Preparing for a headshot session often raises the question, “What should I wear for professional headshots?” Whether you’re updating your LinkedIn profile, refreshing your company website, or building a personal brand, selecting an outfit can feel daunting. The goal is to look like the best version of yourself—and to do that, you’ll want to balance professional polish with a sense of authenticity. In this guide, you’ll find tips on what to wear for headshots (including what to wear for professional headshots) so you can step in front of the camera feeling confident and looking great.

1. Dress for Your Industry (and Your Brand)

Consider your line of work and the image you want to project. A corporate attorney might lean toward darker, formal attire such as a tailored blazer, while a creative entrepreneur could embrace bolder colors or statement accessories. Ask yourself, “How would I dress if I were meeting my ideal client in person?” That usually translates well to headshots because it shows authenticity and sends the right message to your audience.

Conservative Fields: Darker suits, collared shirts, modest necklines.
Creative Fields: More flexibility—experiment with color, texture, and subtle patterns, but keep it tasteful.
Personal Brands: Reflect your vibe. If your brand aesthetic is laid-back, you might wear a nice sweater or tee with a blazer. If your brand is high-end luxury, opt for crisp silhouettes and elevated fabrics.

2. Choose Flattering Colors

Colors in the mid-tone to jewel-tone range photograph especially well. Think navy, burgundy, emerald green, deep plum, or charcoal. These shades typically flatter various skin tones and bring attention to your face without overwhelming the frame. If you prefer neutrals, try layering a soft gray or off-white beneath a richer tone, or add a subtle pop of color with accessories.

Avoid Neon & Bright Pastels: Vibrant neons can dominate the shot, pulling focus away from you. Overly pastel hues may wash you out under studio lights.
All-Black or All-White? These can work in certain setups (especially if you like a monochrome aesthetic), but be mindful of contrast. A white button-down with a suit jacket can look crisp; however, pure white alone sometimes feels too stark unless you balance it with jewelry or a blazer.
Coordinate With Your Brand: Wearing a subtle version of your brand color is a great way to keep brand synergy—just ensure it’s a hue that compliments your skin tone.

3. Select Solids Over Busy Patterns

In headshots, your face should be the main focal point. Large prints, tiny pinstripes, or busy patterns can distract and sometimes create odd visual effects (known as a “moire” pattern) on camera. Solid colors or subtle prints layered under solids tend to yield cleaner, more professional images.

Tiny Pinstripes, Polka Dots, or Tweed: These may look fun in everyday life but can show up strangely on digital images.
Moderate Prints: A tasteful floral or gentle stripe might work if you layer it under a jacket so it doesn’t dominate the entire frame.

4. Pay Attention to Fit

Ill-fitting clothes can make you appear sloppy or uncomfortable, whereas tailored pieces help you look polished. If you plan to wear a blazer, make sure the shoulders sit correctly and you can comfortably button it. For women, avoid tops that cling or produce visible lines; for men, ensure shirts aren’t too baggy around the waist.

Avoid Baggy Items: Oversized clothing may add bulk and mask your shape in unflattering ways.
Skip Ultra-Tight Pieces: Tops or dresses that pull or bunch can highlight lines and creases, distracting from your face.
Layer Strategically: Cardigans, jackets, or blazers can help shape your silhouette. Place lighter colors underneath and keep darker layers on the outside for a slimming effect.

5. Sleeve Length Matters

Long or three-quarter sleeves often look more polished in a professional headshot. If you’re wearing a sleeveless top, consider bringing a jacket or cardigan as a second look. This way, you can see which style appeals more once you’re reviewing proofs.

6. Hair, Makeup, and Skin Prep

Hair

Wear It Naturally: Stick with a style you’re comfortable with—headshot day isn’t the time for a drastic new cut or color.
Avoid Severe Styling: Tight buns or ponytails can sometimes make it look like you have no hair at all, depending on how you’re posed. Let hair frame your face if possible.
Bring Essentials: A brush, hairspray, and optional serum for shine can help tame flyaways.

Makeup

Keep It Natural: Aim for a polished, everyday look. Choose matte foundation or use blotting powder to reduce shine.
Neutral Eyes: Soft browns and taupes help define eyes without overwhelming them. Avoid heavy sparkles or glitter, as these can pick up strangely on camera.
Lip Color: A subtle shade one step deeper than your natural lip color often works best. Avoid overly dark lipsticks that can thin out your lips visually.

Skin Care

Moisturize & Stay Hydrated: Start hydrating a few days before your shoot so your skin looks healthy and smooth.
Avoid Last-Minute Treatments: Don’t get a facial peel or waxing immediately before your session. Redness or irritation can show up on camera.

7. Jewelry and Accessories

Small, tasteful accessories can elevate your outfit, but ensure they don’t overpower your face. If you typically wear a watch or a simple necklace, that’s fine—just make sure it’s not too reflective or bulky. Avoid flashy statement pieces that pull all the focus away from you.

8. Planning for Multiple Outfits

If your headshot session allows extra time or you want both formal and casual options, bring along multiple outfits. Even adding a blazer over a T-shirt can dramatically change the vibe of your photos. A quick outfit swap is an easy way to get more variety from a single session.

Two to Three Looks: Ideal if you can spare the session time. You might do a suit jacket, a business-casual sweater, or a more relaxed button-down.
Props & Layers: Small changes—like adding a scarf, switching your blazer, or swapping out statement earrings—can refresh your look without a full outfit change.

9. Reflecting Your Brand Personality

For personal branding headshots, it’s worth considering how your outfit connects to your brand’s vibe. Are you going for modern and edgy, rustic and relaxed, or refined and classic? A brand-focused approach could mean adding a subtle color pop that ties to your logo, or choosing outfits that seamlessly match your typical workspace environment. This creates visual cohesion across your website, social media, and other marketing materials.

10. Final Checks Before You Arrive

Press or Steam Clothes: Wrinkles are more visible in photos than in person. Prepare your outfit the night before, especially if your garment wrinkles easily.
De-Lint & De-Fuzz: Use a lint roller on dark fabrics. You’ll be glad you did.
Avoid Logos: Unless it’s your company logo and relevant to the shoot, skip the big brand emblems.
Bring a Backup: If you’re unsure about a top or jacket, bring an alternative. It’s better to have choices.

Conclusion: Be True to Yourself

The essence of a great headshot is authenticity. People viewing your photo should see a version of you that’s genuine, approachable, and consistent with how you usually present yourself in a professional setting. What to wear for headshots boils down to selecting clothing that highlights your face, matches your brand or industry needs, and feels comfortable. If you’re still unsure, consider consulting a stylist or bringing a couple of outfit options to your session. When you feel confident in your appearance, it radiates through the camera, resulting in images you’ll be proud to share.

Remember: these guidelines aren’t set in stone. If you have a personal style that’s a bit offbeat or colorful, embrace it! There’s always room for your unique touch—just keep in mind the ultimate goal: letting your face and personality shine through.

What to Wear for Headshots