What Is The Best Color to wear for headshots?

Chances are, people will find you online before they get to meet you in person. The images you have on your website and socials are going to be what make that first and unforgettable impression. These are going to be employers, potential clients, and your colleagues. It is essential to make sure that that first impression is a great one. You can do that by making sure you pick the right colors to wear in your professional headshot. In this post we’ll talk about what colors are best, avoiding colors too close to your skin tone as well as patterns to stay away from.

The Best Colors To Make You Stand Out.

Classic Blues. You can’t go wrong with blue. It exudes professionalism, trustworthiness goes with almost anything and most likely, unless you’re a Smurf, won’t get too close to your skin tone. The darker navy tones are great for a more serious look while the lighter blues can be a more relaxed approach.

Greens. Deeper greens like forest or emerald green complement a variety of skin tones and can evoke feelings of balance and growth. This is a great color to consider if you’re in the health, sustainability, or nature industries.

Grey. Greys are a timeless color for photography. They show a polished and refined look. If you want a more sophisticated, neutral look, grey is a great option.

Blacks. Black is a classic choice for a headshot or portrait wardrobe. It can show power or authority. Be careful not to overdo it as an all-black outfit might be too much. A nice classic look is to use a black jacket or blazer to add as a layer.

White. White is another great timeless color option. It can show purity, simplicity, and cleanliness. You can use white to pair with other complimentary colors to avoid looking too sterile.

Avoid Colors Too Close To Your Skin Tone.

Wearing colors that are too close to your skin tone can start to make you look washed out in your portraits or your headshots. If you have fair light skin, stay away from being or pink colors. If you have much darker skin colors stay away from browns and colors that make you blend in.

Patterns and Colors to Avoid

Busy Patterns. Busy patterns are fun to wear to the club on a night out. In your headshot, they distract from your face and your expression. They also can date a photograph. Keep that Stussy sweatshirt from 1985 in your closet.

Extreme Colors. Anything that gets close to neon is a no-go in the portrait/headshot world. Those colors do not convey professionalism and should be avoided.

Logos and Graphics. Again, we want to stay away from elements that will date your photos. These images can be and are evergreen content for your marketing. So if you have a club patch, or a logo on there it can date the image and make it harder to use years down the road.

Choosing the right colors in your professional headshot is a crucial step in showing professionalism, authority or leadership. Consider the role and the industry that your are in, or are looking to become a part of. Choose colors that align with those positions. Now, when you come in to my studio for your headshot session. Bring a lot of options. Bring in what you feel amazing in! Make sure that what you have fits properly and is ironed or pressed at least the day before. For more information or to book a session with me, reach out below and let’s have a chat!