You booked your headshot session. Now the next question is simple: what should you wear?
Clothing plays a major role in the effectiveness of your professional headshot on LinkedIn, company websites, and marketing materials. The right outfit helps you look confident, polished, and approachable. The wrong one can distract from your face.
After photographing hundreds of professionals at our Redwood City studio, here are the clothing and grooming choices that we found consistently work best on camera.
Dress Slightly More Polished Than Usual
A good rule for professional headshots is to dress one step more polished than your normal work attire.
Examples:
- If you usually wear a button-down shirt, add a blazer.
- If your workplace is casual, choose a clean sweater or jacket.
- If you typically wear a suit, pick your best-fitting one.
The goal isn’t to change your style. The goal is to present the most professional version of yourself.
Best Colors for Professional Headshots
Color is an important consideration when choosing your wardrobe for a photo. Some colors enhance skin tone and create contrast, while others reflect light or dominate the image.
Colors That Work Well
Navy blue
One of the most reliable colors for professional headshots. It looks trustworthy, professional, and works well with most skin tones.
Charcoal gray
A clean and sophisticated option that photographs well with almost any background.
Jewel tones
Deep colors like emerald, burgundy, teal, and plum add depth without pulling attention away from your face.
Soft white or cream
Good for a lighter, approachable look. Cream tends to photograph better than bright white.
Colors to Avoid
Bright white
Can appear overly bright under studio lighting and lose detail.
Pure black
Absorbs light and hides texture.
Neon or very bright colors
Reflect color onto your skin and distract from your expression.
Bright red
Tends to dominate the image; a deeper burgundy works better
If you’re unsure which color to choose, navy is almost always a safe option.
Patterns and Fabrics That Work Best
In a headshot, your face should be the focus. Clothing should support that, not compete with it.
Avoid
- Busy patterns
- Bold stripes or plaids
- logos or graphics
- Shiny fabrics like satin or silk
Patterns can create visual distortion on camera and draw attention away from your expression.
Choose
- Solid colors
- Subtle textures
- Matte fabrics such as cotton, wool, or cashmere
- Fine knit sweaters
Simple clothing photographs cleanly and keeps the focus where it belongs.
What to Wear by Profession
Your headshot should match the expectations of your industry.
Corporate, Finance, and Legal
A tailored blazer or suit jacket works best. Pair it with a pressed dress shirt or blouse in a neutral color. A tie is optional depending on company culture.
Tech and Startup Professionals
Silicon Valley typically favors a more relaxed look. A clean sweater, polo shirt, or casual blazer over a plain shirt works well. The goal is polished but not overly formal.
Creative Professionals
Creative fields allow more flexibility. Interesting textures, jackets, or subtle accessories can show personality. Just make sure the clothing does not overshadow your face.
Real Estate and Client-Facing Roles
Choose clothing that communicates trust and professionalism. Blazers, tops, and classic colors tend to work best.
Healthcare Professionals
Medical professionals often photograph well in business casual. A blazer with a button-down shirt or blouse creates a balanced look that feels both professional and approachable.
Accessories: Keep Them Simple
Accessories should support the overall look without becoming the focal point.
Good options include:
- Small stud earrings
- Thin necklaces
Avoid large or reflective pieces that catch light and distract from your face. When in doubt, opt for no accessories.
What About Glasses?
Grooming Tips for Headshots
Clothing matters, but grooming also makes a visible difference in photos.
General Tips
- Schedule haircuts about one week before your session.
- Make sure clothing is clean and pressed.
For Men
- Trim facial hair the morning of the session.
- Shave a few hours before the shoot to avoid redness.
- Reduce shine with a light matte powder if needed.
- If you wear a dress shirt and tie, ensure that the collar fits snugly around your neck. If you wear an open collar, skip the undershirt.
For Women
- Apply makeup slightly stronger than your everyday look.
Matte or satin foundations usually photograph better than very shiny finishes, especially under strong lighting.
- Define eyes with mascara and subtle liner. Avoid liner on the lower lid.
Common Clothing Mistakes
These issues show up frequently in professional headshots:
Wrinkled clothing
Wrinkles are visible in photos. Steam or iron outfits before the session.
Clothes that do not fit well
Too tight creates pulling lines. Too loose looks bulky. Choose pieces that fit comfortably.
Worn-out clothing
Shiny elbows, fading fabric, or stretched collars become noticeable on camera.
Trying a new style for the first time
Wear clothing that already feels natural and comfortable.
Short sleeves without layering
A blazer or long sleeve usually frames a headshot better.
Bring Two or Three Outfit Options
The best practical tip for a headshot session is simple: bring options.
Lighting and backgrounds can affect how clothing appears on camera. Having a few choices allows adjustments during the session so you get the best result.
Sometimes the outfit people bring as a backup ends up being the one they choose for LinkedIn, company profiles, and marketing materials.
And sometimes the right outfit enhances the image in unexpected ways.
Ready to Book Your Professional Headshot?
Now that you know what to wear, let’s get your session on the calendar.
