The question I get asked most before a headshot session is not about posing or lighting. It is “what should I wear?”. Fair enough, because the wrong top can pull focus from your face, date your photos quickly or make you look like a different casting altogether.
The good news is that the rules are simple, and most actors already own everything they need. This is the list I send to every actor before their actor headshots in Liverpool.
The short version
- Plain tops in mid tones and colours that suit your eyes and skin.
- Clear necklines. Crew, V neck or an open collar.
- No logos, slogans or busy patterns.
- Layers like a denim jacket or blazer give you two looks in seconds.
- Bring three or four options, ironed, and let us choose together.
1. Dress for the parts you get seen for
Before thinking about colour, think about casting. Look at the roles you are realistically put up for right now: the teacher, the young mum, the detective, the lad from the estate, the city lawyer. Your headshot should suggest that person, without dressing up as them.
That means a hint, not a costume. A soft knit says warm and approachable. A dark shirt with the top button open says grounded and a little edgy. A simple blazer says professional. The top supports your casting and then gets out of the way.
2. Colours that work on camera
Mid tones and rich colours are your friends: navy, teal, burgundy, forest green, charcoal, denim blue, warm greys. They sit well against both studio and natural light backgrounds and pull attention up to your eyes.
| Choose | Why |
|---|---|
| Navy, teal, burgundy, forest green | Rich but calm, flattering on most skin tones, great for drama and commercial. |
| Charcoal, warm grey, denim | Easy, modern and never dates. Perfect for your main photo. |
| Soft blue, dusty pink, sage | Lighter and friendlier. Good for a commercial shot. |
| Black (with care) | Strong for drama, but it can lose its shape against a dark background. Bring another option. |
| Bright white (with care) | Can bounce light onto your face and lose detail. Off white or cream is kinder. |
| Neon, big prints, logos (avoid) | They pull the eye away from your face and date the photo fast. |
One more thing: avoid a colour that is too close to your skin tone. It can make you look washed out, as if the top and your face blend together.
3. Necklines matter more than you think
A headshot is framed from roughly the chest up, so the neckline is most of what anyone sees of your outfit. Crew necks, V necks, open collars and simple scoop necks all work well. They frame the face and give the photo a clean shape.
Be careful with strapless or very low tops. In a tight crop, bare shoulders can make it look like you are not wearing anything at all. High polo necks can work for a moody drama shot, but they can also make the neck disappear, so bring one as an extra rather than your main option.
4. Patterns, logos and texture
Skip stripes, checks and busy prints. Fine patterns can shimmer on screen and in resized images, and bold ones fight your face for attention. Logos and slogans are a no, both for distraction and because they date the photo.
Texture is different. A ribbed knit, a soft cotton, a bit of denim or leather gives the image depth without shouting. Texture is the easiest way to make a plain top look expensive on camera.
5. Layers give you two looks in seconds
A jacket over a plain top is the quickest way to change your casting mid session. A denim or leather jacket reads younger and edgier. A blazer reads professional. Take it off and you are straight back to your simple main look.
If you only bring one extra item, make it a layer. It saves time on the day and gives your gallery variety without a full outfit change.
6. Fit, creases and the little things
Fit. Tops that fit well at the shoulders look better than baggy or very tight ones. If in doubt, bring both and we will see which works.
Iron everything. Creases on a collar show up clearly at headshot size. Bring clothes on hangers, not rolled in a bag.
Jewellery. Keep it small. Small studs and a simple chain are fine. Big earrings and statement necklaces pull focus.
Glasses. If you wear them every day, do a few frames with them on. Casting may want to see you both ways. Anti glare lenses help a lot.
Hair and grooming. Keep it how you normally wear it for auditions. My guide to preparing for actor headshots covers haircuts, makeup and beards.
Your headshot bag
Pack
- Three or four plain tops in mid tones
- One layer: denim jacket, leather jacket or blazer
- One darker top for drama, one softer colour for commercial
- Glasses if you wear them daily
Leave at home
- Logos, slogans and busy prints
- Neon colours and big statement jewellery
- Costume pieces and props
- Anything that needs ironing but has not been
Questions actors ask
What colour should I wear for actor headshots?
Mid tones and rich colours such as navy, teal, burgundy, forest green, charcoal and denim blue. They flatter most skin tones and keep the focus on your eyes.
Can I wear black in my headshot?
Yes, especially for a drama shot, but it can lose its shape against a dark background. Bring another colour as well.
Can I wear white for headshots?
Bright white can bounce light and lose detail. Off white, cream or a soft pastel is safer.
How many outfits should I bring to an actor headshot shoot?
Three or four plain tops plus one layer, like a jacket or blazer. We will pick the best two or three on the day.
Should I wear glasses in my headshots?
If you wear them every day, yes for some shots and no for others. Casting may want to see both.
More guides for actors: How to prepare for actor headshots · Commercial vs theatrical headshots · Spotlight headshot requirements.
Outfits sorted?
Book your actor headshots
Bring the bag, I will bring the light. Studio or natural light in Liverpool, and we choose the shots together.