What to Wear

Your professional headshot is often your first introduction — a visual handshake in the digital world.

A smiling middle-aged man in a suit and purple tie, standing in an office with large windows and green plants.

The Foundation

Choose clothing that fits impeccably. This might seem obvious, but ill-fitting clothes can look awkward and distracting in photos. Take the time to try on every article of clothing you're considering.

For a streamlined silhouette, opt for clothes that are well-fitting and follow your natural lines. While overly tight clothing can be restrictive and unflattering, garments that gently skim your body often create a more polished and confident appearance.

Try on all articles of clothing together prior to your session. This is crucial! See how different pieces interact and ensure the overall look is cohesive and professional.

Note if any items need to be ironed or steamed. Wrinkled clothing can detract from an otherwise excellent headshot. Crisp, clean lines convey attention to detail.

Professional woman with long curly hair wearing a black blazer and magenta top, smiling against a white background.

Think Big Picture

Set a dress code. If you’re doing headshots for a team, think about how all of the images will look together when displayed side-by-side. Is everyone in matching scrubs? Is everyone equally as formal?

Matching attire. Help create a cohesive and professional look that reinforces your brand identity.

Set the tone. Your attire plays into your brand and presents your team as unified and organized—qualities that build trust with clients, partners, and prospective hires. Show off your strong team culture and attention to detail through coordinated clothing.

A middle-aged woman with shoulder-length gray hair, wearing a purple lace top, smiling at the camera against a plain light gray background.
Portrait of a woman with blonde hair, blue eyes, wearing a black blazer and gray top, smiling gently against a plain gray background.
A woman with pink streaked hair and glasses smiling at the camera, wearing a blue blazer and black top.

The Power of Colors

Stick to solid colors for your primary clothing pieces. Solid colors tend to be less distracting than busy patterns, allowing the focus to remain on you and your expression.

Do strategically add patterns or texture through accessories. A tasteful scarf, a subtle patterned tie, or interesting jewelry can add personality and visual interest without overwhelming the image. Ensure these accents complement your solid-colored clothing.

A woman with blonde hair smiling and standing with her arms crossed, wearing a beige blazer, in a light-colored room with a blurred plant in the background.

Pack A Suitcase

Bring a variety of options: Plan to bring tops in light, medium, and dark solid colors, as well as that hue you genuinely enjoy wearing and feel confident in. Different colors can subtly convey different moods and work well against various backgrounds.

Consider bringing a change of top or an accessory. This allows for some variety in your shots without a complete wardrobe overhaul during your session.

Be Yourself

Personal style is absolutely encouraged! While these classic rules provide a strong foundation, your headshot should still reflect your personality and the industry you represent. If your field is creative, you might have more leeway with color and subtle patterns.

Let your clothing choices enhance your confidence and authenticity. When you feel good in what you're wearing, it will translate into a more natural and engaging headshot.

The Whole Picture

Don’t limit yourself by only considering waist-up shots. Even if your final selection is cropped, your top can fit and drape differently depending on what you're wearing on your lower half.

Dress as if you were being photographed for a full-body shot. This ensures that your entire outfit is well-coordinated and that you feel confident and put-together from head to toe. This preparation can also open up possibilities for different shot compositions during your session.

A young man with dark, curly hair sitting on a wooden stool against a dark background, smiling at the camera. He is wearing a light blue jacket, beige t-shirt, black jeans, and black sneakers.
A young person with short, wavy hair, wearing a black shirt over a white tank top, blue jeans with frayed hems, and colorful sneakers, sitting on a wooden stool against a dark background.

Sleeve Savvy

Choose sleeves that are flattering to your arms. The right sleeve length and fit can make a significant difference in how your shoulders and arms appear in the photo.

Shy away from cap sleeves. Cap sleeves can sometimes emphasize the broadest part of the arm and may not be universally flattering.

Opt for sleeves that are well-fitting and not overly voluminous or "fluyy." Sleeves that gently follow the line of your arm or a well-structured three-quarter or long sleeve often look most professional.

A woman sitting relaxed on a beige armchair in a bright living room, smiling and wearing casual clothes and sneakers.