Getting ready for your headshot or business portrait? You don’t need to stress. In fact, these sessions are designed to be quick, comfortable, and even—dare we say—fun. The key is knowing what to wear for your professional headshot… And how to prepare so you walk in feeling confident and walk out looking your best.
Here’s a quick guide to help you dress for success—whether you’re aiming for a polished corporate headshot, a modern business portrait, or a relaxed personal branding photo.
What to Wear for Professional Headshots – Men
Shirts:
If you’re not wearing a tie, a button-down collar creates a clean, tailored look. If you are wearing a tie, stick with a crisp white or light-colored shirt—these photograph best under studio lights.
Ties:
Check in with your HR team or photo coordinator to find out if ties are required. Either way, it’s smart to bring one or two options. Classic patterns and solid colors are always a safe bet.
Jackets:
A jacket or sport coat adds structure and polish—definitely recommended. No jacket? Borrow one if needed. Charcoal and navy photograph better than black, which can appear too harsh in portraits.
What to Wear for Professional Headshots – Women
Colors:
Rich jewel tones—think navy, forest green, deep teal—are universally flattering and add subtle elegance to a headshot. Solid colors are best, as busy prints can be distracting.
Necklines:
Crew necks, boat necks, and shallow V-necks frame the face nicely. Avoid deep V-necks (which may get cropped awkwardly) as well as turtlenecks or sleeveless styles. A blazer or structured jacket is a nice optional layer that adds a touch of professionalism.
Hair & Makeup:
A fresh haircut, color, or style a few days to a week before your session is ideal. Blow-out bars? Totally valid prep. A little polish goes a long way in front of the camera.
Jewelry:
Simple is best. Bring a few options to try.
Earrings: Small studs behave better than hoops or dangly styles, which can twist or tangle.
Necklaces: Try them on with your outfit ahead of time. If a chain hangs too long, I can usually adjust it with a bit of tape.
Glasses or No Glasses?
If you wear glasses daily, wear them for your photo. They’re part of your professional look. Some lens glare might happen, but we’ll work around it with lighting and posing. Don’t wear blue-light blocking glasses as they change the color of your skin around the eyes… And photochromic glasses are problematic under bright flash equipment or outdoors.
Final Thought:
Preparing for your headshot is more about feeling ready than looking perfect. With the right outfit, a bit of grooming, and a relaxed mindset, your professional portrait will reflect exactly what it should—you at your best.
Questions before your shoot? Still not sure what to wear for a professional headshot? Give me a call!
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