What to Wear for Professional Headshots in Honolulu, Oahu

Getting professional headshots in Honolulu is about more than just showing up and smiling. What you wear plays a huge role in how polished, confident, and timeless your images feel. As an Oahu headshot photographer working with professionals across Waikiki, Downtown Honolulu, and beyond, I guide clients through wardrobe choices every week. Here’s a clear, stress-free breakdown of what works best for professional headshots Oahu and what to avoid.

Stick to Clean, Neutral Colors

Neutral tones photograph beautifully and keep the focus on you. Think white, cream, beige, gray, navy, olive, or soft earth tones. These colors work especially well for corporate headshots Honolulu, LinkedIn headshots Oahu, and headshots for resumes Honolulu.

Avoid loud patterns, logos, or neon colors. They date your photos quickly and can distract from your expression. If you’re booking studio headshots Oahu, neutrals help create that clean, modern look most professionals want.

Below is a earth tone color palette, these colors work great with most backgrounds.

Dress Like the Best Version of Your Everyday Self

You don’t need to dress like someone you’re not. If you’re a real estate agent, entrepreneur, or executive, a blazer over a simple top or button-down works perfectly for business headshots Oahu and real estate headshots Honolulu. If you like aloha shirts, you can always wear one, I think those look best outdoors though, not particularly for studio sessions.

Actors and models should aim for clean, fitted pieces that show personality without overpowering the frame. This is especially important for actor headshots Honolulu and model headshots Oahu, where casting wants to see you, not the outfit.

Fit Matters More Than Brand

Well-fitted clothing always looks better on camera than loose clothes or expensive labels. Tailored shirts, structured dresses, and jackets that sit properly on the shoulders make a huge difference. Baggy clothes add visual weight, while overly tight clothing can look uncomfortable on camera. See image below for examples.

Choose Simple Necklines and Layers

V-necks, crew necks, and collared shirts photograph cleanly. Layers like blazers, light jackets, or cardigans add depth and flexibility during your session. We can easily swap looks without a full outfit change, which is great for branding headshots Oahu and headshots for entrepreneurs Oahu. Just be mindful of Hawaii weather, if it’s a muggy day then come prepared with a short sleeve shirt or sleeveless options that still feel good. Also, avoid heavy scarves or bulky accessories that draw attention away from your face.

Keep Accessories Minimal

Less is more. Small earrings, a simple necklace, or a classic watch work well. Large statement pieces can cast shadows or pull focus. For LinkedIn headshots Oahu and corporate headshots Honolulu, clean and professional always wins.

Shoes Still Matter

If we’re shooting outdoor headshots Honolulu or lifestyle branding photos, shoes may end up in frame. Clean, neutral footwear completes the look and keeps your images cohesive. However if you booked me for a headshot specifically and dont need feet in the frame then you can disregard everything I mentioned in this section….

Grooming Tips That Photograph Well

Hair trimmed or styled a few days before the session
Light, natural makeup for a polished look
Matte makeup or powder helps reduce shine in Hawaii’s humidity
Clean nails and subtle grooming details matter more than you think

If you’ve booked Oahu headshots with makeup services, you can dial in your preferences with them before the session date.

Studio vs Outdoor Headshots on Oahu

If you’re unsure whether to book studio vs outdoor headshots Oahu, wardrobe can help decide. Studio sessions favor crisp, neutral looks with structure. Outdoor sessions allow slightly softer tones and textures that pair beautifully with natural light portraits Honolulu. There’s a whole other post HERE that goes over the difference between the two choices.

Final Tip: Bring Options

I always recommend bringing 2–3 outfit choices. We may only use 1 but this gives us flexibility and helps you get variety from one session, especially if you need images for LinkedIn, your website, business cards, and social media. All these tips apply to whether you’re booking affordable headshots Oahu, quick headshot sessions Honolulu, or a full branding shoot.

If you’re looking for a headshot photographer Oahu, reach out HERE

What to Wear for Professional Headshots in Honolulu | Oahu Headshot Photographer Guide