The Best Colors to Wear for a Headshot (And What to Avoid!)

Choosing the right outfit for your headshot is just as important as your pose and expression. The colors you wear can affect how professional, confident, and approachable you look in your photos. In this guide, we’ll break down the best colors for headshots and which ones to avoid so you can make a lasting impression.

Professional headshot of a business professional taken by Waco Headshot Master in Waco, TX.

✅ Best Colors to Wear for a Headshot

Certain colors photograph better than others and can help enhance your natural features while keeping the focus on you.

📌 1. Solid Neutral Colors
Why? Neutral tones like navy, gray, beige, and black are timeless, professional, and work well across all industries. They don’t distract from your face and complement most skin tones.

📌 2. Blues & Earthy Tones
Why? Blue conveys trust, confidence, and reliability—which is why it’s commonly used in corporate settings. Earthy tones like forest green and deep brown create a natural, grounded look.

📌 3. Soft, Muted Colors
Why? Pastels and softer shades—like light gray, powder blue, or soft pink—are great for adding warmth without overpowering the image. They work well for actors, creatives, and business professionals who want a friendly look.

📌 4. Jewel Tones (Rich & Deep Colors)
Why? Colors like emerald green, burgundy, and royal blue pop beautifully on camera while maintaining a professional appearance. They are bold but not overwhelming.

📌 5. Complementary Colors for Your Skin Tone

  • Fair Skin: Navy, soft pastels, jewel tones. Avoid washed-out colors.
  • Medium Skin: Earth tones, deep blues, warm colors like burnt orange or mustard.
  • Dark Skin: Bold colors like emerald, sapphire, and maroon work well, as well as crisp white.

💡 Pro Tip: Consider contrast—if your background is light, a darker outfit will stand out and vice versa.

🚫 Colors to Avoid for Headshots

Some colors don’t translate well in photography and can distract from your face or create unwanted effects.

📌 1. Neon & Extremely Bright Colors
🔴 Why? Super bright colors can overpower the image, cause color reflection on your skin, and look unprofessional.

📌 2. Pure White (Unless Layered)
⚪ Why? White can sometimes be too harsh or overexposed, making it difficult to photograph well. If you love white, pair it with a blazer or accessories for contrast.

📌 3. Busy Patterns & Stripes
🔳 Why? Patterns can be distracting, and thin stripes can create a weird moiré effect on camera.

📌 4. Flashy Metallics & Shiny Fabrics
✨ Why? Reflective fabrics can catch too much light, causing glare and distractions.

📌 5. Skin-Tone Colors That Blend Too Much
🔍 Why? Colors that match your skin tone (beige, nude, or pale pastels) can wash you out and make you look less defined on camera.

💡 Pro Tip: Stick to solid colors and avoid excessive patterns or heavy textures to keep the focus on your face.

📷 Final Tips for Choosing Your Headshot Outfit

  • Bring multiple options. If you’re unsure, bring two or three outfits to your session.
  • Dress for your industry. A corporate headshot differs from an actor’s headshot—choose colors that match your brand.
  • Think about longevity. Choose timeless colors that won’t go out of style.

📅 Ready to get the perfect headshot? Book your session today at WacoHeadshotMaster.com and let’s create a professional image that represents the best version of you! 🚀