What Are the Best Colors to Wear for My Headshot?
Choosing what to wear for your headshot is one of the most common things people stress about before a session. And honestly, color is the biggest decision you'll make. The right color keeps the focus on your face. The wrong one becomes a distraction. Here's what I've learned after 18 years of photographing professionals.
If you're still in the early planning stages, my what to expect during a headshot session post is a great place to start before diving into outfit decisions.
Why Color Matters More Than You Think
Your headshot is a business tool. It goes on LinkedIn, your company website, your email signature, and anywhere else you show up professionally. The goal is for people to look at your photo and immediately connect with you, not get distracted by what you're wearing.
Color plays a big role in that. The right shade will complement your skin tone, create contrast against the backdrop, and make your face the first thing someone notices. The wrong shade will wash you out, compete with your features, or just photograph flat.
The good news is there are some reliable choices that work well almost every time.
Colors That Photograph Well
For most professionals, you can't go wrong starting here.
Solid, Neutral, and Classic Colors
White Top with a Jacket or Blazer. A classic pairing. The layer keeps it from going flat or causing glare.
Dark Green. Rich and grounding. Can really make your eyes stand out.
Navy Blue. Confident, clean, and works across almost every industry and skin tone. It's probably the most universally flattering color I see in the studio.
Dark Gray. Sophisticated and neutral without being boring. Works in any industry.
Soft or Medium Blue. Approachable and calming. Looks great on most skin tones.
Best for: Executives, legal, finance, job seekers, business professionals, and leadership roles.
Real life samples of headshots with the classic color palette in play, All amazing colors for headshots and work with many skin tones and industries.
Monochromatic Dressing
A monochromatic outfit is when you wear different shades of the same color from head to toe. Think a navy blazer over a lighter blue top, or a charcoal jacket paired with a softer gray shirt. It's a look that reads as intentional and polished without requiring a lot of thought.
For headshots specifically, monochromatic works really well because it keeps everything cohesive and lets your face do the talking. There's no contrast between your top and bottom half pulling the eye in different directions. It's a clean, streamlined look that photographs beautifully.
A few combinations that work particularly well:
Navy and light blue
Charcoal and medium gray
Deep burgundy and dusty rose
Emerald and sage green
Black with a textured or lighter black layer
The key is making sure there's enough variation between the shades that the outfit has some dimension. Wearing the exact same shade head to toe can fall flat in photos, similar to the black-on-black problem. Give it a little contrast and it comes together really nicely.
Best for: anyone who wants to look put-together without overthinking it. This is honestly one of my favorite recommendations for clients who aren't sure where to start.
Jewel Tones
Jewel tones deserve their own category because they're particularly strong for headshots. In my experience, they tend to resonate most with women and more feminine-presenting clients, but honestly, if a rich burgundy or emerald feels like you, wear it. Great color is great color
Deep Purple. Sophisticated and a little unexpected. Great for creatives and executives alike.
Emerald Green. Refined and elegant. One of my personal favorites in the studio.
Deep Teal. Bold and distinctive without being loud. Works across a wide range of skin tones and reads as both creative and professional.
Deep Burgundy. Warm, strong, and confident.
Marigold or Amber (Golden Yellow). Rich, warm, and striking. This one is particularly beautiful on deeper and darker skin tones where it creates a gorgeous contrast. One of those colors that photographs even better than it looks in person.
Best for: business owners, consultants, creative professionals, and executives who want a polished but distinctive look.
Here you can see jewel tones in action. Each color really brings out the subject and makes them pop. All solid choices for these amazing women!
Earth Tones
Earth tones are having a moment right now, and they translate really well to headshots. Think warm camel, terracotta, olive green, rust, and warm taupe. These colors feel grounded and approachable without being as corporate as navy or charcoal. They work particularly well for entrepreneurs, coaches, consultants, and anyone in a people-focused field where warmth and relatability matter as much as authority.
The one thing to watch with earth tones is warmth against your skin tone. If you run cool-toned, some of the more orange-leaning shades like terracotta or rust can clash. If you run warm-toned, these colors will look like they were made for you. When in doubt, hold the top up near your face in natural light before your session and see how your skin responds.
Camel and warm tan. Natural, polished, and works across a wide range of industries.
Terracotta. Warm and confident. Particularly striking on deeper skin tones.
Olive Green. Earthy and understated. A great alternative to navy for people who want something a little different.
Rust. Bold but grounded. Works well layered under a neutral blazer.
Warm Taupe. Soft and sophisticated. One of the most underrated headshot colors I see.
Best for: entrepreneurs, coaches, wellness professionals, educators, and anyone whose brand is built on warmth and connection.
Colors to Avoid
Bright Neon Colors. They create color casts and pull attention completely away from your face. Bright Orange, Highlighter Yellow, etc.
Super Pale Pastels (light yellow, baby pink, light lavender). These tend to wash people out under studio lighting.
Bright White Without a Layer can be a bit harsh and too bright, taking the focus away from your face, pair that with a blazer. Also, beware of whites that have a blue tinge to them.
Busy Patterns and Logos. Tight prints, stripes that are too close together, herringbone, and branded items all create visual noise that competes with your face.
Black on Black Without Texture or Layering. Tends to fall completely flat in photos. If you love black, add a layer or a fabric with some dimension.
Matching Color to Your Industry
If you're in a corporate or executive role, lean into navy, charcoal, or deep jewel tones. A blazer over a solid colored shirt is a classic combination that photographs really well and reads as authoritative without being stiff. If you're booking headshots for your whole team, my team and staff headshot photography page has information on how I handle group sessions and company headshot days.
If you're in a creative field, marketing, design, consulting, or running your own business, you have a little more room to play. Jewel tones and softer earth tones both work. Textured fabrics can add dimension and personality. You don't have to default to the most conservative option if it doesn't reflect who you are.
For entrepreneurs and personal brands, think about what your brand actually looks like. If you show up in blue everywhere, wearing blue in your headshot creates consistency. That's not an accident. It's smart branding.
A Few Practical Tips Before Your Session
Try your outfits on ahead of time and take a few photos of yourself in natural light. What you see in the mirror and what the camera sees are different things. This is the fastest way to know if something is going to work. The NMSU Extension guide on determining personal colors is a helpful resource if you want to go deeper on which shades work best for your specific skin tone, eye color, and hair color.
Stick to solids whenever possible. If you want to add texture, a knit, a subtle weave, or a blazer with a little structure, all work well without introducing the distraction of a pattern.
Think about contrast. I have both light and dark backgrounds at my studio. Some outfits work better on light backgrounds while others look better on dark backgrounds.
And bring options. I always recommend my clients bring two or three tops to their session. That way if something isn't working once we see it in camera, we have a backup and we're not starting over. For a full breakdown of what to bring and how to prepare, check out my complete headshot outfit guide and my headshot prep guide so you walk in feeling confident and ready.
Ready to Book Your Headshot Session?
If you're in the Algonquin area or anywhere in the Chicago northwest suburbs, I'd love to help you get a headshot you're proud to put out there. View individual headshot session details and booking here or you can reach out directly below!