Dressing for Success: A Guide for Women of Color in Professional Headshots

At Headshot Pros AZ, we understand that your professional image is more than just a picture—it’s a powerful statement of who you are and what you bring to the table. As women of color, you bring unique strengths and perspectives to your industries, and we’re here to help you showcase that brilliance through your headshots and branding images.

This guide offers general guidelines for different industries, tips on hair and makeup, color choices that complement your skin tone, and advice on preparing for your headshot day. However, we recognize that every woman’s journey is unique, and these are just starting points. Our goal is to empower you to feel confident, authentic, and self-assured in front of the camera. Whether you’re a seasoned executive or just starting your career, we’re committed to providing an incredible experience that captures your true essence.

If you have any questions or need personalized advice, please don’t hesitate to reach out. At Headshot Pros AZ, we’re not just taking your picture—we’re helping you tell your story.

Outfit Colors | Styles that Shine | Makeup and Hair | Accessories | Confidence | Embrace Your Power

The Power of First Impressions

Let’s talk about something that’s often overlooked but incredibly important: what to wear for your professional headshot when you’re a woman of color. Whether you’re updating your LinkedIn profile, preparing for a speaking engagement, or just want to freshen up your professional image, your headshot is often the first impression you make in the business world. So, let’s make it count!

Embracing Your Unique Beauty

First things first: let’s celebrate the beautiful diversity of skin tones, hair textures, and facial features that make you who you are. Your headshot is an opportunity to showcase your unique beauty while projecting a professional image. Remember, you’re not trying to blend in – you’re aiming to stand out in all the right ways!

Choosing Your Outfit Colors

When it comes to color choices for your headshot outfit, there are a few things to consider:

1. Complement Your Skin Tone: Choose colors that enhance your natural skin tone. For darker skin tones, jewel tones like emerald green, sapphire blue, or deep purple can look stunning. For medium skin tones, warm earth tones or rich blues can be flattering. If you have a lighter skin tone, try soft pastels or bold primary colors.
2. Consider the Background: You want to choose an outfit color that contrasts nicely with the background so you don’t blend in or clash. If you are here in the studio at HeadshotProsAZ, we usually do gray or white, but rich tones of brown or taupe are also gorgeous and complement many outfits. If you’re planning on an on-location session, you’ll want to check to make sure your outfits don’t clash with your background.
3. Company Brand: If your headshot will be used near brand colors (such as a logo) on your business card, branded website, marketing materials, email signature, etc., you’ll also want to plan for colors that won’t distract or detract from the brand color scheme. They don’t have to match, but just make sure they don’t clash. Along with that, you’ll want to consider the personality of the brand you’re representing – whether your own brand or the company you work for – and make sure the colors and styles communicate the brand message.
4. Avoid Overly Bright or Neon Colors: While we love a pop of color, extremely bright or neon shades can be distracting in a headshot no matter your skin tone. We want eyes to go to your face, not your outfit. For most industries, it’s a safer choice to stick to more muted or rich tones for a polished look. However, if you’re in a creative field or target a younger demographic, and the brand color is neon, you may be able to pull off a blindingly bright color choice.
5. Classic Neutrals: When in doubt, classic neutrals like black, navy, or gray are always safe choices. They’re timeless and professional, and they work well for most skin tones. These are always good choices if your clients resonate with a more conservative look (think finance, law, government, etc.)

Styles That Shine

Now, let’s talk about what styles work best for headshots, and also see the specific industry recommendations below:

1. Choose Outfits That Help You Feel Confident: My best advice is to choose outfits for your photos that you’d wear to meet your new dream client – keeping the style on brand for the brand you represent. You know, the favorite outfits in your closet you save for those power meetings? Wear that!
2. Necklines Matter: The neckline of your top is crucial in a headshot. V-necks can be flattering for many body types and face shapes. If you prefer more coverage, a classic crew neck or boat neck can look very polished. For more info on necklines, check out this article on dressing for your shape and choosing necklines.
3. Sleeves or No Sleeves: This often depends on your personal comfort level and the industry you’re in. A short-sleeved or three-quarter sleeve top can be a great middle ground. We generally recommend against sleeveless, but in the Arizona heat, if you have upper arm confidence, sleeveless can work well. (If you don’t love your upper arms, you’ll probably like your photos better in sleeves.) Or if your clients are more formal, opt for sleeves.
4. Tailored Fit: Whatever style you choose, make sure it fits well. A well-fitted blazer or structured top can give a sharp, professional look. Ruffles, poufs, or extra fabric adds weight, and clothing that is too tight doesn’t look right either. Choose what fits.
5. Texture and Pattern: Solid colors often photograph best, but if you love patterns, go for something subtle. Small, repetitive patterns or textures can add interest without being distracting, but can cause “moire” – that funny pattern in photos that looks like it’s moving, and large patterns can lead the viewers eye to the pattern instead of your face. However, as with all these suggestions, if something is on-brand for your brand, bring it!

Makeup and Hair: Enhancing Your Natural Beauty

Your makeup and hair are just as important as your outfit in a headshot. Here are some tips:

1. Natural, But Polished: Aim for a look that enhances your features without being overly dramatic. This isn’t the time for experimental makeup – stick to what makes you feel confident and professional.
2. Even Out Skin Tone: Use foundation or tinted moisturizer to even out your skin tone. Be careful not to go too heavy – you want your natural skin to shine through.
3. Define Your Eyes: Subtle eye makeup can make your eyes pop in photos. Consider a neutral eyeshadow and mascara to make your eyes stand out.
4. A Note On Fake Eyelashes: Please, don’t wear over-the-top fake eyelashes. Subtle fake eyelash extensions can be used, but heavy fake eyelashes really block the light going into your eyes and distract from your face. I’ve even seen people who could barely open their lids from the heavy lashes. Headshots are close up so we will see your lashes. If the falsies are falling off, doubled up, or not right on the natural lash line, it will show. Keep in mind we can enhance your natural eyelashes when retouching, but it’s very difficult to fix bad fake eyelashes, so trust me, less is more.
5. Lip Color: Choose a lip color that complements your skin tone and outfit. A shade close to your natural lip color often works best. If a bright, bold lip color is on brand for you, then definitely wear it, but if your everyday look is a more natural shade, then stick with that for your headshots.
6. Lip Liner: A defined lip (with lipliner) can look great, but be sure you blend it well. I normally recommend outlining and then filling in with your lip liner to blend, then top with your color. Lip gloss looks a lot softer on camera than lipstick, especially compared to matte lipstick that can look dry and flaky up close.
7. Hair Styling: Your hairstyle should reflect your everyday professional look. Whether you wear your hair natural, straightened, or in protective styles such as braids, wigs, locks, and twists, make sure it’s neat and doesn’t overshadow your face.

Foundation and Powder Choices:

• Be sure your foundation matches your skin tone perfectly, so your face and neck blend seamlessly. This creates a natural, even look in photos.
• For darker skin tones especially, be cautious of “flashback“ – a phenomenon where certain makeup products can cause skin to appear ashy in flash photography. This is often caused by ingredients like zinc oxide or silica reflecting camera lights. Here at Headshot Pros AZ, we normally use constant lighting for studio headshots so flashback is less of an issue, but if you’re doing a brand shoot or outdoor headshots, flash photography is more common.
• To avoid flashback:
  • Check foundation and powder ingredients, avoiding those with high concentrations of zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, or silica.
  • Test your makeup under flash photography before an important photo session. (You can test with your cell phone flash on the back camera).
  • Consider using translucent or tinted setting powders specifically formulated to be flashback-free. We love and recommend this one and this one for medium to dark skin tones for looking photo-ready without flashback. Either of these work well under camera lighting. (affiliate links)
  • We keep camera-approved loose powder for all skin tones here in the studio for touch-ups to keep shine at bay during your headshot session.
• For the most natural look, opt for foundations with a satin or natural finish rather than extremely matte or dewy formulations. This helps achieve a “your skin but better“ effect in photos. And remember, artistic retouching is included with your headshots, so we can help even out what the foundation doesn’t.
• When possible, especially for on-location brand shoots, you might do a test run of your makeup under similar lighting conditions to your upcoming photo session to ensure the best results.

Professional Makeup Artist: A Game-Changer for Headshot Day

When it comes to headshots and branding photos, hiring a professional makeup artist can make a world of difference. Starting your session with professional makeup will help you look your best and you’ll feel more relaxed and confident in front of the camera. At Headshot Pros AZ, we understand the unique needs and challenges that come with photographing diverse skin tones, and that’s why we highly recommend choosing a makeup artist who is very experienced in working with all different skin tones for the camera and professional lighting.

Our makeup artist is skilled in working with all skin tones and has a deep understanding of how different products and techniques can enhance the natural beauty of women of color. She knows which foundations will match perfectly without causing the dreaded “ashy“ look, how to highlight and contour to bring out your best features, and how to ensure your makeup translates beautifully on camera.

Moreover, professional makeup application can help boost your confidence during the photo shoot. When you know you look your best, it shows in your expressions and body language, resulting in more natural and engaging photos.

Remember, the goal isn’t to mask your features or change your appearance, but to enhance your natural beauty and ensure you look like the best version of yourself in your photos. Our makeup artist will work closely with you to understand your preferences and create a look that aligns with your personal style and brand image.

By investing in professional makeup for your headshot or branding session, you’re not just paying for makeup application – you’re investing in your image and the impression you’ll make on potential clients or employers. At Headshot Pros AZ, we’re committed to helping you put your best face forward, no matter your skin tone or type.

Accessories: The Finishing Touch

We generally recommend against jewelry in headshots, simply because we want the focus on your face. However, depending on your role and your personal brand, accessories can add personality to your headshot… still, less is often more. And, some types of jewelry can quickly date your headshots, so you’ll need to update more often. Simpler is better. For branding images, you’ll often use those shots for a shorter period of time, so statement jewelry can work well in those types of photos. It depends on your usage and your personal and professional brand. Here are some ideas:

1. Earrings: Simple studs or small hoops can add a touch of elegance without being distracting.
2. Necklaces: If you choose to wear a necklace, opt for something delicate that complements your neckline. We generally don’t recommend jewelry for headshots as it might distract from your face, but wear what is right for you.
3. Glasses: If you wear glasses regularly, wear them in your headshot. They’re part of your everyday look! (If you have transition lenses that get dark under very bright light, let us know. We can do a special lighting setup that works better for these types of glasses.)
4. Nails: Normally your hands won’t be shown in headshots, but if you’re planning on more than just headshots (head and shoulders), or a little softer headshot, your hands may be showing. So make sure you have freshly manicured hands if you’re planning on more than just head and shoulders in the shot.
5. Props: While we don’t generally use props for headshots, if you’re doing a branding shoot, props are very helpful in telling your brand story. For branding shoots, we’ll meet with you ahead of time to discuss your brand story and help you identify the props to bring for your shoot.

The Confidence Factor

Here’s a secret: the most important thing you can wear in your headshot is confidence. No matter what outfit you choose, if you feel comfortable and confident, it will show in your photo.

Practical Tips for Confidence on Headshot Day

1. Bring Options: If possible, bring a few different tops or accessories to your photoshoot. This gives you and your photographer some flexibility.
2. Avoid Last-Minute Changes: Don’t get a drastic new haircut or try a bold new makeup look right before your headshot. Stick with what you know works for you.
3. Prepare in Advance: Check your outfits for stains or other issues. Try on your outfits to make sure they fit. Iron or steam your outfit the night before to avoid any last-minute wrinkle panic. Pack everything for needed for each outfit ahead of time (if need a special bra or belt or accessory for your favorite outfit pack ahead of time so you don’t forget it.)
4. Stay True to You: While it’s important to look professional, don’t choose an outfit or style that feels completely foreign to you. Your headshot should be an authentic representation of your professional self.

Embracing Your Power

Remember, ladies, your headshot is more than just a photo – it’s a powerful tool in your professional arsenal. It’s an opportunity to show the world who you are and what you bring to the table. As women of color, you have the unique opportunity to showcase your diversity and bring fresh perspectives to your industries.

So, when you’re preparing for your headshot, think beyond just what to wear. Think about the image you want to project, the story you want to tell, and the mark you want to make in your field. Choose outfits that makes you feel powerful, confident, and ready to take on the world.

In the end, the best outfit for your headshot is one that makes you feel like the boss you are. It should reflect your personality, complement your features, and align with your professional brand. Whether you opt for bold colors, classic neutrals, or cultural elements, make sure your choice empowers you to put your best face forward.

Now go out there and shine! The world is waiting to see the amazing professional you are, and your headshot is just the beginning of your story. Dress for success, smile with confidence, and let your unique beauty and talent shine through. You’ve got this!

Cari Hall, Professional Headshot Photographer

Cari Hall is a professional headshot photographer based in Phoenix, Arizona. Since 2014, she has specialized in corporate headshots, LinkedIn headshots, and personal branding photos that help professionals and companies stand out with confidence. Drawing on more than a decade of experience — and a background in advertising and marketing — Cari brings both technical expertise and brand strategy insight to every session. She is known for creating a stress-free experience, helping even the most camera-shy clients feel comfortable, confident, and authentically themselves.