You've booked your headshot session — now comes the question everyone asks: What do I wear?
Your outfit choices can make or break your headshot. The right clothing frames your face, communicates your profession, and makes you feel confident. The wrong outfit pulls attention away from you.
After photographing hundreds of professionals, here's exactly what I tell my clients.
The Golden Rules
1. Solid Colors Are Your Best Friend
Solid colors photograph beautifully because they keep the focus on your face — which is the whole point of a headshot. My go-to recommendations:
- Navy blue — universally flattering, professional, trustworthy
- Charcoal or dark gray — clean and modern
- Burgundy or deep teal — adds personality without being distracting
- Black — classic, but can wash out on dark backgrounds
- White or cream — works on dark backgrounds, but avoid on light ones
2. Avoid Busy Patterns
Stripes, plaids, small prints, and logos create visual noise. On camera, tight patterns can even create a moiré effect — a shimmering distortion that looks terrible in photos. If you love patterns, go with something subtle and large-scale.
3. Fit Matters More Than Fashion
A well-fitted outfit always looks better than an expensive one that doesn't sit right. Tailored doesn't mean formal — it means the clothing follows your body without pulling, bunching, or gapping.
Quick fit checks:
- Collar sits flat (no curling or popping)
- Shoulders hit at the right point
- No pulling across the chest or back
- Sleeves at the right length
4. Bring 2–3 Options
I always recommend bringing at least two or three outfit options. This gives us variety and lets us choose what looks best on camera. What looks great in person doesn't always translate the same way on screen — and having options means we're never stuck.
What to Wear by Industry
Corporate & Finance
Structured blazers, button-downs, and classic suiting in navy, charcoal, or black. A pop of color in a tie, blouse, or pocket square adds personality.
Real Estate
Approachable but polished. Blazers with open collars, clean sweaters, or blouses in warm tones. You want to look like someone people trust with their biggest purchase.
Tech & Startups
Smart casual works well here. Clean crew necks, minimal jewelry, fitted jackets without ties. Authenticity matters more than formality.
Legal & Medical
Classic and conservative. Suits, lab coats, or professional attire that matches your practice's tone. Darker colors tend to convey authority.
Actors & Performers
This depends entirely on the roles you're going for. Bring options that match your casting types — we'll figure out the best looks together during the session.
Entrepreneurs & Personal Brands
This is where you get to express yourself. Your outfit should match your brand's personality. A wellness coach might wear soft, neutral tones. A creative director might go bold with color or texture.
What to Avoid
- Bright white — can create harsh glare and blow out on camera
- Neon colors — reflect onto your skin and create color casts
- Logos and text — distracting and can date the photo
- Short sleeves on their own — can look too casual (layer with a jacket)
- Wrinkled clothing — steam or iron everything the night before
- Brand-new clothes you've never worn — if it's uncomfortable, it'll show
Day-Of Checklist
- Steam or iron your outfits the night before
- Bring everything on hangers (not folded in a bag)
- Check for lint, pet hair, and loose threads
- Wear or bring a neutral undershirt
- Keep jewelry minimal — one or two pieces max
- Avoid getting a drastic new haircut right before
Still Not Sure?
I send every client a free headshot prep guide after booking. It covers wardrobe, grooming, and what to expect on session day. And during your session, I'll help you choose which outfits look best on camera — that's part of what makes working with a professional different from a DIY setup.
Ready to book? View packages and pricing or get a personalized quote.