What to wear for a GREAT Headshot

GENERAL RULES FOR EVERYONE

• Keep it simple
  Solid colors look timeless and photograph best.
  As a rule of thumb, choose colors that compliment your eyes and skin color. For instance, avoid ghost-white if you have pale skin. It will be a good idea to look in the mirror and determine your skin tone. Is it warm or cold? Then if your skin tone is warm, try colors and shades that are warm, and vice verse.

  A black or a white top, whether it’s a shirt, t-shirt, dress, you name it, is a safe go-to – neutral but elegant, and suits almost everyone. Have at least one simple outfit, so one of your headshots is ready to go for anything.

  Vivid color tops or Jewel tones (Emerald Green · Rich Reds · Deep Blues · Royal Purples · Golden Yellow) will help your headshot ‘pop’ and stand out from the rest.

• Think CLASSIC.

  Avoid trends and dress for your body type.

  Avoid stripes and patterns that can be too distracting

  Avoid logos on clothing… unless it is your business logo!

• Bring clothes that are ironed /wrinkle free
  Wrinkles on your clothes stick out in photos, you don’t want to look like you rolled out of bed do you?

• Do your clothes FIT?

  This may seem like a no-brainer. But I’ve seen people show up with a shirt that is 3 sizes too big. It won’t look good. No matter how I pose you. Shirts that are too baggy may be comfortable but it can make people look bigger than they really are, at the same time you also don’t want to wear anything too tight. Find that just right fit that gives you confidence and looks great.

• BE CONFIDENT

  If you prepared your outfit and hair before the shoot, your work is done, all you can do during the shoot is let your confidence shine through like the professional that you are.

MEN:

Classic suits work best in black, navy or grey

Dark suits pair best with a light shirt and mid-tone tie

For a Casual look stick to a solid button down, no checks, stripes or patterns.

WOMEN:

Tailored, layered clothing like an open blazer or well fitting top is a great choice

Wrap dresses or tops that wrap around your waist are a flattering cut for any type of body or shape.

V-Necks are an excellent choice as they always elongate the neck. But be careful not to overdo it, a deep V-Neck can show too much cleavage.

Make sure everything is in proportion. U-neck will make your neck look shorter if it’s close to your neck. The further the neckline is from your neck, the longer your neck will appear.

Be careful with a turtle-neck as it tends to shorten your neck. Also, sometimes it might result in a ‘floating head’ look, if the color of your top matches the background.

Off-shoulder look is very feminine, showing off your neck and shoulders in the most natural way.

Jackets and blazers are always a good choice for layering.

Bring extra accessories or jewelry. It can add a little 'pop' to your look!

If you’re properly prepared for the shoot you’ll not only have an easier and more stress free time during the shoot, but you be happier with your images because they will look better than if there wasn’t any preparation.

It’s more crucial than ever to have up-to-date and professional images because your professional photograph builds trust by the many, many people that view it.

If you’re ready to schedule a consultation I’d love to hear from you!

loriCardwell.com

Choosing the right color to wear in headshots and portraits

Clothing colors carry a lot of emotions: each color not only represents a mood, it also changes the mood when paired up with other colors.

I’m often asked what color is best to wear in portraits and headshots. Clothing colors are pivotal when it comes to selecting clothes. Choose the wrong ones; and you end up unknowingly conveying the wrong message to the person viewing your image. The ‘right’ color choice depends on what message you want to send to your viewers.

Below are a few common clothing colors and the personality types they represent. What do you think? Let me know in the comments below!

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WHITE

White indicates simplicity, precision and goodness. Brides are wearing white to symbolize innocence and purity. In fashion, it is popular because it is light and neutral. Doctors and nurses wear white to emphasize cleanliness.

White should be worn by people who would like to be honest, transparent, and receptive to new ideas.

Colors That Go With White

White is versatile and eternally fashionable. Although most colors will go with white our favorites are silver and gold metallic, any of the cool blues, white and tan, purple, and red. Use those colors in shoes and accessories without overpowering the white base.  

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YELLOW

Yellow clothing colors indicate a superior mind that is able to concentrate well.

Yellow is cheerful, sunny, and attracts attention. It is suitable (yellow fashion accessories) for a job interview because it helps us with clear expression.

It encourages rational thinking, improves memory, gives strength, and reinforces self-confidence.

Colors That Go With Yellow

Yellow and green is a fresh combination that looks good almost universally. Go warmer with mustard yellows, khaki, or dark greens and more refreshing with brighter hues in both colors. 

With a yellow dress try black, metallic silver, beige, white, or an animal print like a leopard in shoes and accessories. 

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ORANGE

Like orange clothing colors? Then you probably are a social person who is well liked and makes friends easily. Orange wears people who are working, creative, and full of energy.

Orange should be worn by those who want to add more joy and lightness into their own lives.

Colors That Go With Orange

Orange and blue or orange and black are stand out and bold color choices that exude confidence. Tone it down a notch with orange and grey. 

Try nude, black or brown for safe choices in shoes. Leopard print gives your look some excitement, as does silver. 

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RED

It is the most intense and emotional color. The color of love. The red dress is bold. As an intense color, some say it may not help in negotiations and confrontations.

Red dress expresses confidence. If you are drawn to red clothing colors, then it indicates extroversion, passion, energy, and a personality type that is driven to live fully. People who like red clothes also tend to be energetic.

Colors That Go With Red

Make a statement with red and blue. Keep it simple with jeans and a red jacket or up the ante with a power red dress and blue heels. Safe colors that go with blue include pink, metallic silver for a glitzy look, and camel for a neutral alternative to black or white.    

In shoes and accessories try silver, gold, black, nude & beige, white or an animal print like a leopard.

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PINK

The pink color wears people who are gentle and loving and who are full of compassion and understanding.

Colors That Go With Pink

Pink and pale blue make a delightfully subtle color combination that is still eye-catching. Or for more versatility try pink and grey for an easy on the eye color combination. 

For shoes try dark neutrals, silver, gold or gunmetal metallics and skin tone nudes. For added punch go with fiercely contrasting color blocks like yellow, turquoise, cobalt blue or red.   

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PURPLE

It represents luxury, wealth, and sophistication. It is a color of royalty.

Today, they indicate a personality type having great love for art, creativity and imagination. Violet brings peace and tranquility.

Colors That Go With Purple

Purple looks fantastic with white. Also, try purple with coral for a contrast that fits just right. 

In shoes go with black, silver, gold, white, beige, burgundy or blue for an unexpected yet stunning look.  

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BLUE

Blue Says You Are Loyal And Confident.

Blue is the most popular color. It is quiet, calming. It is recommended for job interviews.

Blue clothes encourages decision making, brings understanding, wisdom, and strengthens self-confidence and a sense of responsibility to others.

Choose navy blue to show you are ‘in control’ while portraying calm, truth, confidence and security.

Colors That Go With Blue

Match blue with pink or red for maximum effect. Soft pinks and blues are subtle but still eye-catching. However red and blue creates contrast for a much bolder look. Try pairing a red jacket with blue jeans for an ultimate and always trending fashion statement.   

For the ultimate in color-blocking, match orange and blue. Try blue pants and an orange top, or a striking blue dress with a statement orange necklace piece. Nude shoes bring this combination together.  

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GREEN

Green is the color of money. It also symbolizes nature. Green is a color that is easy on the eyes and mind.

People who like green clothing colors tend to live in good neighborhoods, have a lot of friends and are very social. They are also environment friendly and have a good sense of balance. Such personality types tend to party well, eat well and live well. They are very mindful of their social standing, reputation and financial position.

Colors That Go With Green

Yellow and green is a fresh combination that looks good almost universally. Go warmer with mustard yellows, khaki, or dark greens and more refreshing with brighter hues in both colors. 

With a green dress try silver, gold, black, nude & beige, white, or an animal print like a leopard in shoes and accessories. 

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BROWN

Brown is the color of the earth; it means strength and reliability. ​

Colors That Go With Brown

For a comfortable combination pair brown with orange, or try yellow for a more energetic look. White, blue, red, and pink are matches too. 

For shoes go with a contrasting brown shade. White or off-white and black are safe choices while pink or yellow add color and personality.  

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BLACK

Black is the color of power and authority. In fashion, it is trendy because it makes people optically thinner. It is elegant and timeless.

Colors That Go With Black

Black pretty much goes with anything. For less attention add small swathes of color like silver or beige shoes, for added emphasis go for red or other bright colors in jackets, handbags, or scarves. 

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In a headshot our clothing colors are one of the things people will notice about you and it helps form a large part of the first impression.

In a competitive market where you want to stand out in your images or any other aspect where one needs to impress and stand out, the choice of clothing colors is no doubt an important part!

Schedule your complimentary portrait consultation to learn more.

Sources: https://www.about-colors.com/color-meaning-clothes & https://www.color-meanings.com/clothing-colors-what-your-clothes-say-about-your-personality/ & https://www.thekewlshop.com/blogs/news/14-things-the-colors-you-wear-say-about-you