What to Wear for Winter Headshots in Edinburgh

Winter headshots in Edinburgh come with their own set of challenges. Cold temperatures, flat light, wet pavements and dark coats everywhere. What you wear matters more than people think, not for fashion reasons, but because it affects how confident, relaxed and professional you look on camera.

The good news is that winter can actually be a great time for headshots, as long as you dress with a bit of intention. This guide is based on what works consistently well during winter headshot sessions around Edinburgh, both indoors and outdoors.

Choosing Colours that Work in Winter Light

Edinburgh’s winter light is softer and cooler than in summer. That’s not a bad thing, but it does mean colour choice matters.

Deep, muted colours tend to photograph best. Think navy, forest green, burgundy, charcoal, soft blues and warm neutrals. These tones sit well against winter backgrounds and don’t reflect light back into the face.

Very bright colours and busy patterns usually do the opposite of what people want. They pull attention away from your expression and can date quickly. The goal of a professional headshot is that people notice you, not your jumper.

If you’re unsure, lay your outfit out near a window during the day. If the colour feels calm and flattering in natural light, it will almost certainly photograph well during a winter headshot session.

During my Edinburgh headshot sessions, I’ll always advise on colour choices beforehand so clients arrive confident they’re wearing something that works for both their skin tone and their intended use, whether that’s LinkedIn, a company website or speaker profiles.

Dressing for Warmth Without Looking Bulky

If you’re cold, it shows. Tension creeps into shoulders, posture stiffens and expressions tighten. Staying warm isn’t just about comfort, it directly affects how relaxed you look on camera.

Layering is the simplest solution. A thin thermal or fitted base layer under your main outfit keeps you warm without adding bulk. Structured jackets, knitwear or tailored coats work well for winter headshots and can be removed or adjusted easily if we move indoors.

Natural fabrics such as wool, heavier cotton and fine knits tend to photograph better than shiny or synthetic materials. They hold their shape and give a cleaner, more professional finish.

I always recommend bringing options. Scottish weather is unpredictable, and having a spare layer or alternative top gives flexibility without stress.

Accessories and Styling: Keep It Simple

Accessories should support your look, not dominate it.

Scarves, subtle jewellery or a simple watch can add personality, especially in winter, but restraint matters. Chunky statement pieces, oversized scarves or noisy patterns can overwhelm the frame and date the image quickly.

If you wear glasses every day, wear them for your headshot. Just make sure they’re clean and, ideally, non-reflective. I’ll handle lighting to minimise glare.

Hair and makeup should be practical. Winter damp and wind are real factors in Edinburgh, so styles that hold up naturally tend to work best. Overly styled looks rarely survive a brisk walk between locations.

Footwear: Practical Still Counts

Footwear doesn’t always appear in headshots, but it still matters. Slipping on wet stone steps or freezing because your shoes aren’t suitable will affect how relaxed you feel.

Choose shoes or boots that are clean, weather-appropriate and comfortable. If we’re outdoors, they may appear in wider frames, so they should still fit the overall look. Neutral, understated styles usually work best.

If you’re wearing heels, wider heels are safer and more practical on Edinburgh’s winter pavements.

Bringing It Altogether

Good winter headshots aren’t about dressing up. They’re about looking like yourself on a good day: professional, confident and comfortable.

When colours are calm, layers are sensible and styling is kept simple, the focus stays exactly where it should be, on you. Preparation removes stress, and relaxed people photograph better. Every time.

If you’re planning winter headshots in Edinburgh and want guidance that’s practical rather than generic, that’s part of how I work.

Professional Edinburgh headshots by Scott Barron Photography are designed to be calm, efficient and tailored to how you actually use your images.
If you’d like help choosing what to wear or want to book a session, get in touch and we’ll plan it properly from the start.