What to wear for men’s acting headshots
What should men wear for acting headshots?
Actors should wear simple, non-distracting clothing for their headshot sessions. Simplicity is key. The focus in your headshot should be squarely on you, not your clothes.
But just because the clothing itself should be simple doesn’t mean the process of finding those clothes is simple!
Let’s go through three rules you can easily follow to get the right outfits for your men’s acting headshots in Orlando Florida and beyond.
Commercial Headshots Must Be Friendly
I recommend a shirt with color, and a light-hearted feeling to your entire outfit. Agencies will sometimes want a full-body shot in your commercial outfit, so dress head-to-toe in an outfit you might see in a GAP ad or Target ad.
If you would like to wear a pattern, that’s ok! Stick to plaid or horizontal stripes, and try to pair it with a second layer.
T-shirts, button-ups, and polos are all good choices for the type of shirt.
Make sure the outfit is wrinkle-free and looks new or like-new (including shoes)
You know what looks best on you—pick colors that bring out your eyes and complement your skin tone. Stay away from white (which can wash you out) and black (which can give the illusion of absorbing light from the rest of the photo, and isn’t friendly enough to count as a commercial headshot).
2. A Neutral Theatrical Outfit is Always Needed for Actors
What is a theatrical headshot?
It may feel confusing, but a theatrical headshot doesn’t necessarily mean you work on stage at the theater. In the case of film and TV actors, this means a more dramatic character.
Choose a color that is more muted, or black. Deep olive green, gray, black, dusty blue, and denim are good choices. Keep patterns slim to none for your theatrical actor headshot.
If you’d like to layer this outfit, go for a solid-colored button up shirt, or even better - a hoodie or leather-type jacket. A blazer is also a good choice if you tend to go for professional type roles (think FBI director).
In Florida, the most effective theatrical headshot has a little color, and is very simple.
3. Get Slightly Type-Specific (but not TOO on-the-nose) For Your Third Look
It’s always helpful to provide your agency with a headshot that speaks to the types of roles you want to book.
It’s really important to know your types, and make sure that one of your headshots represents that type. If the role you are going for is wealthy businessman, for instance, you wouldn’t want to wear an outfit that is too young or casual (like a T-shirt).
Take a look at what the characters are wearing on the shows you want to be in, and take inspiration from them. The only exception would be something like a super-hero. For action roles or other “costume” wearing roles, just stick with a nice black or deep gray T-shirt.
It’s not recommended that you be too specific in the Florida market especially. Just give a hint of the type and your headshot will be more versatile and not too desperate or obvious. Casting directors are good at envisioning you in the role… your outfit is just there to get them started :)
Here are some examples of slightly type-specific roles that speak to the types of these actors:
And lastly, here are a few things to consider that should help you decide what to wear for your actor headshots:
What types of projects do I want to work on? If you want to work on noir shows or late-night crime dramas, a dark, gritty-looking headshot fits the tone. If you aspire to be SNL's newest cast member or a sitcom darling, a bright, goofy shot is a better idea.
Which types of roles do I want to play? If you're going out for a high-powered executive, your hair, makeup, and clothing should be polished. If you're going for a high school queen bee, make sure your wardrobe and makeup are age-appropriate.
And when in doubt, bring options! Consult your agency or acting coach, and be prepared to shop for the right clothing. Your outfits need to look new, be totally free of wrinkles, and speak to your POV as an actor.
For more ideas, visit my wardrobe guide and commercial guide - they will help you get inspired!