What to Wear for Your Portrait or Headshot Session

A Complete Style Guide for Timeless, Confident Photos

Preparing for a portrait or headshot session can feel exciting—and a little stressful. One of the most common questions clients ask is:

“What should I wear?”

Your clothing plays a major role in how confident, polished, and authentic you look in your photos. The right outfit doesn’t just make you look good—it helps you feel comfortable, express your personality, and ensures your portraits remain timeless and professional for years to come.

Whether you’re booking professional headshots, personal branding portraits, corporate portraits, or a casual lifestyle session, this guide will walk you through exactly what to wear—and what to avoid—to get the best results from your portrait photography session.

At Farzan Samsamy Studio, we guide every client through styling choices so your images reflect who you are, not just what you do.

Why What You Wear Matters in Portrait & Headshot Photography

Portrait photography is about you—your presence, your confidence, and your story. Clothing directly affects:

• How your skin tone appears on camera

• How professional or approachable you look

• Where the viewer’s attention goes

• How well your images age over time

Well-chosen outfits enhance your natural features and allow the focus to stay on your expression and eyes, not distractions.

Poor clothing choices, on the other hand, can:

• Pull attention away from your face

• Date your images quickly

• Clash with backgrounds or lighting

• Make you feel uncomfortable (and it shows)

Start With the Purpose of Your Session

Before choosing an outfit, ask yourself:

🔹 What will these photos be used for?

• LinkedIn & corporate websites

• Business branding

• Actors or creatives

• Personal portraits

• Marketing, speaking, or media appearances

Your wardrobe should align with the final use of the images.

Examples:

• A corporate executive will dress differently than a creative entrepreneur.

• A real estate agent may want approachable professionalism.

• An artist may lean toward expressive styling.

If you’re unsure, your photographer should help guide you.
At Farzan Samsamy Studio, wardrobe guidance is part of our portrait experience.

👉 Explore our Portrait & Headshot Photography services

Best Colors to Wear for Portraits & Headshots

✅ Neutral & Solid Colors Work Best

Solid colors photograph better than patterns and help keep attention on your face.

Top recommended colors:

• Navy

• Charcoal

• Soft gray

• Beige

• Cream

• Olive

• Burgundy

• Soft blues and earth tones

These colors are flattering on most skin tones and remain timeless.

🚫 Avoid Loud or Distracting Colors

Stay away from:

• Neon colors

• Extremely bright reds or oranges

• High-contrast color blocking

They can reflect unwanted color onto your skin and overpower the image.

Patterns, Logos & Text: What to Avoid

❌ Large Patterns

Busy patterns (stripes, checks, florals) can:

• Create visual noise

• Distract from facial expressions

• Cause moiré effects on camera

❌ Logos & Text

Avoid:

• Brand logos

• Slogans

• Graphics or large text

Your portrait should represent you, not advertise a brand—unless that brand is intentionally part of your personal identity.

What to Wear for Professional Headshots

Professional headshots should feel polished, confident, and approachable.

For Men:

• Well-fitted blazer or suit jacket

• Solid button-down shirt

• Neutral or subtle tie (optional)

• Clean, pressed clothing

• Simple layering for depth

For Women:

• Blazer, structured top, or elegant blouse

• Solid dresses or tailored tops

• Subtle neckline (not too high or too low)

• Clean lines and flattering fit

Fit matters more than brand.
A well-tailored simple outfit always looks better than an expensive ill-fitting one.

What to Wear for Personal Branding Portraits

Personal branding sessions allow more personality and creativity while remaining intentional.

Styling Tips:

• Choose outfits that match your industry and audience

• Add layers (jackets, scarves, textures)

• Incorporate subtle accessories

• Stay consistent with your brand colors

Personal branding portraits should look like the best version of you on your best day.

Casual Portraits: Looking Relaxed Without Looking Sloppy

Casual doesn’t mean careless.

Great casual options:

• Clean sweaters

• Fitted t-shirts with layers

• Soft fabrics and neutral tones

• Smart casual looks

Avoid:

• Wrinkled clothing

• Athletic wear (unless intentional)

• Overly trendy items that date quickly

Accessories: Less Is More

Accessories should complement—not dominate—your portrait.

✔ Recommended:

• Simple necklaces

• Small earrings

• Watches

• Minimal rings

✖ Avoid:

• Large statement jewelry

• Noisy or reflective pieces

• Items that move or clink

If an accessory pulls attention away from your face, leave it out.

Hair, Makeup & Grooming Tips

Hair:

• Keep it natural and familiar

• Avoid drastic last-minute changes

• Trim and clean edges for men

• Bring hair products for touch-ups

Makeup:

• Natural, matte finishes work best

• Avoid heavy shimmer

• Even skin tone is more important than bold colors

• Professional makeup is highly recommended for branding sessions

Grooming:

• Clean nails

• Moisturized skin

• Fresh shave or trimmed facial hair

Footwear: Does It Matter?

Yes—even if they’re not always visible.

Shoes affect posture and confidence. Wear something clean, comfortable, and appropriate to your outfit.

What NOT to Wear to a Portrait Session

Avoid:

• Wrinkled clothing

• Distracting patterns

• Loud logos

• Poorly fitted garments

• Trend-heavy outfits

• Anything uncomfortable

If you don’t feel confident wearing it in real life, it won’t photograph well.

How Many Outfits Should You Bring?

For most sessions:

• 1–2 outfits for headshots

• 2–4 outfits for branding portraits

Bring options—we’ll help you choose what works best with lighting, background, and posing.

Timeless vs Trendy: Think Long-Term

Portraits are an investment. Ask yourself:

“Will I still like this photo in 5 years?”

Classic styling always wins over trends when longevity matters.

Why Professional Guidance Makes a Difference

At Farzan Samsamy Studio, we don’t just take photos—we help you prepare so every detail supports your final image.

Our portrait sessions include:

• Styling guidance

• Posing direction

• Lighting tailored to you

• A calm, confidence-building experience

👉 Book your Portrait or Headshot Session here:

Final Thoughts: Dress Like Yourself—Elevated

The best outfit is one that:

• Feels comfortable

• Reflects who you are

• Matches your goals

• Allows your personality to shine

When you feel confident, it shows in your posture, expression, and energy—and that’s what creates a powerful portrait.

Ready to look confident, professional, and authentic in your next portrait?

🎯 Book your Portrait or Headshot Photography session with Farzan Samsamy Studio today
📍 Serving Surrey, Vancouver & the Lower Mainland