What to Wear for Your Headshot: A Guide for Women

Your headshot is your digital handshake with the world, and a great part of creating a headshot you are happy with will be chosing what you wear so you can feel confident and natural.

Here are some guidelines to make sure we keep the focus on your face, but have an all over polished result.

In general a clean, classic look will be timeless.

I would suggest that you try your outfit on a few days before and check it in natural light.

Remember, these are guidelines. You must feel 110% comfortable, adjust this to your job, and if you want to break the rules, I’m happy to talk!

A red jacket to stand out, but still creating a classic image.

✅ What to Wear

1. Stick to Solid Colours

Solid, flattering colours work best on camera. Patterns can be distracting or get warped by the lens, while solid tones keep the focus on your face.

Best choices:

Jewel tones (emerald, navy, plum)

Muted neutrals (soft grey, beige, cream)

Colours that make your eyes pop!

Avoid patterns—they can be distracting or create distortion on camera.

2. Watch Your Neckline & Cover Your Arms

Your neckline is important, as it subtly frames your face.

Flattering options:

V-neck or scoop neck – Elongates the neck and suits most body types

Crew neck – Timeless and professional

Button-up blouse – Ideal for a more corporate look

It’s all about balance, so avoid anything overly low-cut or too high.

Also: Please wear at least short sleeves, but preferably 3/4 or long sleeves.

Exposed arms or shoulders can look awkward in tightly cropped headshots and may distract from your face.

3. Check the Fit of Your Clothes

Clothing should fit just right and create some shape—not too tight or too loose.

Baggy shirts might seem attractive if you are not confident, but can look sloppy and actually make you look larger than you are

Tight clothes are not only uncomfortable and distracting, but could create noticable creases

4. Consider Layers

Structured pieces like blazers or jackets can add depth and professionalism. They also give us extra posing options, as we can do a less formal version with jacket off.

5. Keep Accessories Simple

If you wear accessories, think minimal and elegant. Accessories should add a personal touch without becoming the focus.

Stud earrings, a delicate necklace, or a simple watch can add a touch of personality without stealing the spotlight.

A scarf is a good way of adding a splash of colour, or again, giving us options to vary your look with a photo with and without.

Avoid large or flashy pieces that could pull attention away from your face.

6. Hair & Makeup Tips

Makeup:

Think enhanced natural. This means:

Light foundation

Soft blusher

Neutral eye makeup

A bit of brow definition and mascara

If you don’t usually wear makeup, a touch of powder and mascara can add definition without feeling overdone.

Avoid:

Glitter or shimmer products, these do not necessarily photograph well and glitter specks can look like black specks

SPF-heavy or dewy foundations (they can reflect flash)

Hair:

I think this should be however you feel best! It should be tidy and true to you.

❌ What to Avoid

Busy prints or logos – Stripes, florals, and patterns in general will distract from your face, and can even cause visual glitches in photos.

Wrinkled or faded clothing – This will show very much in a photo. Make sure your outfit is freshly ironed.

Any make-up with glitter or shine in – this will not necessarily photograph well.

Shiny or SPF-heavy foundations—they can reflect flash.

💼 Bring a Couple of Options

If you’re unsure—bring a few choices!

I’m happy to help you choose what works best once you arrive.

Sometimes what looks great in the mirror doesn’t quite work on camera (and vice versa!).

We can take a quick test shot and go from there.

I will show you your photos on screen as we go along so there are no surprises!

💌 Have Questions or Want to Book a Headshot?

Email me anytime at contact@janedelpozophotography.fr

What to Wear for Your Headshot: A Guide for Women