What colours to wear in your headshot and branding session.

What colours to wear in your headshot and branding session

Most people struggle with what to wear to their professional headshot session. After all, it is an investment and we all want to portray ourselves at our very best.

So what colours should you wear? 

There are so many things for us to consider, so I can’t give you a quick answer (sorry!). Let’s instead look at what works from a general point of view, and then we can dive into more specifics.

General Advice On Colours:

Block colours and tone photograph well. They are safest and the least distracting (rather than bold or fine patterns). 

Neutrals (white, black and grey) will always photograph well, but depend on your skintone and the background behind you. If you simply bring a variation in netural tones, you will be fine.

Don’t shy away from colour either though – just make sure it’s reflective of ‘you’. If you are prone to wearing hot pink, bright reds, and purples, go ahead and be your fabulous self! If you never wear pink, now isn’t the time to try something new (well, you can, but bring another option with you). 

Summary: Wear the colours that you usually wear. Consider the colours that other people compliment you in. 

Diving Deeper: Industry Specifics & Personal Brands

Whilst above I say that you should wear colours that reflect who you are (and what you love to wear), sometimes we have a bit of a work personality (or we just confine ourselves to what is industry appropriate – which is fine!). 

You need to consider the industry standard in your field, and work towards what ties into that. If you’re unsure, a quick look at other industry professionals in your field is a good place to start. Do a LinkedIn search and find the people who have great headshots. 

Legal, Finance, Accounting & Business:

Most of these industries generally work well with a neutral blazer. Pair it with a pop of colour if you wish. If you are in a firm, you may have a dress requirement. However if you are freelance, bring some personality into your images and wear a colour that you love.

Government:

Keep it simple and go for neutral tones, navy and blues.

IT, Technology & Sales:

With a border between casual and professional, these industries have a little more freedom. Opt for block tones rather than patterns. Consider your clients and their expectation of you. 

Marketing, Design, Architecture:

Bring your own style into your images. Wear colours that compliment your design aesthetic and reflect what you do. 

Science & Engineering:

A mix of casual-professional, most in this field stick to the more neutral tones and nothing too bold.

Creative Arts, Performers, Authors and Musicians:

Dress in colours that speak to your personality, your own style, and your field. Consider wearing what you might wear if you were performing or at an event, and wear the colours that compliment your skintone and eye colour. 

HR, Human Services, Psychology and Healthcare:

Warmer tones, greens, blues and yellows create a sense of comfort, trust and warmth. Your fields are people-focused and you want to ensure you don’t look intimidating or unapproachable. 

Construction & Trade:

There are all levels of construction – from those practising the trade to those in upper management and on company boards. If you’re a tradie, wear what you’d wear on the job (make sure it’s clean), or wear a branded tshirt. If you’re in management, opt for a business professional look in neutral tones or blue.