What to Wear for Professional Headshots

Booking professional headshots is the easy part. Deciding what to wear? That’s where people spiral.

If you’re preparing for a professional portrait session and staring at your closet wondering if you should go bold, neutral, trendy, classic…take a breath.

This guide will walk you through exactly what to wear for professional headshots so you look polished, confident, and completely like yourself.

Because the goal of great headshots is not to look different. It’s to look like you on your best day.

First: What Are These Headshots For?

Before choosing your outfit, ask yourself:

• LinkedIn update?
• Company website bio?
• Personal brand refresh?
• Speaking engagements?
• Creative entrepreneur marketing?

Your clothing should match the level of professionalism your audience expects.

Corporate attorney and creative business coach will dress very differently. Both can look amazing. The key is alignment.

What Colors Photograph Best for Professional Headshots?

If you want a foolproof starting point, choose:

• Soft neutrals
• Rich jewel tones
• Muted earth tones
• Classic black or cream

These tones photograph beautifully and keep the focus on your face.

Colors That Always Work:

• Navy
• Emerald
• Deep plum
• Camel
• Soft blush
• Charcoal

What to Avoid:

• Neon shades
• Super busy prints
• Tiny distracting patterns
• Logos

Solid colors almost always win for professional portraits.

What to Wear for Women’s Professional Headshots

Here are modern, flattering outfit ideas for a headshot session.

Option 1: Elevated Blouse + Tailored Pants

Polished but approachable. Works beautifully for corporate, healthcare, finance, consulting.

Look for:

• Structured blouse
• Subtle texture
• Clean neckline
• Slim or straight-leg trousers

Option 2: Blazer Layer

A blazer instantly signals authority.

Pair it with:

• Silk cami
• Fitted tee
• Soft knit top

This works especially well for LinkedIn headshots and company bios.

Option 3: Modern Dress

A fitted midi dress in a solid color is timeless.

Look for:

• Clean lines
• No busy prints
• Comfortable stretch
• Professional neckline

This option is effortless and incredibly flattering on camera.

Option 4: Creative Entrepreneur Look

If you are a designer, coach, or creative business owner, you have more freedom.

Think:

• Elevated denim + structured top
• Statement sleeves
• Bold but refined color
• Texture like linen or ribbed knit

Your outfit should reflect your personality without overpowering your face.

What to Wear for Men’s Professional Headshots

Men, keep it simple.

Best Options:

• Fitted blazer + open collar shirt
• Crisp button-down
• Lightweight sweater layered over collared shirt

Stick to:

• Navy
• Grey
• Olive
• Soft blue
• White

Make sure everything fits well in the shoulders. Ill-fitting jackets show immediately in photos.

Should You Dress Up for a Headshot Session?

Short answer: slightly more polished than your everyday wear.

If you normally wear business casual, elevate it one step.

If you normally wear full suits, stick with that.

Your professional headshot should look like you on a strong, confident day. Not like you borrowed someone else’s wardrobe.

Jewelry, Hair, and Accessories

Keep it simple.

Jewelry

• Small hoops or studs
• Delicate necklace
• Avoid chunky statement pieces unless it’s part of your brand

Glasses

If you wear glasses daily, bring them.
We can reduce glare, but they help you look like yourself.

Hair & Makeup

Natural and polished wins every time. Professional makeup is great but not required. Just aim for:

• Even skin tone
• Defined brows
• Light lip color

Avoid super heavy contour or trendy looks that will date quickly.

The Biggest Mistake People Make with Professional Headshots

Overthinking it. Your confidence matters more than the blouse.

Choose something that:

• Fits well
• Makes you stand tall
• Feels like your brand
• Allows you to move comfortably

When you feel good, it shows immediately.

Need Outfit Ideas?

I’ve curated professional headshot clothing for men and women that photograph beautifully for you. These are pieces that:

• Photograph well
• Have flattering structure
• Work across industries
• Feel modern without being trendy

Think of it as your shortcut.

Final Thoughts: What to Wear for Professional Portrait Sessions

The best professional headshots feel natural, confident, and current. They don’t scream trendy. They don’t feel stiff. They don’t look overstyled. They look like you stepping into your next level.

And if you’re still unsure what to wear for your headshot portrait session, send me photos of your options ahead of time. I’m happy to help you narrow it down.

You deserve images that feel aligned with where you’re headed.

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Ready for Updated Professional Headshots?

If refreshing your professional portrait has been on your to-do list, consider this your nudge.

I offer headshot mini sessions throughout the year, and they tend to fill quickly once dates are released.

Join the headshot mini session waitlist to be notified when the next event opens!

You’ll get first access before sessions are announced publicly.