headshots TIPS

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WHAT SHOULD I WEAR FOR MY CORPORATE HEADSHOT – WOMEN'S EDITION

(This guide is specifically for Women. To view our Men's guide, click here.)

One of the most common questions we receive from our female clients is about what they should wear for their corporate headshots. And we're so happy you ask because your wardrobe plays a large part in your corporate headshot or portrait's first impression to your potential employers. 

We've compiled a list of quick tips to help you prepare and make sure you leave your photo session with new corporate portraits that you'll love. And if you're still stuck for ideas, we've included some style inspiration at the end. 

Tip 1: Dress like the person you want to become. 

Think about how you want to be perceived by your clients or future employer. We suggest dressing like the kind of person who gets the opportunities you are after. For example, if you want a promotion to Senior Manager, then dress like a Senior Manager. On the other hand, if you want your clients to see you as approachable, then dress less formally (or have a friendlier smile – we can help you to find that balance).

Tip 2: Don't let your clothes take all the attention.

While your wardrobe choice is vital in setting the first impression, research has shown that other factors, namely body language, eye contact, and your smile, are more critical.
Suppose you're getting your new corporate portrait taken by a specialist portrait photographer. In that case, they will know exactly how to guide and direct you through the session to ensure your body language, eye contact, and smile give off a confident, friendly, and approachable vibe.

Tip 3: Bring these essentials to achieve a variety of looks. 

In general, we find that a casual business style works best for most of our clients who choose our corporate portrait packages (of course, if your dream job requires you to dress more casually or formally, dress suitably for the role).

 

• Essentials: For a women's business casual look, we recommend bringing a suit jacket or two (if this is something you usually wear), a variety of tops (crew neck, boat neck, and narrow v-necks are always flattering), sweaters, trousers, and shoes. With these essentials, we can create several looks, from casual to formal.
  
  Avoid short sleeves or sleeveless tops, low necklines, turtlenecks, and shiny fabrics. 
   

• Colors: Generally, we recommend keeping the colors darker than your skin tone as this helps the attention stay on your face. If you know which color palette works best for your skin tone, bring options in those colors, or try hues that highlight your eye color and flatter your skin tone. Rich colors can be excellent choices for women to make your corporate portraits stand out. 
  
  It's best to avoid pure black and pure white tops; however, if white is a color you like to wear, it can work when matched with a jacket or a different colored option. 

 

• Patterns: In general, plain solid, color clothes work best, as patterns can be a distraction (remember that we want the focus of the portrait to be on your face, not the clothes). The same applies to logos; avoid anything with a large, distracting logo.
   

• Fit: We always recommend trying your clothes on a week before to check how they feel and fit. Tailored clothes will always be the most flattering (avoid anything too baggy or tight). You can always take photos on your phone beforehand to see how they look or ask a friend for their honest advice. 
   

• Accessories: When it comes to jewelry, we believe in keeping things simple (if big jewelry is part of your signature look, bring it along, and your photographer can show you how it looks in the photo). Simple jewelry can add a great accent or splash of color to your corporate portrait. 
  
  When it comes to earrings, studs tend to photograph better. (Extra expert tip: For half or full-body shots, ensure you remove everything from your pockets during your photoshoot – a phone bulging out of your pocket is a big no-no).  
  
  We recommend bringing multiple options (in different colors), as your photographer can help you decide which works best with the rest of your outfit and the background. 

Whatever you bring, make sure you feel good wearing it. You'll probably look awkward in the photo if you feel uncomfortable wearing it.

For more inspiration, check out the Style Inspiration Pinterest board here! 

Tip 4: Don't forget to iron.

Please ensure your clothes are neatly ironed and pressed before the shoot. If your top is wrinkled in real life, it will appear wrinkled in the photo. 

We suggest that our clients get changed once they arrive at our studio to avoid unnecessary creasing when traveling to the studio wearing their outfits. Similarly, if we go to your workplace, we suggest you don't wear the outfit you during traveling to work.

Tip 5: A little grooming goes a long way
While not exactly a wardrobe tip, being well groomed is essential preparation for your photo. 
 

• Keep your makeup simple (as you would if you were going to a job interview). If you opt for a few different looks, you can always add extra makeup during the session.
  
  If you choose to do your makeup, make sure you read our '20 insider tips' to doing your own headshot makeup. But for the very best results, we always recommend working with our preferred professional Hair and Makeup artist (let us know if you want a referral).
   

• Drink plenty of water in the days leading to your business headshot session. 

• Get lots of sleep before your shoot to avoid dark bags under your eyes.  

• Moisturize like your life depends on it – ideally twice a day for the past 15 years. But if that never happened, twice a day in the days leading up to your shoot will help. 

• Recently cut hair is usually a good idea, and it's always good to have a quick spruce up before the shooting begins (don't be afraid to ask your photographer for a few moments to check everything in a mirror before the session starts). 

 

What should I wear for my Corporate Portrait – That's a wrap! 
We hope this guide has helped prepare you for your women's corporate headshot session. The most important thing to bring to your session is a positive attitude, which looks great on everyone! 

ARTICLE REFERENCE:  RETRATOS BARCELONA