Let's plan the perfect outfit (or two or three) for your upcoming Pittsburgh headshot session with precise color theory. All professional headshot sessions with Chad Isaiah Studios, based in Pittsburgh, include extensive wardrobe changes so you can get a variety of options and find the best color to wear for your headshot. We've become the go-to choice for professionals in the Pittsburgh region when it comes to versatility and options.
What Outfits Look Best in Headshots?
Confidence. Your professional headshot outfit is meant to represent you and your personality, uplifting your image. It's important to wear outfits that give you that confident exterior, but that you're also comfortable in. Wearing something that doesn't quite feel like you – even if it follows all the rules – will show on your face. Prioritize authenticity and choose a color that you genuinely like. If it also works with your skin tone, even better!
That said, you may want to choose colors that accentuate and highlight your natural features. For example, if you have a warmer complexion (golden or yellow undertones), you can bring out the copper or pink-tinged nuances of your skin with off-white, olive green, warm reds, or brown. Those with cooler undertones (pink or blue) look stunning in jewel tones like royal blue, emerald, and deep burgundy.
What Does Color Convey in a Professional Headshot?
Colors are linked to emotions and memories, both personal and universal. Your color choice will carry energy and meaning, so it's important to think about what you want your headshot to convey.
Red
Fiery and dominant with associated feelings of passion and intensity.
Orange
One of red's softer alternatives – orange carries dynamic energy related to creativity and change.
Yellow
Cheery, hopeful, and bright across the entire spectrum from pastel to vivid.
Green
Promotes stability and perseverance with a nod to nature and growth.
Blue
More than just calm – it instills freshness, trust, and authority.
Violet
Purple signals luxury and creativity with links to imaginative thinking.
White
Conveys clarity, openness, and new beginnings associated with opportunity.
Black
Symbolizes elegance, power, restraint and sophistication.
Pastels
Lower saturation creates calming, approachable, and peaceful vibes.
Best Colors for Women's Professional Headshots
Women have more flexibility when it comes to headshot attire, but that can make choosing the best color feel overwhelming. Here's what works well:
Universally flattering colors for women:
- Jewel tones – Emerald, sapphire blue, and burgundy photograph beautifully on most skin tones
- Navy blue – Professional without being harsh, softer than black
- Soft white or cream – Fresh and clean, but avoid stark white which can wash out lighter complexions
- Blush and dusty rose – Adds warmth and approachability
Colors to consider based on your coloring:
- Fair skin: Softer shades like dusty blue, mauve, or sage green
- Medium skin: Rich colors like teal, coral, or plum
- Deep skin: Bold jewel tones, white, and warm metallics
When selecting your best color shirt or blouse for the session, consider necklines too. V-necks and scoop necks are generally the most flattering on camera for women.
What to Wear for Corporate & Business Headshots
Corporate headshots call for a more conservative palette that conveys professionalism and trustworthiness. The best colors to wear for business headshots include:
Safe choices for any corporate environment:
- Navy blue – The gold standard for business headshots; conveys trust and competence
- Charcoal gray – Sophisticated without being as stark as black
- Black – Classic and powerful, ideal for executive headshots
- White or light blue dress shirt – Crisp and professional under a blazer
Industry-specific guidance:
- Finance & Law: Stick to navy, charcoal, black, and white
- Tech & Startups: More flexibility – blues, grays, and subtle pops of color
- Healthcare: Clean and approachable – blue, white, soft colors
- Creative industries: Express more personality with jewel tones or interesting textures
For business headshots, a well-fitted blazer in navy or charcoal paired with a complementary color shirt underneath is always a winning combination.
What Colors Look Best in a Headshot?
This is just a starting point since our closets aren't perfectly sorted by colors. The core color gradients – like blue-purple and yellow-orange – bridge the gap between different emotional associations while maintaining visual harmony.
Talented headshot photographers can adjust lighting and exposure to enhance any outfit. You don't want to feel overwhelmed by your wardrobe or color choice. However, it's also important to consider how your top will look under studio lights – bring different shades of similar colors to give yourself options.
Keep in mind that your clothing color should also complement your background. Looking for guidance on different background options? Check out our guide on the best backgrounds for headshots.
5 Pro Color Tips from Behind the Camera
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Avoid extreme, highly saturated colors that pull attention away from your face, like neon yellow and cherry red.
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Pastel colors and deep fabrics may look more washed out or lose their subtle color gradations in photos.
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Neutrals are always a great option, but super dark colors may blend into a dark backdrop behind you.
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Complementary colors photograph better than opposing ones. Layer your look with harmonizing tones – navy pairs beautifully with lighter blues, and gray works as the perfect neutral foundation.
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Be mindful of colors close to your skin tone – they can cause your complexion to blend with your clothing on camera rather than creating definition.
Once you've settled on a color theme, it's best to bring a few variations. For example, if you want to wear purple, consider bringing light purple, lavender, and dark plum tops to your headshot session. You should always have a neutral option as well. With Chad Isaiah Studios, we make it simple to get new headshots that convey the right tone. Plan your outfit and find the perfect fit with us.
