What to Wear for Professional Headshots (Men and Women)

You booked a headshot session. Now you're standing in front of your closet wondering what to wear and spiraling into a Google search that leads you here. Good. I'll make this simple.

The goal of a professional headshot is to look like the best version of your everyday professional self. Not a version of someone else. Not a costume. Not whatever a stock photo model would wear. You, on a good day, looking confident and approachable.

The Universal Rules

Solid colors photograph best. Small patterns (thin stripes, tiny prints) create visual noise on camera, especially in digital formats. Large patterns are fine, but solids are the safest choice.

Fit matters more than formality. A well-fitted casual shirt looks more professional on camera than an ill-fitting suit. Anything too tight pulls at buttons. Anything too loose looks sloppy. Shoulder seams should sit on your shoulders, not hanging off them.

Avoid bright white and solid black. Pure white reflects too much light and draws attention away from your face. Solid black absorbs light and loses detail. Both are hard to light well. Off-white, cream, charcoal, and navy are safer neutral options.

Muted and medium tones work in any context. Navy, charcoal, olive, burgundy, dusty blue, deep teal. These colors look professional on any background and in any industry.

Bring options. Two to three outfits gives you variety without overwhelming the session. You can switch between looks in 5 minutes and get headshots that work for different platforms (LinkedIn wants polished, your company website might want approachable, your personal brand might want creative).

For Women

Structured tops and blouses photograph well because they hold their shape and create clean lines. V-necks and crew necks both work. Avoid deep plunge necklines (the crop will cut off the neckline and it'll look like you're wearing nothing).

Blazers and jackets add structure without formality. A blazer over a solid top is the most versatile headshot outfit because it reads professional across every industry.

Jewelry: minimal. Small earrings and a simple necklace are fine. Large statement pieces compete with your face for attention in a headshot frame.

Hair: wear it however you normally wear it professionally. If you always have your hair down, wear it down. If you always pull it back, pull it back. The headshot should look like you on a regular workday, not a special occasion.

Makeup: clean and natural. Slightly more than your daily routine, slightly less than evening makeup. Matte finish works best on camera (shimmer reflects light unevenly). If you wear lipstick, choose a shade close to your natural lip color or one step up.

What to avoid: spaghetti straps (look like bare shoulders when cropped tight), loud patterns, overly trendy pieces that will date the photo within a year, and anything you'd wear to a cocktail party.

For Men

A well-fitted button-down is the most versatile headshot option. Collar stays in, top button open for casual, buttoned with a tie for formal. Solid colors or very subtle patterns (like a tone-on-tone texture) work best.

Sport coats and blazers add professionalism without requiring a full suit. A navy blazer over a light blue shirt works across almost every industry and platform.

Suits are appropriate for finance, law, consulting, and other formal industries. Match the formality to your professional context. If you'd never wear a suit to work, don't wear one for your headshot.

Ties: optional and industry-dependent. If you wear one, choose a solid or simple pattern. Avoid novelty ties.

Facial hair: groom it. Whatever your style, make it intentional. A 3-day stubble that's neatly shaped reads differently than a 3-day stubble that happened because you forgot to shave.

What to avoid: busy patterns, wrinkled shirts (iron or steam before the session), oversized collars, and any shirt with a visible logo or brand name.

Industry-Specific Guidance

Corporate / Finance / Law: Suit or blazer with a tie for men. Blazer with a structured top for women. Conservative colors: navy, charcoal, black. The headshot should communicate competence and authority.

Creative / Tech / Startup: Relaxed but intentional. A nice sweater, a fitted henley, a casual blazer with no tie. The headshot should communicate approachability and confidence.

Real Estate / Sales: Polished but friendly. Blazer or structured top in warm colors. The headshot should communicate trustworthiness and energy.

Healthcare / Education: Professional but approachable. Solid colors, clean lines, no lab coats (unless that's your specific brand). The headshot should communicate competence and warmth.

During the Session

Relax your shoulders. They creep up toward your ears when you're nervous, and the camera picks it up. Take a breath. Drop your shoulders. Unclench your jaw.

I'll direct you through poses, angles, and expressions. Most headshot sessions take 30-45 minutes. We'll review shots together during the session so you can see what's working.

My headshot sessions run $900 and include multiple looks, professional retouching, and delivery of all edited images within 48 hours.