What to Wear for Headshots and Brand Photos
Woohoo! You booked your headshot or brand photography session!
Now you’re standing in front of your closet, wondering… What the heck do I wear?! We totally get it, and we’re here to help! Deciding what to wear for your upcoming photography session is one of the most common questions we get at Two Shots Photography, and for good reason! What you wear can make a big difference in how confident and polished you look, and feel, on camera.
We LOVE helping our amazing clients through this process. We’re happy to provide personalized guidance with every session so that you feel super confident.
Here is our go-to guide for what to wear to help you start planning your outfits!
Headshots vs. Brand Photos: What’s the Difference?
Before we dive into outfit tips, it helps to know what type of session you’re preparing for.
Headshots are usually simple and professional —think waist-up, a clean background, and one or two outfit changes. They’re perfect for LinkedIn, business websites, and professional directories.
Brand photography sessions, on the other hand, go beyond the basics. They tell the story of who you are and what you do. You might change locations, include props, or wear several outfits that represent different aspects of your business or personality.
No matter which you’re preparing for, your outfit should feel authentic to you while reflecting the impression you want to make.
Outfit Guidelines That Always Work
Whether your session is in the studio or on location, these simple rules never fail:
Choose solid colors over busy patterns. Patterns can distract the eye, while solids keep the focus on you.
Avoid logos or text, unless it’s your own brand name.
Aim for timeless over trendy. You’ll want your photos to look current for years.
Fit is everything. Tailored pieces look sharp, while baggy or tight clothing can add bulk on camera.
Bring a backup outfit. Even just one extra top or jacket gives you more variety in your gallery.
What to Wear for Headshots
Your headshot is often the first impression you make, so let’s make it count.
For Women:
Blouses or structured tops in soft, solid colors.
Blazers or cardigans to add polish and shape.
Avoid overly low necklines or spaghetti straps.
Subtle jewelry like stud earrings or a delicate necklace adds a touch of personality.
For Men:
Crisp button-downs or well-fitted polos.
Layer with a sport coat or sweater for depth.
Skip loud patterns; instead, choose rich, solid colors like navy, gray, or forest green.
Iron everything because wrinkles show up more than you’d expect!
Color Tips:
Rich, saturated colors like jewel tones (emerald, navy, plum) tend to photograph beautifully and flatter most skin tones. If you have fair skin, try soft neutrals like cream, light gray, or dusty blue instead of pure white; they’ll add gentle contrast without washing you out. And if you’re unsure, bring a couple of options! We’ll help you choose what looks best once we see you in the light.
What to Wear for Brand Photography
For brand sessions, your wardrobe should reflect your business and your personality. These photos tell a story, so variety is your friend.
Think about your brand’s vibe:
Creative or colorful brand: Try bold colors, textures, or layers that show energy and personality.
Wellness or lifestyle brand: Neutral, earthy tones, soft fabrics, and cozy textures create an approachable feel.
Corporate or professional brand: Stick with a cohesive palette of polished neutrals and structured pieces.
Pro tip: Plan for 2–3 outfit changes like a professional look, a casual/lifestyle look, and something that feels like “you.” This gives you content variety for your website and social media.
How to Coordinate with Your Brand Colors
Take a peek at your logo, website, or Instagram grid. Do you see any recurring colors? Let those guide your choices.
Pro tip: You don’t need to match your brand colors exactly, just harmonize!
For example:
If your brand palette includes navy and blush, wear a soft blue blouse with gold accessories.
If you lean toward neutral branding, a pop of color (like a scarf or blazer) can make your photos stand out while still fitting your aesthetic.
Before Your Session
With our brand photography clients, we’ll work with you to ensure your outfits are perfect and ready for the session.
A few final tips to make the day go smoothly:
Steam or iron everything the night before.
Pack a lint roller, accessories, and touch-up items in a tote.
Hang clothing to avoid wrinkles.
Most importantly, wear something that makes you feel confident. When you feel great, it shows in your photos!
Ready to Book Your Session?
Whether you’re updating your LinkedIn profile or building a full visual brand, we’ll help you create images that feel genuine, polished, and unmistakably you.
📸 Book your headshot or brand photography session with Two Shots Photography in Londonderry, NH today, and we’ll help you plan every detail, including what to wear! Click here to contact us today!