All-American Commercial Wardrobe Guide
For Models and Actors
What to wear for Commercial Headshots
Choosing the right outfit for commercial headshots is more important than you might realize.
More and more, agencies in Florida are asking for:
a tight-cropped headshot
a 3/4 shot
a full body shot
An excellent, professional set of headshots (and full body shots) is the most important thing you can provide your agency with to get audition opportunities. When you are submitted, the casting director decides, based on your photo, if they would like to see your audition. Your online image is SUPER IMPORTANT!!!
…which means… every detail of that image matters. Your hair and makeup, background, lighting, overall professionalism, expression, pose, and… OUTFIT CHOICE will each contribute to an effective (or IN-effective!!) headshot.
So… what can you wear, head-to-toe, that is going to make a positive, professional impression on casting directors?
Contrary to many opinions online, choosing clothing for commercial headshots doesn’t have to be complicated (phew!).
Are T-shirts ok?
YES. A simple T-shirt is a good look for commercial headshots. Men should keep the neckline standard/high. Women can do a standard to or opt for a lower V-neck to help lengthen the neckline.
MAKE SURE the collar of the T-shirt does not look old/worn
Start with your Color
For your main top, start with a color that goes nicely with your skin tone.
Lighter skin tones - go for medium tones, black, or white.
Olive, denim-blue, cobalt-blue, rich pink, deep mustard, orange, muted purple, and a deep heather gray work well.
Medium skin tones - go for medium or lighter colors.
You can also do brighter tones, like, bold pink, emerald green, canary yellow. White is always beautiful, or cream.
Dark skin tone - keep it strong and bold.
Yellow, bold pink, orange, green, deep blue, and black.
Avoid pastel or white, as it can take away from your face by drawing too much attention. …unless it’s paired with an over-shirt to lessen the captivating effect that white shirts can have.
What about patterns?
Patterns are ok!
They should be clean and “catalog.” Nothing too distracting or specific. For instance, polka dots are normally worn by comedic characters and should be avoided. To be as versatile as possible, keep your patterns subtle. Stripes, plaid, and light flowers for young girls and teen girls are examples of good patterns.
2. Consider adding a layer
A true All-American look often includes a layer. A second layer is a wonderful way to add dimension and variety to your outfit. Some great choices are:
light denim shirt or jacket
solid-colored button-up
plaid shirt
corduroy button-up
cardigan sweater
fitted blazer
A second layer is NOT required! But, if you opt to bring one, we will photograph you in your outfit with and without your second layer.
It is very important to try on your full outfit before coming to your session.
MAKE SURE your layer pairs well with your undershirt. For instance, a blazer’s collar may not line up well with your undershirt once you put them together.
If you have chosen a simple T-shirt as your under-layer, then I strongly recommend bringing a layer to dress up that T-shirt for a few shots.
If your T-shirt has stripes or a bold color: a clean, neutral layer will clean up the undershirt and create an approachable, yet dynamic, look for your commercial headshots.
3. Complete the Look
Simple pants + modern, clean shoes.
Jeans (blue or white), and Khaki pants are the favorite for commercial headshots, but sometimes it’s appropriate to pair your top with shorts, or a fitted skirt.
Make sure your pants fit your body well and play well with the the top you have selected. Sometimes, even white pants are ok!
Make sure your shoes are CLEAN and modern. Try to avoid really obvious logos if possible (though it may not always be possible for tennis shoes).
Women can go for sporty shoes, pumps, flats, or anything that looks classy, fun, and new.
Men can go for dressy, sporty, or boat shoes.
What about Jewelry?
For actors, it’s best to go without jewelry completely, or, wear very simple earrings and possibly a necklace. For models, you can add a bit more jewelry, but just make sure it doesn’t take away from your look or command too much attention.
4. The Rules You Can’t Ignore
You can do ALL the right things with color, layering, and completing your look, but if you ignore these vital rules, your outfit may be unusable.
Your clothing should be new or like-new.
However, DO NOT bring clothes straight out of the package! Bring your new clothes home, try them on, wash them, and get ALLLLL those wrinkles and fold lines out before you come to your headshot session.
Your outfit needs to be completely free of wrinkles, and on hangers. We won’t have time to iron your outfits here. If you bring wrinkled clothing, it will be unusable, or, if it’s all you brought, the wrinkles will be in your final shots.
Clothing should fit well. Not loose, not too tight. For instance, sometimes a button-up shirt, if too tight, may pull at the buttons. That outfit would be difficult to move in and may even be unusable.
Avoid clothing with tiny patterns, like houndstooth or ribbing. These patterns confuse the monitors and look wavy to the viewer.
Avoid neon colors.
Teens: do NOT show cleavage.
Women over 40 should not wear tank tops unless you have athletic arms and intend to go for athletic roles.
Do not show the midriff.
Examples of Commercial Outfits for Actors
Enough talk!
Let’s take a look at successful outfits that you can take inspo from - by age range.
Kids age 5 - 12
Clean (including shoes)
Crisp (avoid wrinkly fabrics)
Patterns
Overalls are amazing for girls
Modest / high necklines
FUN
Youthful colors (no gray or black)
Layers
Denim
Clothing should look new
More examples of what to wear for children’s commercial headshots:
Still Unsure What to Bring for your children’s headshot session?
Use My Approved Commercial Wardrobe Amazon List ✅
Teens age 13 - 17
Clean (including shoes)
Patterns or Solids
Modest / high necklines
FUN
Colors should be medium-to-light (but avoid very light pastel)
No gray or black
Colors can be bold & saturated, or more neutral for older teens (such as olive or sage green)
Layers, but not too heavy
Denim
Your goal is to look youthful, modern, vibrant, and joyful!
More examples of what to wear for teen commercial headshots:
Still Unsure What to Bring for your teen’s headshot session?
Use My Approved Commercial Wardrobe Amazon List ✅ for both guys and girls.
Young Adults (18 - 30ish)
Clean (including shoes)
Patterns or Solids are ok! Just keep the patterns somewhat minimal, plaid or stripes.
Not too baggy or boxy
T-shirts are ok! High neck or v-neck for women
Colors should go well with your skin tone and eye color
Layers are good!
Denim is ok - try to keep it lighter in color.
Your goal is to look modern - like you just stepped out of a catalog.
More examples of what to wear for young adult commercial headshots:
Still Unsure What to Bring as a young adult?
Use My Approved Commercial Wardrobe Amazon List ✅ for both men and women.
Mature Adults (30+)
Clean (including shoes)
Try to choose solids, but plaid is ok!
Not too baggy or boxy
It’s ok to wear age-appropriate clothes (like golf outfits)
Layers are good!
Your goal is to look friendly and modern - like you just stepped out of a catalog.
More examples of what to wear for mature adult commercial headshots:
