What to Wear to a Headshot Session in 2027
Direct Answer
For a 2027 headshot session, wear solid, medium-toned clothing in fabrics that resist wrinkles, like a cotton-linen blend or a structured knit, with a clean neckline and minimal patterns. The camera reads texture and color more than you think, so avoid high-contrast stripes, busy prints, or anything that draws the eye away from your face. Stick to a palette of navy, charcoal, olive, or cream for a timeless, professional look that works across digital and print formats.
What to Wear
The core of any headshot outfit is a solid-color top with a simple silhouette—think a crewneck sweater, a button-down shirt, or a blazer over a plain tee. For women, a scoop-neck or V-neck top in a matte fabric like cotton or viscose flatters most face shapes and avoids glare. For men, a well-fitted Oxford cloth button-down in a light blue or white from Brooks Brothers or J.Crew is a classic choice. Everlane offers excellent heavyweight cotton tees in muted tones like heather gray and dusty rose that photograph as neutral. Banana Republic makes blazers in stretch wool that sit cleanly on the shoulders without bunching. For shoes, Cole Haan leather loafers or Allbirds wool runners work if your full body is in frame, but most headshots crop above the waist, so focus on the top half. Accessories should be minimal: a thin leather belt from Mango or a simple metal necklace from Mejuri adds polish without distraction. The palette should stay within three hues—for example, a cream sweater, navy blazer, and olive trousers—to keep the image cohesive.
For Men
Masculine-presenting women — these looks work for you too.
The key for men is fit and fabric: avoid anything too tight or too loose, and choose solid colors or subtle textures like herringbone or micro-check that add depth without pattern noise.
For Women
Feminine-presenting men — these looks work for you too.
Women should prioritize a clean neckline and matte fabrics—avoid shiny silks or high-contrast collars that can create harsh shadows or glare under studio lights.
How to Adapt by Age
In your 20s, lean into texture and tone—a heather gray tee or a dusty rose bodysuit feels current and approachable. By your 40s, shift toward structured separates like a blazer and chino or a fine-gauge top with a jacket to convey authority without stiffness. For your 60s, choose luxury fabrics like cashmere, silk, or fine-gauge knits in neutral palettes—cream, navy, gray—that signal experience and calm. The cut should become more tailored with age, avoiding anything oversized or overly casual.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Wearing busy patterns like houndstooth, pinstripes, or floral prints that create moiré effects on camera.
- Choosing white or black tops—white blows out highlights, black swallows detail; opt for off-white, navy, or charcoal instead.
- Skipping the collar check—a popped collar or twisted lapel looks sloppy; press your shirt and blazer before the session.
- Over-accessorizing—chunky necklaces, dangling earrings, or multiple rings distract from your face.
- Forgetting the neckline—a crewneck that sits too high can shorten the neck; a V-neck or scoop neck is more flattering for most.
FAQ
What color should I avoid for a headshot? Avoid pure white and pure black. White creates a blown-out halo effect, while black can make your face look washed out. Stick to navy, charcoal, olive, cream, or heather gray as safer alternatives.
Can I wear a dress for a headshot? Yes, but choose a solid-color dress with a defined neckline and no pattern. A sheath dress in a matte fabric like cotton or viscose from Ann Taylor or M.M.LaFleur works well. Avoid sleeveless if you have visible arm tattoos you want to keep or hide.
Should I wear makeup for a headshot? Light, natural makeup is recommended to even out skin tone and reduce shine. Use a matte foundation and powder to control glare. Avoid heavy contour or shimmer—it can look harsh under studio lights.
What about glasses? If you wear glasses daily, wear them in the headshot. Choose anti-reflective lenses to reduce glare. Avoid transition lenses that darken in light—they’ll make your eyes look shaded.
How do I prepare my outfit the night before? Lay out your entire outfit, including shoes and accessories, and steam or iron all pieces. Try it on in front of a mirror to check for wrinkles, loose threads, or lint. Pack a backup top in a neutral color.
Bottom Line
A successful headshot outfit in 2027 is simple, solid, and well-fitted—it should make your face the star, not your clothes. Invest in quality fabrics like cotton, linen, or wool that photograph cleanly, and stick to a three-color palette for a cohesive look. Whether you’re in your 20s or 60s, the goal is confidence without distraction.
*Published June 2027 · Updated June 2027*