What to Wear for a Professional Headshot: A Photographer’s Guide
- Dylan Evans
- Aug 18
- 5 min read
Updated: Aug 18
Your headshot often appears before you do, on your website, your LinkedIn, in a company profile, or a speaking event page. It's a visual handshake, and while a polished photo matters, so does what you wear. The right outfit can reinforce your professional identity, communicate your confidence, and help people understand what you do before you’ve even said a word.
If you're unsure what to wear for professional headshots, you're not alone. These sessions aren’t about dressing up, they’re about aligning your clothing with your personal brand and industry. This guide walks through what to wear, what to avoid, and how to make smart styling choices that let your personality lead.
Preparing for Your Headshot Session
There’s more to a headshot than showing up with a smile. A little preparation goes a long way:
Hair: Book a trim a few days before your shoot. It helps freshen your look without the “just cut” feel.
Makeup: A clean, natural makeup look tends to photograph best. Aim to enhance, not hide.
Jewellery: Keep it minimal. Avoid anything oversized or reflective.
Glasses: Clean them thoroughly. If glare might be an issue, ask your photographer if non-reflective lenses are worth considering.
Outfit: Choose pieces that complement your skin tone, sit well on your frame, and feel like something you'd actually wear to work.
Well-fitted, wrinkle-free clothing that makes you feel comfortable will always photograph better than something overly styled or out of character.
What to Expect in a Headshot Session
Most professional headshot sessions are collaborative. Your photographer will guide you through posing, angles, and expressions, and offer adjustments along the way. The goal is to capture something that feels like you - polished, but not stiff.
Show up relaxed, with your outfits prepped and your grooming sorted. A good session isn’t rushed, and the more at ease you feel, the more authentic the images will be.
Personal Branding vs Corporate Headshots: What’s the Difference?
Not all headshots serve the same purpose. A corporate headshot is generally more formal and uniform. It’s the image you’d use on your company’s website, LinkedIn, or business proposals. It’s meant to reflect professionalism, consistency, and trust.
A personal branding headshot, on the other hand, leans more toward personality. It might include relaxed styling, brighter colours, and a less traditional pose. These are ideal for entrepreneurs, creatives, coaches, and professionals who market themselves individually.
When planning what to wear, think about where your headshot will live. Will it sit alongside other team members on a corporate page? Or is it representing your solo brand across social platforms and speaking profiles? Your outfit should reflect the tone and energy of the setting to get the best result.
What to Wear for a Professional Headshot
Choose Clothing That Reflects Your Role
If you work in law, finance, or another formal sector, opt for tailored pieces like a dark blazer or suit jacket. In creative or client-facing industries, you might want to lean towards polished but slightly more relaxed options.
As a general rule: dress like your future self! If you're aiming for a leadership position, choose an outfit that speaks to that level of professionalism.
Wear Something That Fits You Well
Ill-fitting clothes can often slump or stretch oddly in photos. Make sure everything sits cleanly. This means from shoulder seams to collars to sleeve lengths. Clothing with structure (e.g. jackets with built-in shape or firm fabrics) can help frame your upper body and enhance posture.
Stick to Solid Colours and Neutral Tones
When in doubt, avoid bold patterns or stripes. Solid, darker tones like navy, charcoal, and forest green photograph beautifully and keep the attention on your expression.
That said, don’t shy away from colour completely! Certain colours can add a modern touch without overpowering the frame. Just make sure your clothing doesn’t blend into the background, especially if your shoot is on a white or dark backdrop.
Complement Your Skin Tone and Hair Colour
If you’re fair-skinned, bright whites can sometimes wash you out. If this is the case, opt for off-white, beige or a soft blush. Deeper skin tones tend to pop with jewel tones or earthier shades. Remember to match your clothing to your personal brand rather than just your wardrobe staples.
Subtle Patterns and Texture Can Work
Finally, if you do wear a pattern, make sure it’s subtle and not overly busy. Textures like wool, tweed, or lightly ribbed knits can add visual interest without distracting from your face.
Client Example: A Confident, Professional Look in Action
Here’s a great example from our portfolio that shows how the right clothing choice can work beautifully in a professional headshot:
This client chose a patterned blouse with a flattering, structured shape that translates well to camera. The colour palette complements her skin tone, and the cap sleeves and waist tie add polish while keeping the outfit approachable. Her hair is neatly styled, and her earrings are simple and unobtrusive.
This is a great reference if you work in a business-facing, creative, or client-service role and want to look polished without feeling overly formal. It also demonstrates how a pattern can work when kept balanced and supported by clean styling.
What Not to Wear for Headshots
Avoid these common pitfalls:
Logos or text (even small ones can distract)
Loud prints or high-shine fabrics
Trendy items that will date the photo in six months
Clothes that wrinkle easily
Anything that doesn’t feel like you
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to wear a blazer for professional headshots?
Not necessarily. But some sort of structure, whether it’s a blazer, jacket, or shirt with clean lines can add presence. If you’re unsure, bring one as a backup.
How Many Outfits Should I Bring?
If you decide an extra outfit is necessary, then two or three is good. Bring at least one formal look (e.g. suit jacket and shirt) and one semi-formal or creative option depending on how the image will be used. Make sure everything is lint-free, wrinkle-free, and layered for flexibility.
How should you wear your hair for a headshot woman?
Stick with what feels most like you, but just polished. Loose waves, a tidy ponytail, or a smooth blow-dry all work. Avoid anything too high-volume or overly styled that could create shadows or distract from your eyes.
Final Tips from a Photographer’s Perspective
Arrive early, especially if you need time to settle or change.
Trust the photographer’s direction.
Bring water, a comb, and a backup shirt or jacket just in case.
If you’re feeling stiff, shake it out. The best shots often come when you're relaxed!
Book With a Photographer Who Gets It
At Dylan Evans Photography, we don’t just take corporate headshots, we help people step confidently into how they want to be seen. Whether you're booking a personal branding session or updating a company profile, we’ll walk you through every detail to make sure the image you put out there is one you’re proud of.
Ready to book your session? Get in touch today!
Written by Dylan Evans, professional headshot photographer based in Brisbane with years of experience helping clients present their best selves through high-quality business photography.
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