Dress for Success: What to Wear for Your Professional Headshot
One of the most common questions I get before a session is, “What should I wear?”
The good news is that you don’t need a whole new wardrobe. The goal is to choose clothing that helps you look like yourself on your best day: confident, approachable, and professional.
Bring a Few Options
I always recommend bringing several outfits to your session. What looks great in person doesn’t always photograph the way you expect, and having choices gives us flexibility.
In general, solid colors and subtle textures photograph best. Busy prints, bold stripes, large logos, and flashy designs can pull attention away from your face, which is where we want the focus to be.
Many people assume they should wear black, gray, or beige, but don’t be afraid of color. In fact, punchy colors often photograph beautifully and help you stand out. Rich blues, greens, jewel tones, berry shades, and other saturated colors work well on most people.
One color I generally suggest avoiding is off-white or ivory. It can sometimes look dull on camera and may not provide enough contrast against your skin tone. Pure white can work in some situations, but off-white often ends up looking a little flat.
Your clothing should also reflect your profession and personality.
Business professionals and executives may want a tailored jacket, blazer, or suit that conveys confidence and credibility.
Creatives and entrepreneurs can often incorporate more color and personality while still looking polished.
Actors should consider bringing a variety of looks that reflect the types of roles they are typically cast in.
Personal branding clients may want a mix of professional and casual options to create a variety of images for different uses.
Choose Clothing That Fits Well
Fit matters more than brand names.
Clothing that is too tight can pull and bunch. Clothing that is too loose can add visual bulk and hide your shape.
Well-fitted clothing creates clean lines and helps you look polished and put together.
For women, I also recommend avoiding jackets or tops with heavily padded shoulders. While they may look fashionable in certain settings, they can make your shoulders appear wider and more rigid in a headshot, creating a boxy look that is often unflattering.
The same goes for very puffy sleeves, balloon sleeves, or capped sleeves. These styles can draw attention away from your face and create unnecessary volume in an image where only your upper body is visible.
Men often overlook the collar on their dress shirt, but it makes a big difference in a headshot. If you’re wearing your collar buttoned, make sure the shirt fits properly around your neck and that the collar is freshly pressed. A collar that is too loose may feel more comfortable, but it can look sloppy and unprofessional on camera. A crisp, well-fitting collar creates a clean, polished appearance and keeps the focus where it belongs: on your face.
Think About the Crop
A headshot isn’t a full-body photograph. Most of the image will focus on your face, shoulders, and upper chest.
Necklines matter more than people realize.
V-necks, crew and scoop necks, open collars, and well-fitted button-down shirts generally photograph very well because they create shape and help frame your face.
Blazers and jackets can also add structure and professionalism without becoming distracting.
Avoid Distractions
The best headshots keep the attention on you.
Large jewelry, oversized scarves, loud ties, shiny fabrics, and visible logos can compete with your expression.
Simple accessories usually work best. If you’re unsure, bring them along and we can decide together during your session. Large flashy earrings and necklaces are best avoided unless they are part of your signature look.
Consider How Long You'll Use the Image
Most people use their headshot for several years, so it’s worth choosing clothing that won’t feel dated six months from now.
Classic doesn’t have to mean boring.
A timeless cut paired with a strong color often holds up much better than a trendy piece that may quickly look out of style.
Arrive Ready to Go
A few small details make a big difference:
- Bring clothing that is steamed or wrinkle-free.
- Use a lint roller before leaving home.
- Make sure buttons are secure and collars are lying properly.
- If you wear glasses regularly, bring them.
- Bring more options than you think you’ll need.
Not Sure What to Wear?
Don’t stress about it.
Bring a few options and I’ll help you choose what photographs best. Part of my job is guiding you through the entire process, including wardrobe choices.
The goal isn’t to make you look like someone else. It’s to create a headshot that looks like you: confident, natural, and professional.