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The wardrobe that you choose will make all the difference in the world in how your face and features come across to the viewer.
Headshot How To
5 Headshot Wardrobe Tips for Success
Your choice of wardrobe can make or break a successful headshot. There are a lot of factors that go into the styles and colors that you choose. These tips will give you a guide to picking the perfect wardrobe for your headshot.
Solids aren't always the rule.
It goes without saying that solid colors are usually the best bet for your wardrobe for headshots, but this isn't always the case. A top with a flattering neckline and some color in the pattern or stripe that matches your hair or your eyes can make for a very successful headshot.
In these two shots the stripe and the flowers match the hair while the pattern's background flatters the skin tone. An unusual wardrobe tip but one that can work.
Pick your wardrobe for headshots to match your eye color.
Generally speaking if your top matches your eye color your headshot photo will draw the viewer's attention to your eyes. This is what you want first and foremost. They say the eyes are the window to the soul - well at least to the character inside of you!
In this shot our actor brought a top with nearly a perfect match to her eyes as part of a more extensive wardrobe selection. This shot was one of her favorites.
Choosing Necklines Based on Head Shape
Round Head Shape
If you have a round head shape, you want to create length and vertical lines. Opt for:
- V-necks or deep scoop necks
- Avoid crew necks or turtlenecks as they can make your face appear rounder.
Oval Head Shape
With an oval shape, you have more flexibility. Most necklines work, but consider:
- Boat necks or high necklines to add width
- Avoid deep necklines if your neck is long.
Square Head Shape
For square faces, the goal is to soften the angles:
- Scoop necks, round necks, or V-necks are ideal.
- Avoid sharp, high necklines like turtlenecks or structured collars.
Heart-Shaped Face
Balance a narrow chin with wider necklines:
Avoid plunging V-necks as they may overemphasize the chin.
Boat necks and scoop necks work well.
Combining Neck Length with Shoulder Shape and Head Shape
Creating a cohesive look for your headshot wardrobe involves balancing the features of your neck length, shoulder shape, and head shape. Here’s how you can tailor your wardrobe to achieve harmony:
Short Neck and Narrow Shoulders: Choose open necklines like scoop or V-neck to elongate the neck while adding width to the shoulders with details like cap sleeves or shoulder patterns.
Long Neck and Broad Shoulders: Choose higher necklines and layered tops to balance both. Avoid boat necks, which may further emphasize shoulder width.
Long Neck
If you have a long neck, your goal is to visually shorten the appearance of your neck and create balance. Here’s how:
Experiment with Patterns and Textures: Textured tops and patterns near the neckline can also create a sense of fullness around your neck, minimizing its length.
Opt for Higher Necklines: Choose necklines such as turtlenecks, mock necks, or crew necks. These necklines cover more of the neck area, making it appear shorter and drawing the focus upward.
Add Layers Around the Neckline: Consider wearing tops or dresses with collars, or layer with scarves, shawls, or necklaces that rest close to the base of your neck. This visually reduces the length of your neck.
Avoid Deep V-Necks: Deep V-necks and plunging necklines draw the eyes downward, accentuating the neck’s length. Instead, opt for shallow V-necks or boat necks.
Shorter Neck
For shorter necks, the aim for your headshot wardrobe is to create the illusion of a longer, more elongated neck. Here’s what works best:
Wear Vertical Stripes or Patterns: Vertical patterns, stripes, or seams help draw the eye up and down, lengthening the overall appearance of your neck.
Choose Open and Vertical Necklines: Necklines like V-necks, scoop necks, and sweetheart necklines draw the eye downward, creating vertical lines that give the illusion of length.
Avoid High Necklines: High necklines, such as turtlenecks, crew necks, or mock necks, can make the neck appear even shorter. Stick to lower necklines to keep the neck open and extended.
Opt for Longer Necklaces: Jewelry that falls below the collarbone, such as long chains or pendants, helps elongate the neck and upper body.
Shoulder Width
Shoulders work the opposite. To minimize width and balance proportions here is a good rule of thumb. The wider your shoulders, the wider the neckline of your top should be and vice versa. Choose tops with subtle patterns or dark colors. V-necks and longer necklines are flattering.
This wardrobe for headshots tip will help you to enhance and not exaggerate your shoulder width.
Final Headshot Wardrobe Tips for Enhancing Neck Length
Adjust Hair Length and Style: Hair that falls close to or covers the neck can also alter the perceived length. For longer necks, styles that cover the base of the neck work well, while shorter necks benefit from updos or styles that expose more neck area.
Posture Matters: For those with shorter necks, keeping a straight posture and slightly elongating the neck can enhance its length.
Casual, Business Casual or Formal?
This is a question we get more often than any other for headshot wardrobe tips. The answer just depends on your needs.
Business casual looks, with and without a sport coat, are more and more popular for business headshots these days. One key is finding a collar that sits well on your shoulders and does not flop into your neck.
For actors, a range of looks are the key and much depends on the types of roles you are pursuing and the type of character your specific look can pull off. Some actors are chameleons and can pull off many roles, while others meet a very specific genre. On our commercial productions, our wardrobe stylists often like talent to bring some items of their own to enhance and stay true to our actor's personalities. Find what you truly want to do, get some feedback from people you respect and then go for it!
Conclusion
Making sure your wardrobe is prepared before coming in for your shoot is of the utmost importance. In addition to well chosen clothes, be sure all of your items are pressed and wrinkle free. Pet hair and other dust should also be cleaned. While we do include some minor retouching, those items are not part of the package. They simply take too much time.
Choosing the best wardrobe for headshots isn’t just about looking good in the clothes. It’s about understanding your unique features and selecting outfits that balance and enhance them. Whether you have a long or short neck, the right neckline can transform your appearance and help you make a strong impression. Follow these tips, and you’ll be ready for your next headshot session with confidence!
