What Colors to Wear to an Interview (and for Your Headshot)

You’ve polished your resume and practiced your answers. Now you’re staring at your closet wondering what colors to wear to an interview, or for that new LinkedIn headshot. The good news: you don’t need a new wardrobe. You need the right colors for you.

Whether you’re a new grad, changing careers, or stepping into leadership, here’s how to choose colors that look polished and make you look like your most confident self.

Why the usual interview colors don’t work for everyone

Most interview advice, including career sites like Indeed’s career advice, recommends the same “safe” colors: a navy or black suit, charcoal, gray, camel, and a crisp white shirt. The thinking is that they look professional and don’t distract. We see it differently. Those colors aren’t automatically flattering, and a shade that looks polished on one person can make another look tired, washed out, or harsh.

Whether a color works for you depends on your coloring: whether you’re warm or cool, and which of the 12 seasons you are. So don’t assume a navy suit or a white shirt will work for you just because everyone recommends them. For example:

• Black can look striking on some Winters but harsh on softer or lighter coloring.
• Stark white can wash out warm or muted seasons, who often look better in ivory or cream.
• Navy flatters many people, but some look far better in charcoal, chocolate brown, or deep teal.
• Camel and olive can glow on warm seasons and look dull on cool ones.

That’s why a color analysis is so valuable before a big interview. Instead of following a one-size-fits-all list, you’ll know exactly which neutrals and colors are yours.

Add one color near your face

Start with the neutral that suits your season. One of your best colors near your face, in a blouse or scarf, is what makes you memorable. It brightens your skin and draws attention to your eyes, exactly where you want an interviewer looking.

What to wear for your headshot

Your headshot is your first impression for years, on LinkedIn, your company website, and conference programs. The camera is even pickier than an interviewer, so a few extra rules help:

• Choose solid colors. Small patterns and thin stripes can look busy on camera.
• Wear your best colors near your face. The right color evens out your skin.
• Think about the background. Against a gray backdrop, skip the gray top.
• Bring two or three options so your photographer can help choose.

Don’t forget jewelry and makeup

Keep jewelry simple and in the metal that suits you best. Not sure which? Read gold or silver jewelry: how to tell which metal suits you. For makeup, a lip and blush in your season look natural on camera and in person, even when you’re nervous. Skip anything too shimmery, which can look shiny under studio lights.

Dress for success, starting with your colors

A Signature Color Analysis gives you your exact season out of 12, a palette to take shopping, and your best neutrals, whites, and blacks. It’s a smart step before job hunting, and you’ll use it for years. Here’s an honest look at the cost.

Leading a team or a young professionals group? I also bring color analysis to workplaces through corporate events and activations in Indianapolis and Fishers.