Ensure your headshots convey the right character by selecting wardrobe pieces that align with your type. Simplicity is key—your outfit should enhance, not distract.

General Wardrobe Tips

• Study characters similar to your type in TV, film, and commercials. Invest in staple pieces that suit these roles.

• Clothes should be wrinkle-free, stain-free, and well-fitted. Dress attire should be dry-cleaned.

• Keep accessories minimal—small earrings, necklaces, or bracelets can enhance but should not distract.

• Vary necklines and shirt styles for a dynamic wardrobe. Avoid overly bright colors and flat textures.

• Stick to small patterns like polka dots or plaid; avoid large logos and excessive patterns.

• Hats are generally not recommended unless for a specific character type.

• While pants and shoes aren’t photographed, wear dark denim and comfortable footwear.

• Women should bring various bra options to match different shirt styles.

• Have at least three shirt options per look.

Character-Specific Wardrobe Recommendations

Here is a general list of some of the common character types that are in demand. Take a look below to help get an idea of how your wardrobe should convey your character.

1. Person Next Door

• Friend/Sidekick: Plain clothing with layers, like a T-shirt or polo shirt, with a denim jacket. Stick to neutrals colors like grey, navy blue, olive green, burgundy or jewel tones. Avoid pastels as pastels tend to wash skin tones out.

• Love Interest: Feminine: Soft blouses or dresses in jewel, or earth tones with elegant necklines. Masculine: Fitted t-shirts or polos, button up shirt (that is not white) or fitted sweaters in warm colors; relaxed blazers you would wear on a date.

• Jock: Letterman jacket with a fitted T-shirt or hoodie.

• Hipster: Funky, artistic elements with accessories (not too distracting). Earth tones or jewel tones work best.

• Gamer: Graphic T-shirt with a plaid overshirt or fitted zip-up hoodie.

• Loveable Loser: Nerdy version of the friend/sidekick. Expression is key.

• Fashionista: Trendy, fashionable clothing with on-trend (but not distracting) accessories.

• Boho: Loose, flowy, patterned clothing. Bohemian-style accessories.

2. Edgy

• Hero/Heroine: Dark t-shirt or henley tops with a leather jacket or any kind of dark, gritty hip jacket works well. Subtle smirk.

• Anti-Hero: This look is no different than the Hero, but what sells this look is the expression, you want to be a little more intense look.

• Urban/Gangster: Plaid shirts, layered with a white tank, or hip-hop-inspired pieces.

• Biker: Leather jacket, graphic T-shirt, dark colors, beanies as an accessory.

• Addict: Dark, drab colors and styles. Facial expressions carry this look.

• Mafia: Black suit jacket, black button-down, no tie.

3. Parent

• Blue Collar/BBQ: Light undershirt with a plaid overshirt and relaxed fit.

• Suburban: Sweater or cardigan to differentiate from the friend look.

• Country Club: Upscale, wealthy look with well-accessorized pieces.

4. Professional

• Intern: Button-down on its own or layered with a cardigan for a young professional feel.

• Creative Professional: Blazer with a fashion-forward shirt to convey creativity.

• Secretary/Assistant: Slightly older version of the intern look with a button-down and cardigan.

• Lawyer/Judge/CEO: A blazer with a more upscale blouse or button-down.

• FBI/CIA: Dark or black blazer with a crisp white or dark shirt.

• Detective: Brown leather jacket instead of black; blazers work well for women.

• News Anchor: Blazer and blouse, but not overly corporate. Darker colors work best.

• Therapist: Loose boho-style cardigan or a non-corporate brown blazer with accessories.

• Doctor/Nurse: This is one of the few times where you’ll may want to use a uniform. White lab coat for a doctor, scrub top for a nurse. No accessories necessary.

Stress-Free Wardrobe Prep

1. Do Your Homework: Select your character types and prep corresponding wardrobe options.

2. Embrace Layers: Layers add depth and versatility to photos.

3. Don’t Sweat Perfection: Bring multiple options, and let your photographer guide the final selection.

4. Avoid Busy Patterns: Stick to solids or subtle prints to keep the focus on you.

5. Test Colors: Choose shades that complement your skin tone and character archetypes.

6. Accessories matter! They can turn a plain outfit into a fully realized character. But avoid oversized accessories as they can be distracting.

7. Do not fold clothes into bags to take to your shoot. Always ensure they are free of stains and to steam or iron your clothes to be free of wrinkles, and have them on hangers when you arrive to set.

The Final Word

Headshot sessions don’t have to be stressful. They’re a collaborative process. You should always have 2-3 wardrobe options PER LOOK; to determine the best look for you, and your type.