What to Wear for Professional Headshots in Orange County

Rebecca-Linh Safley
Mar 12
2 min read

Updated: 5 days ago

If you’re wondering what to wear… you’re not alone.

Most people don’t have a “camera-ready” section in their closet. And somehow, normal outfits start to feel questionable the second a camera shows up.

Clueless movie scene of Cher looking frustrated in front of her closet deciding what to wear

Great news: this is simple.

Also, quick reminder… this is a headshot.

We’re working chest up.

So yes, wear pants. I fully support that decision.

But they’re not making or breaking the photo. Same goes for shoes.

What matters most is everything happening from the waist up. Fit, color, texture, and and how it frames your face are the priority.

What to Wear...Keep It Simple

You don’t need a whole new wardrobe. ( I REPEAT... you don't need a new wardrobe.)

Stick with:

Solid colors
Clean lines
Pieces you already feel good in

If you’re unsure about it in real life, you’ll be unsure about it on camera.

What Works, Especially for Headshots in Orange County

Neutrals + rich tones (black, cream, navy, olive, burgundy)
Texture (denim, knits, soft sweaters)
Structured pieces (blazers, button-ups, fitted tops)
Clean necklines (v-neck, scoop, open collar)

Examples of what not to wear for headshots including busy patterns, logos, and distracting clothing choices — *^ (unless you’re the manager at Trader Joe’s… don’t wear this.*)

What to Avoid

Tiny patterns (they do weird things on camera)
Patterns, in general
Large logos (you are the focus)
Trend-heavy pieces
Anything you keep adjusting, feels too tight, or too big

Bring Options

Don’t be shy! Bring more than a few options!

I have a clothing rack ready, and we’ll go through everything together once you arrive.

And sometimes the one you were set on doesn’t photograph the way you expected. That’s normal.

Different pieces photograph better depending on:

Backgrounds
Lighting
Overall vibe

Layers are especially helpful. A jacket or sweater can completely change the look without needing a full outfit change.

What Actually Matters

After photographing hundreds of headshot sessions, I can usually tell within seconds what will work best on camera. Outfit helps, but it’s not the main thing.

The real difference is how comfortable you feel in front of the camera. That’s where I come in. You don’t need the perfect outfit. You just need a few good options, and someone who knows how to use them. If you’re planning to book a session, you can view available dates here.