Do you have a professional headshot session coming up? What you wear plays a major role in creating the right first impression. The perfect outfit for your headshot should help you look polished and professional. Here’s your ultimate guide to looking and feeling your best for a corporate or professional headshot.
Wear Clothes that fit you well.
The best clothes to wear for your headshot are V-neck shirts or tailored button-downs . This type of clothing work well because the clean, diagonal lines elongate your neck and draw attention upward. Avoid puffy sleeves or high collars, like turtlenecks, as they can overpower the image or feel too seasonal. After all, you don’t want your winter wardrobe making your July profile picture feel out of place.
Stick to fitted, tailored pieces that look professional without being too tight or loose. This balance helps you project confidence and competence.
Choose Universal and Flattering Colors
The color of your outfit is just as important as the style. Neutral and universally flattering shades, like navy, teal, blush pink, and soft watermelon, are excellent options. These tones brighten your complexion and bring life to your eyes, which will make you stand out in the photo. Blue, in particular, is a safe and popular choice that works well in almost any setting.
Bright colors like red or yellow and busy patterns (such as florals or loud stripes) can be distracting in the tight crop of a headshot. If you're unsure about a specific shade or print, hold it up to your face in good lighting and see if it enhances your natural features. Keep in mind that professional headshots are well-lit, so colors often appear brighter in the final image than they do in dimmer lighting at home.
Understanding the Background
The background of your headshot can significantly impact your overall look. Neutral backdrops like white, gray, or black are generally the most versatile and work well with a variety of clothing colors. Soft, solid colors tend to pop against these neutral backgrounds, allowing you to stand out. If you're unsure about the background color your photographer will be using, don't hesitate to ask! This will help you avoid any color clashes. For example, wearing white against a white background might make you blend in, unless you add a contrasting jacket or accessory. Similarly, dark browns against a black background can create a washed-out or heavy appearance.
Things to Avoid
Seasonal elements: If your headshot will be used year-round, steer clear of overly seasonal pieces, such as a turtleneck sweater or summery floral prints. These can make your photo feel dated or out of place depending on when it's viewed.
Distracting details: Avoid clothes with bold logos, metallics, or elaborate embellishments that can dominate the image.
Colors you dislike: Some colors, like brown, tend to polarize preferences. Choose tones that you feel comfortable and confident in. Hair and Makeup Considerations Your outfit is just one piece of the puzzle—hair and makeup also play a significant role in your professional headshot. If you’re considering a blowout, choose a style that feels polished yet authentic to you. Sleek and refined is always a reliable choice, but make sure it’s a look that complements your natural vibe rather than feeling overdone.
For a deeper dive into hair and makeup tips tailored for professional headshots, check out my Hair and Makeup Guide for Professional Headshots. In this guide, I cover everything you need to know—from taming flyaways to enhancing your natural features for a photo-ready look.
Miriam Meza is a Boston North Shore -based photographer with over 10 years of experience specializing in headshots and Studio Portrait Photography. With a background in hairstyling and makeup artistry, Miriam combines her skills to help clients feel confident and look their best in front of the camera. She is passionate about helping small business owners and solopreneurs elevate their professional image through personalized photography services. For more info contact her info@miriammeza.com