What to Wear for Headshots: Men & Women Style Guide (LA Edition)
I've been photographing people in Los Angeles for over 20 years. I have seen it all: nice outfits, awful outfits, and outfits that bewildered the whole crowd. If you ask me, what should you wear for your headshots? The answer would be “you must wear something simple but defining the real you.” Whether you want a model, actor, or professional woman's headshots in LA, your clothes should tell the story of who you are before you say a single word.
Most people overthink their wardrobe. They present themselves with a suitcase of possibilities and no direction. Or they just grab whatever feels "professional" and hope for the best. Don't do either. Use this guide instead. I'm going to tell you what works, what does not, and why, based on actual sessions here in Los Angeles.
Actors Must Dress the Role, Not the Résumé
If you are an actor, you need to dress as the character you are playing. Whether it is a comedic role or theatre method acting, your clothes should demonstrate it. In short, you must dress like you just walked in, living your life, not like you are auditioning for a costume department.
Think about the roles you realistically book or want to book. It can be a charming next-door neighbor, a no-nonsense detective, or a quirky best friend. Your clothes should whisper that story, not shout it. LA casting directors want to see you, not your outfit.
For Men:
Experiment with V-necks, scoop necks, layered looks, and simple crew necks
Open a chambray shirt or a lightweight jacket to give dimensions to your look
Jeans, khakis, t-shirts, tank tops, solid and plaid shirts, hoodies, sweaters, and jackets can be a few good headshot outfits for men options
For Women:
Summer tops and summer dresses in fresh colors look great in headshots
For serious roles, you can wear long dresses in textured fabric
For "Edgy Techie," wear a dark hoodie. If you are the "Detective/Lawyer," wear a structured blazer or a crisp button-down.
Models Must Have Editorial-Ready Looks That Let the Camera Lead
Modeling headshots in Los Angeles serve a different purpose than actor shots. You are not selling a personality; you are selling your face, your versatility, and your ability to wear a look. For models, the wardrobe needs to be heighten but not too overwhelming.
The best modeling headshots in LA showcase the model's face as the centerpiece. Your wardrobe choices should frame, not compete. Agencies and clients need to see your bone structure, your skin, and your eyes. Let them.
For Men:
A simple black or white tank top, bodysuit, crew-neck tee, or well-fitted t-shirt.
Monochromatic look looks elegant on headshots
Wear matte fabrics that look simple yet luxurious
For Women
A simple off-shoulder or one-shoulder top in fine knit, light linen, or soft silk fabric can be a perfect headshot outfit for women in LA.
For lingerie or swimwear modeling, bring simple, unfussy pieces in solids
2026 is all about “sexy but sophisticated,” so bring pieces that bring attention to you
Business Professionals Must Show Authority Without the Stuffiness
LA has its own variant of professional headshot clothing. classy but never pompous, confident but never icy. You may be a realtor in Beverly Hills, an entertainment lawyer in Century City, or a tech executive in Santa Monica; your professional headshot attire must convey a competent, friendly, and presentable vibe.
You can follow a good rule of thumb: whatever you'd wear to an important client meeting, wear that, maybe with one small upgrade. This ensures you look aspirational but authentic. LA professionals who arrive overdressed (full tuxedo, ballgown-level formality) rarely get shots that feel natural.
For Men:
Fitted blazers, suits, sport jackets, dress shirts, ties, and cashmere sweaters.
For more creative sectors (entertainment, tech, design), a well-fitting dark crewneck or quarter-zip and a blazer is a perfect fit.
For lawyers and executives, wear a crisp dress shirt with or without a jacket.
For Women:
A structured blazer, wrap tops, and tight scoop-neck tops in solid colors.
If you work in real estate, finance, and legal, the colors to wear for headshots are sapphire, emerald, and deep burgundy.
For the creative and technology sector, wear light tones, delightful textures, and a less formal blazer.
Universal "Guy Viau" Rules for All Categories
NO Patterns: Stripes, logos, and busy prints distract the eye and can cause "moire" (distortion) on digital screens.
Layers are King: Layers (jackets, cardigans, hoodies) add depth and provide at least 3-4 distinct looks.
The Fit Test: It must fit well; you will look bulky on camera. Wear clothes that hug your shape.
Preparation: Everything must be pressed or steamed. Wrinkles are very difficult to edit out and look unprofessional.
Authenticity: Don't wear a costume. Wear a better version of what you would wear on an audition, a go-see, or a board meeting.
Conclusion
Your headshot clothing is the frame, but you are the painting. When you choose the right outfit for professional women headshots in LA and sleek options for men, you stop worrying about how you look. This allows you to focus on the camera and show your true personality.
At Guy Viau Photography, preparation begins before you step in front of the camera. I can help with styling, as I know the LA market well. Need a headshot of an actor, a model, or even a business professional? I can assist you with something valuable. All it takes is a simple phone call to ensure that you arrive prepared, relaxed, and assured.
Let's work together to create a headshot that helps you create a perfect limelight story!