What to Wear (and What to Avoid) for Professional Headshots

A professional headshot is often the first impression people have of you — on LinkedIn, your website, marketing materials, and beyond. What you wear plays a major role in how confident, polished, and professional that impression feels.

To help you prepare for your next (or possibly FIRST) headshot session here’s a simple, practical guide on what works best on camera — and what to avoid.

What to Wear for Professional Headshots

Stick with Solid Colors

Solid colors photograph beautifully and keep the focus where it belongs: on your face. Neutral tones and deep saturated colors tend to work best, including navy, charcoal, deep green, burgundy, and soft blues.

These colors feel timeless, professional, and flattering across a variety of skin tones.

Choose Classic, Professional Styles

Clean lines and structured pieces elevate your look instantly. Great options include:

Blazers or suit jackets
Button-down shirts
Tailored blouses or tops

These styles frame your face well and photograph consistently across different poses.

Keep Accessories Minimal

Simple, understated accessories work best. Small earrings, delicate necklaces, or a classic watch can add polish without becoming a distraction. When in doubt, less is more.

Wear Well-Fitted Clothing

Clothing that fits properly looks cleaner and more intentional on camera. Avoid anything overly baggy or too tight. A tailored fit helps create a sharp, confident appearance in your final images.

What NOT to Wear for Professional Headshots

Busy Patterns or Loud Prints

Bold patterns, plaids, or large graphics can pull attention away from your face and don’t translate well on camera. They also tend to date images quickly.

Neon or Overly Bright Colors

Very bright or neon colors reflect light onto the skin and can be distracting in professional portraits. Softer, richer tones are always a better choice.

Casual or Sloppy Attire

T-shirts, hoodies, and overly casual clothing generally don’t align with a professional brand image. Even if your industry is relaxed, a slightly elevated look photographs better and gives you more versatility in how you use your headshot.

Distracting Accessories

Large statement jewelry, heavy chains, or overly flashy pieces can dominate the image. Your headshot should highlight you, not your accessories.

Final Tips Before Your Session

Make sure your outfit is clean, pressed, and wrinkle-free
Bring a lint roller if needed
Choose clothing that reflects how you want to be seen professionally
If you’re unsure between two options, feel free to bring both — we’re happy to help guide you

A thoughtful wardrobe choice helps ensure your headshot feels confident, professional, and timeless — something you’ll be proud to use across every platform.

If you have any questions before your session, don’t hesitate to reach out. We look forward to creating a polished, modern image that truly represents you.

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What to wear for your headshot session!