What to Wear for Headshots: A Photographer’s Guide

Short answer: wear solid, medium or deep colors that fit well, with a neckline that frames your face. Skip logos, busy patterns, shiny fabrics and anything you would keep adjusting.

I'm Alejandro Rizo, a headshot and portrait photographer in Minneapolis. After hundreds of sessions, the outfit is the one thing that changes a headshot the most and costs nothing to get right. Here is exactly what I tell clients before they come in.

The quick checklist

Solid colors in medium or deep tones.
Clothes that fit well right now, freshly steamed.
A neckline that frames your face.
Matte fabrics, no logos, no busy patterns.
Simple jewelry and the glasses you wear every day.
Two or three options on hangers, not folded in a bag.

Colors that work, and why

In a headshot your top is the biggest block of color in the frame, so it should support your face, not compete with it.

Best choices: navy, charcoal, deep green, burgundy, soft blues and warm neutrals. They flatter almost every skin tone and look good on light or dark backgrounds.
Be careful with bright white. It can lose detail and bounce light onto your face. Off-white or a white shirt under a jacket works better.
Black works on a light background, but on a dark one it can make your shoulders disappear. Ask your photographer which background you'll use.
Skip neon and very saturated colors. They reflect color onto your skin and pull attention away from your eyes.

Textured blazers in deep, even tones add interest without pulling focus from the face.

Fit and fabric

Fit beats brand. A well-fitting jacket from any store looks better than an expensive one that pulls at the buttons.
Structure helps. A blazer, cardigan or collared shirt gives your shoulders a clean line.
Matte over shiny. Satin and very shiny fabrics reflect light and show every wrinkle.
Steam it the night before and bring it on a hanger. Wrinkles are hard to fix in editing.

Necklines, glasses and jewelry

Necklines: V-necks and open collars lengthen the neck. Crew necks work best under a jacket. Avoid strapless tops, which can look like nothing is there in a tight crop.
Ties: solid or with a very small pattern, knotted neatly.
Glasses: wear them if you wear them every day, so people recognize you. Anti-glare lenses help a lot.
Jewelry: one or two simple pieces. Large or shiny items catch the light and the eye.

Dress for your industry

The right outfit is the one your clients expect to see when they meet you.

Corporate, finance and law: a jacket in navy or charcoal with a simple shirt.
Creative and tech: a well-fitting knit, a layered look or a clean t-shirt under a jacket.
Healthcare, trades and hospitality: your real work clothes, clean and pressed, can be the most honest choice.
Personal branding: bring two looks, one polished and one closer to how you work every day.

A darker, moodier portrait for a creative profile. The plain, dark top keeps every bit of attention on the face.

Hair, grooming and makeup

Get a haircut about a week before, not the day before.
Trim or shape your beard the morning of the session.
Use a little matte powder to control shine, and lip balm, especially in winter.
Keep makeup close to your everyday look, with a bit more definition than usual.

A Minnesota winter tip

Cold, dry months bring chapped lips, static hair and hat hair. Bring your outfit on a hanger instead of wearing it under a heavy coat, keep lip balm in your pocket, and give yourself ten minutes indoors to warm up before we start. Rosy cheeks from the cold fade quickly.

What to bring to your session

Two or three tops or jackets on hangers.
A lint roller and a small comb or brush.
Matte powder, lip balm and anything you use to touch up.
Your glasses, if you wear them, and a cloth to clean them.

How much do headshots cost in Minneapolis?

Studio headshots in the U.S. usually cost about $150–$600 per person, and on-site team sessions about $75–$200 per person, according to a Minneapolis headshot studio's pricing guide.

My Individual Headshot session is $225: 45 minutes, one backdrop in the studio or on location, posing and expression coaching, and 3 retouched images delivered in 2–3 business days, ready for LinkedIn and your website. For teams of 10 or more, I bring a simple studio to your office and photograph everyone in a morning, with a consistent look for the whole team. See portrait and headshot prices.

Frequently asked questions

Should I wear white for my headshot?

Bright white can lose detail and reflect light onto your face. Off-white, light blue or a white shirt under a jacket usually photograph better.

Is black a good color for headshots?

Black works well on a light background. On a dark background it can blend in, so ask your photographer which background you will use, or choose navy or charcoal instead.

Can I wear patterns in a headshot?

Small, subtle textures like tweed or a fine check are fine. Avoid bold stripes, large prints and tiny tight patterns, which can create a wavy effect on camera.

Should I wear glasses in my headshot?

Wear them if you wear them every day, so people recognize you. Anti-glare lenses help. A good photographer will adjust the light to avoid reflections.

How many outfits should I bring?

Bring two or three options. We usually photograph one or two of them, and having choices helps us pick what looks best with the background.

Do you photograph team headshots at offices in Minneapolis?

Yes. For teams of 10 or more I set up a simple studio at your office, about 10 minutes per person, with the same look for everyone.

Alejandro Rizo is a photographer and visual communication specialist in Minneapolis, covering weddings, events, sport and portraits across the Twin Cities, in English and Spanish. About me.