and lips. A nude or light pink lip, a touch of mascara and subtle eyeliner if you like.
- Shine. Bring powder, especially for studio lights.
- Men. A clean shave or a groomed beard or stubble. A little moisturizer, lip balm and anti-shine powder if you get shiny.
What to avoid
- Busy patterns and logos. They pull attention from your face and can look odd on camera.
- Wrinkled or stained clothes. Steam or iron everything.
- Ill-fitting clothes. Too baggy looks sloppy. Too tight looks uncomfortable.
- Over-the-top makeup or hair. Your headshot should look like you, not a passing trend.
- Lots of jewelry. It pulls focus.
- Fluorescent or stark white clothing. It can reflect light harshly or blow out on camera. Choose off-white or cream.
- Outdated styles. Wear something current for a New York workplace.
How we help you prepare
At Dante's Models, an NYC photography studio and modeling agency, we guide you through the whole process, not only the pictures. Our stylists help you pick wardrobe for your headshot session based on your industry, your personal brand and what you want the photo to say. They help with colors that suit your skin and make sure every garment is fitted and pressed, whether your work is in Midtown offices or Brooklyn studios.
To book a headshot session, visit dantet9.com.
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Photo by Jeff Denlea on Pexels
