What to Wear for Professional Headshots

Coming from 20 years of experience in headshot photography, we’re sharing this simple guide on what to wear for professional headshots.

What to Wear for Professional Headshots

For professional headshots, it’s recommended to wear business-inspired clothing that incorporates layered styling, solid colors or subtle patterns, and classic accessories. The key is to choose well-fitting and comfortable outfits that align with your industry’s norms while allowing your personality and brand to shine through. 

By striking the right balance, you can create a polished and authentic headshot that accurately represents your professional image. Whenever we handle headshot photo shoots, these are the clothing options we generally recommend.

Component	Examples
Business attire	Blazers, button-down shirts, blouses, dress pants, pencil skirts
Layered styling	Blazer over a blouse, sweater over a collared shirt, scarf, or statement necklace
Solid colors or patterns	Solid colors like navy, gray, burgundy; subtle patterns like pinstripes or herringbone
Classic accessories	Pearl stud earrings, a leather watch, a silk tie, or a pocket square
Well-fitting and comfortable	Tailored pieces that skim the body without being too tight or baggy
Brand or industry requirements	Adding a pop of color, style, or pattern that aligns with your brand or industry norms

Business-Inspired Clothing

Whenever clients ask what they should wear for a headshot, we typically recommend business suits, as they are classic choices that won’t go out of style. They are versatile and can be tailored to fit you perfectly, making sure you look sharp and confident in your photos.

• Blazers: A blazer adds a polished, professional look to any outfit and can help convey authority and confidence.
• Button-down shirts: Pair your suit with a crisp, white button-down shirt for a clean look.
• Blouses: Blouses offer a feminine, office-appropriate choice that maintains a professional aesthetic for headshots.
• Dress pants: Well-fitted dress pants create a sharp, put-together look that commands respect and projects competence.
• Pencil skirts: Pencil skirts strike a balance between professional and stylish, allowing you to appear appropriately formal yet fashionable.

Layered Styling

Layered styling can add depth and interest to your appearance. It also gives you the flexibility to change your outfit easily during the headshot session.

For men:

• Start with a crisp, white shirt.
• Add a fitted sweater or a suit vest over your shirt. 
• Use a tailored blazer or sport coat as the final layer.

For women:

• Start with a blouse or shirt.
• Consider adding a cardigan or blazer.
• Keep accessories to a minimum.

Solid Colors and Patterns

Color psychology shows that up to 90% of initial impressions come from colors alone. When choosing what to wear for your professional headshot photo shoot, keep the colors and patterns simple to highlight your face.

Think about choosing solid colors that suggest professionalism, like navy blue or dark green. Meanwhile, pastels can be soft and approachable if they fit your brand. Regardless, wear colors that flatter your skin tone.

Whenever we review our shots, we’ve observed how small and subtle patterns that do not overpower the image work best. Small herringbone patterns or a subtle plaid can work if they are not too overwhelming.

Classic Accessories

Your accessories should complement your outfit without stealing the show. Here’s how you can select pieces that add just the right touch to your headshot.

• For necklaces, choose something with a small pendant that sits above your shirt neckline.
• Earrings should be small. Think of simple studs or small hoops.
• To avoid glare, opt for lenses with an anti-reflective coating. The frame should fit well and not hide your eyes. Use thinner, more transparent frames.

Well-Fitting and Comfortable Clothes

Your outfit should help you feel confident and at ease in front of the camera. Consider these factors when picking out your headshot attire:

• Clothes that are too tight can make you look uncomfortable and distort your body shape. 
• Loose outfits can make you appear unkempt or larger than you really are.
• Clothing should follow the contours of your body without squeezing. 
• The shoulders of jackets or shirts should sit nicely without bunching or sagging.
• Clothes should let you move comfortably as you sit down or move your arms.
• Materials should let your skin breathe; itchy or stiff fabrics can make you fidget.

What to Consider When Choosing What to Wear for a Headshot?

When you’re picking out clothes for your professional headshot, think about how your outfit reflects who you are, the image you want to project for your brand, and the expectations of your industry.

Your Business Branding

Whenever we schedule headshot photo shoots for businesses, we remind them to incorporate their brand into their clothing. For instance, if you have a company color scheme, try to incorporate those colors into your outfit. Or, wear colors that will look nice on your website or wherever they will be posted.

Our photo shoot themes will depend on your brand’s style guide and goals for the shoot, which guarantees consistency to help reinforce brand identities.

Your Industry

Law or finance might favor a more traditional look, while creative fields might allow for more personal expression. Despite creative expressions, it’s a good idea to opt for classic styles that won’t date your headshot as fads change. 

Related Questions

How Should I Dress for a Professional Headshot? 

For a professional headshot, you should dress in business-appropriate attire that is well-fitting, clean and wrinkle-free, and represents your personal brand. Opt for solid colors or subtle patterns, and avoid overly casual or distracting clothing items like busy prints, logos, or low necklines.

How Should I Style My Hair for a Professional Headshot?

When styling your hair for a professional headshot, aim for a neat, polished look that frames your face well. Keep your hairstyle simple and natural, avoiding extreme styles or excessive hair products that could appear distracting or unprofessional in the photo.

What Makeup Should I Wear for Headshot Photos? 

For headshot photos, it’s best to wear light, natural-looking makeup that enhances your features without appearing overly made-up or harsh. Stick to neutral tones and avoid heavy contouring, bright lipstick shades, or bold eye makeup that could distract from your professional appearance.

Conclusion

A headshot can showcase your professionalism and confidence, and you’ll need the right styling to present yourself in the right light. Use this guide as you prepare your attire for your professional headshot, which can set the tone for your brand and how potential clients or employers perceive you.