DECISIONS. DECISIONS. DECISIONS.
Deciding on what to wear for your men's business portrait or headshot session should not be a difficult task. It is important though to know about the DOs and DONTs so that you look sharp as ever whether it is in a traditional look, a more business casual, or in a totally casual look.
Before choosing your wardrobe, remember that a business portrait or headshot has an intent in mind and will communicate the qualities and traits of your personality, of your current profession, and of captivating the right audience.
So what is the intent you want to communicate through your brand new business portraits or headshot?
- professionalism
- reliability
- trustworthiness
- approachability
- credibility
- Executive presence & leadership
- Gravitas
- Likability
- Experience
- Intelligence
- Progressiveness
- You name it!
With that intent in mind, there are a few DOs and DONTs you want to keep in mind...
REMEMBER TO DRESS SUITABLY FOR YOUR ROLE
THE ESSENTIAL WARDROBE & GROOMING
Depending of how many looks we are going for, bring the following essentials to get a variety of looks
- A complete suit
- A suit jacket
- Some shirts in different colors (include one white shirt for a more traditional formal look)
- 1-3 neckties
- Pants
- 1-2 pair of shoes
- A nice sharp looking sweatshirt
- A dark turtleneck preferably black or navy blue
PATTERNS AND COLORS
- Bring darker colors or at least darken than your skin tone; this will keep the attention on your face.
- Solid colors are better to keep the attention on your face. So, avoid patterns as much as possible.
- Avoid bold plaid prints, graphics, or logos unless it is a personal branding shoot.
- Avoid bright-colored shirts such as red, yellow, or green.
- Avoid a white button-down shirt, without a suit jacket - too much white will bring the viewer's eye to your shirt, not you.
- Avoid polo shirts skin showing.
- Preferably use V neck if you have to wear an undershirt because undershirts that have necklines higher than the shirt you are wearing will be very distracting.
GROOMING
- Refresh your haircut a few days before the shoot just in case you need to go back to the barbershop for any last-minute fixes.
- If you have facial hair, make sure it is nicely groomed and clean.
THE TRADITIONAL LOOK: CLASSIC CORPORATE LOOK
- Pick your favorite in-style suit that fits well and you feel good in it in dark colors like navy blue, charcoal gray, or black for the suit.
- Avoid suit prints or patterns that draw too much attention such as the Herringbone, Prince of Whales, or other grids.
- The tie patterns should complement the suit you chose not stand out: avoid bright, neon colors, holiday patterns that will overpower the rest of the attire and draw too much attention to it.
- A nice shirt that is suitable for ties in colors that will complement your suit.
CASUAL LOOK 1: BUSINESS CASUAL LOOK or CORPORATE CHILL
- Always pick a pair of pants, shirt and jacket (sporty or not) that fit you well and you feel comfortable in: not too big or too tight.
- The shirt make it a color that complements your jacket/pair of pants, from the color white to other pastel or darker colors (slimming colors).
- If not a jacket, a darker color shirt is a good option.
CASUAL LOOK 2: EVERY DAY CASUAL
If your business is all about comfort and casual attire, lucky you! But, you still need to pay attention to what to bring to your photo session.
- A nice sweatshirt and a shirt with a nice pair of pants will suffice.
- A sporty or bomber jacket will be ok too.
- No white button-down shirts with no jacket.
- Clean and not beat up shoes
REMEMBER
- Iron your clothing; wrinkles are distracting.
- Keep accessories and jewelry to a limit, a watch or a ring will suffice.
- Colorful sports watches like an iWatch or Fitbit leave them out.
- Keep the pockets empty to avoid bulging stuff in the jackets or pants.
- Have your beauty sleep.
- Drink lots of whatever and avoid alcohol at least 48 hours before as it may very well swell your eyes.
We hope these tips will help you with your selection process to put together a few outfits for your next business shoot. At the studio, we will be happy to help you put together additional combinations of looks.
See you soon!
