What to Wear for Professional Headshots: The Ultimate Style Guide

Booking a professional headshot session is an exciting step for your personal brand or career, but it almost always comes with one specific moment of panic: standing in front of your open closet asking, "What on earth do I wear?"

As a headshot photographer, this is the most common question I get asked. Whether you are updating your LinkedIn profile, preparing for a feature on a corporate website, or building an acting portfolio, you want to look professional, approachable, and distinctly like you.

The good news is that styling yourself doesn't have to be complicated. There are a few simple rules of thumb that will ensure your clothing enhances your image rather than distracting from it. Here is my expert advice on how to dress for a successful shoot.

1. Best Colors for Headshots: Neutrals and Jewel Tones

When choosing colors for your headshot outfit, my number one goal is to make sure your face is the brightest and most important part of the image.

I generally advise clients to stick to neutral tones (think grays, navys, blacks, and creams) or deep jewel tones (like emerald green, sapphire blue, or a deep burgundy). These colors are universally flattering and read very well on camera, giving you a polished, high-end look.

What colors should you avoid?

Please stay away from overly bright, neon, or fluorescent colors.

• The Distraction Factor: High-visibility colors scream for attention and pull the viewer's eye away from your eyes and smile.

• The Reflection Issue: Bright colors tend to reflect light upwards. A hot pink or neon green shirt can actually cast an unnatural color onto your jawline and neck, creating skin tones that are difficult to correct in post-production.

2. Wearing Patterns: Go Big or Go Solid

There is a common misconception that you must wear solid colors for a professional headshot. While solids are always a safe bet, I actually love a good pattern—if it is the right kind.

• Avoid Small Patterns: Steer clear of small, tight patterns (like micro-checks, tiny polka dots, or thin pinstripes). In digital photography, tight patterns can create a visual vibration called "moiré," which looks like a strange ripple effect on the screen. It distracts from the quality of the image.

• Choose Blocky Patterns: If you want to wear a pattern, opt for something bigger and blockier. Large florals, thick stripes, or bold geometric shapes can add personality without causing technical issues.

Remember, the clothes are just the frame; you are the masterpiece. We want the viewer to notice You, not your shirt.

3. Clothing Prep: Crisp and Clean

The camera captures everything, including lint and wrinkles. While I do edit your photos, it is much better to get it right in the camera than to rely on retouching to iron a shirt.

To ensure your corporate headshots look professional, please make sure your clothes are freshly laundered and free of stains. If your top is prone to wrinkling, please iron or steam it right before you leave the house (or bring it on a hanger so it doesn't crease in the car). A neat appearance communicates attention to detail before you even say a word.

4. When in Doubt, Bring Options!

This is my favorite piece of advice for any photo session: Don't feel the pressure to pick the "perfect" outfit alone at home.

I always appreciate it when clients bring several options to their session. Pack a garment bag with a few different tops, jackets, or layers. When you arrive, we can look through them together.

As your photographer, I can look at your options and tell you exactly how they will translate on camera and against the background we are using. We can mix and match to find the look that makes you feel the most confident.

Summary Checklist for Your Headshot Session

• Colors: Stick to neutrals or rich jewel tones. Avoid neons.

• Patterns: Large and blocky is good; small and tight is bad.

• Condition: Clean, ironed, and lint-free.

• Variety: Bring a few choices so we can decide together!

Ready to update your image? Contact me today to book your professional headshot session in Colorado!