What to Wear in Professional Headshots
Choosing the Right Outfit for Your Headshot
What you wear matters. It’s the first thing people notice before they even clock your expression. Keep it simple and sharp. Well-fitted clothes, clean lines, no wild prints or logos. The camera picks up everything, even stuff you barely notice in real life. The goal is to look like yourself on a good day, not like you’re trying too hard.
Why Clothing Affects How You’re Perceived
Clothing gives cues before you speak. Darker tones read as focused and professional. Lighter colors feel friendlier and open. Black can look strong but can also eat up light. Layering or mixing in softer tones helps. The idea isn’t to change who you are, just to show a polished version that feels natural on camera.
Best Colors and Textures for Camera
Mid-tone colors are your best friend. Navy, charcoal, olive, rust, and muted blues all photograph beautifully. Avoid pure white unless it’s under a jacket. Steer clear of bright reds or loud patterns. They pull the eye away from your face. Textures like soft cotton, linen, and knits add depth without stealing attention. Keep shine to a minimum. Matte fabrics look cleaner and more professional.
Professional vs. Casual Looks by Industry
Different industries, different rules. Finance, law, and consulting usually call for structure and polish. Tech, creative, and education can lean more relaxed. A tailored blazer works just as well as a clean crewneck under a jacket if it fits the tone of your world. Dress for the environment you work in, or the one you want to move into.
Wardrobe Tips for Women
Fit matters more than fashion. Clothes that sit well on the shoulders and have shape through the waist always photograph better. If it’s too loose, it’ll look twice as loose on camera. Something slim but not tight is ideal.
Avoid thin straps, deep armholes, or fussy fabrics that wrinkle easily. Bring two or three outfit options so we can match the light and background. One light tone, one dark, and maybe one with a bit of colour — rust, navy, olive, or soft pastels all work beautifully.
Stick with simple, structured fabrics like cotton, linen, or crepe. They move nicely and hold shape without glare. Shiny materials and busy prints draw the eye away from your face.
Keep jewellery minimal. Small hoops, studs, or a fine chain add polish without distraction. If in doubt, leave it out.
Wardrobe Tips for Men
Again. Fit is everything. I’ve had to Photoshop more boxy suits than I can count just to make them look less 90s. Wide shoulders and baggy jackets add bulk and don’t do anyone any favors. If it feels a bit loose in person, it will look twice as big on screen.
Choose something slim but not tight. You want clean lines that follow your shape without pulling or wrinkling. A well-fitted blazer or shirt sharpens your look before I even pick up the camera.
Bring layers if you can, a jacket, overshirt, or sweater.Avoid white t-shirts underneath the shirt too, they show up behind the tie and underneath the shirt, specially when a light shirt is hit by flash. Iron or steam everything, especially collars. Even advancements in retouching tools, wrinkles are harder to fix than you’d think.
If you wear glasses, clean them. A single smudge can reflect light and can take a lot of work to remove when an eyeball is behind the lens.
Stick to mid-tone colours. Navy, grey, forest green, and charcoal always work. Avoid loud checked shirts or shiny fabrics. Keep it matte, clean, and sharp. The goal is to look confident and comfortable.
Accessories, Grooming, and Styling Notes
Less is more. Accessories should frame your face, not compete with it. Simple jewellery works best: small hoops, studs, or a fine chain. Watches, statement necklaces, or anything that reflects light can be distracting. If you’re unsure, leave it off. The goal is to draw attention to your eyes, not your Rolex.
Hair should look like you, just slightly more put together. Nothing freshly blow-dried or glued in place. A bit of shape, a bit of control, and that’s it. Keep it off your face and let it move naturally.
Facial hair should look deliberate. Clean shave or tidy beard, either works, as long as it looks intentional. Don’t shave the morning of, it can irritate skin. Check the small stuff: stray nose hairs, ear hairs, or neck fuzz. A quick once-over in the mirror before you arrive makes life easier for both of us.
Before we start, do a quick check for lint, dust, fingerprints on glasses, chapped lips, or shiny foreheads. These are the things that sneak into good photos. A quick touch-up saves a lot of retouching later.
Be healthy, sleep well, and drink water. Show up as yourself. Don’t be the company that threw its epic Christmas party the night before I arrived. When you look rested and comfortable, the photos always land better.
Book a Session with Wardrobe Guidance
Not sure what to wear? We’ll sort it before your shoot. Every session includes a quick wardrobe chat so you know exactly what works and what doesn’t. Christine and I will walk you through options that fit your look, your job, and your brand. No guesswork, no panic-buying the night before.
We’ll help you keep it simple, clean, and true to how you actually show up in the world.