Your professional headshot is one of the most important tools in your career arsenal. It's often the first impression you make on potential employers, clients, or business contacts. That's why it's so important to choose the right outfit for your headshot session.

What you wear in your professional headshot should be an extension of your personal brand. Your clothing should be clean and pressed, and it should reflect the industry you're in.

By the end of this blog, you'll know exactly what to wear for your professional headshot session.

Clothing Styles For A Professional Headshot

Dress For Your Industry

When you're deciding what to wear for your professional headshot, it's important to dress for your industry standard. This means if most people in your industry dress formally, you should dress formally for your headshot. If most people in your industry dress informally, you should dress informally for your headshot.

For example, if you're a lawyer needing business headshots, you will want to opt for a classic suit jacket with a tie or blazer. If you're a software developer at a new start-up, you may opt for a collared shirt with a sweater.

You want to fit in with the general look of people in your industry so that you look like a credible professional. Employers, clients, and business contacts will be more likely to take you seriously if you look like everyone else in your field.

Of course, this doesn't mean you have to blend in completely. You can still add some personality to your outfit with accessories or jewelry. Just make sure not to go too overboard!

If you're part of a corporate headshot session, it's best to ask a couple of co-workers to see what pieces of clothes they'll be wearing in front of the camera.

Bring Various Outfits

It's always a good idea to bring multiple headshot outfits to your session. This way, you have options and can change if you don't like the way something looks.

Bringing multiple outfits also gives you a chance to try out different looks and see what works best for your headshot. Maybe you'll find that a more formal outfit makes you look too stiff, or that a more casual outfit makes you look too relaxed. It's important to experiment until you find the right balance.

Wear Simple and Classic Jewelry

When it comes to jewelry, less is more. You don't want to wear anything too flashy or attention-grabbing. Stick with simple and classic pieces that won't take away from your face.

A few well-chosen pieces of jewelry can actually help add some personality to your headshot. Just make sure not to go overboard! A pair of stud earrings or a delicate necklace is all you need.

Avoid wearing any big, chunky jewelry that will distract from your face.

If you're someone that wears glasses, that can be all the jewelry you'll need for your session.

Still Don't Know What Clothes to Wear For A Headshot?

One of the most popular looks for a professional headshot is a basic blazer and pants. This look is classic and timeless, and it's perfect for almost any industry.

To pull off this look, make sure you choose a well-fitting blazer in a neutral color. Black, navy, and grey are all great choices. Pair it with a collared shirt or blouse, and make sure there's no gap between the jacket and the shirt.

For pants, you can either go with slacks or dress jeans. If you choose jeans, make sure they're dark-washed and free of any rips or tears. You want to look put-together and professional, not like you just rolled out of bed!

This is a great option if you're not sure what to wear for your professional headshot. It's also easy to dress up or down depending on the look you're going for.

What Colors Are Best For A Headshot Session

When choosing what to wear for your professional headshot, it's important to consider the colors you're wearing. The wrong color can make you look washed out or unprofessional.

Stick to Wearing Solid Colors

If you want your professional headshot to really stand out, consider wearing a solid color. This can be a great way to make a bold statement and really catch people's attention.

Just make sure you choose the right color! Some colors, like white, can wash you out in photos. And bright colors can be too distracting. Stick with neutral colors like black, navy, and grey. Avoid wearing just black and white as your headshot can be seen as "boring."

Wearing solid colors will also guarantee that your headshot won't have a distracting moiré.

Contrast With the Backdrop and Your Skin Tone

If you want your professional headshot to really pop, consider wearing colors that contrast the backdrop and your skin tone. For example, if you have a light skin tone, try wearing a dark color like black or navy. If you have a dark skin tone, try wearing a light color like white or cream.

Contrasting colors can help you stand out in your headshot and really make it pop. Just make sure you don't choose colors that are too extreme or that will clash with each other.

Make Sure Your Clothes Fit Well

Avoid Wearing Unfitted Clothing

One of the most important things to remember when choosing what to wear for your professional headshot is to avoid wearing unfitted clothes. This means clothes that are too big or too small for you.

Wearing ill-fitting clothes will make you look sloppy and unprofessional. It's important to make sure your clothes fit well so that you look your best in your headshot.

If you're not sure how to find clothes that fit well, we recommend going to a tailor or seamstress. They can help you find the perfect size and fit for your body type.

Wear A Collar That Fits Well

Since most headshots will be cropped around the neck, it's important that your collar fits well.

If you're wearing a shirt or blouse with a collar, it's important to make sure the collar fits well. A too-tight collar will look uncomfortable and constricting, while a too-loose collar will look sloppy.

The best way to find a shirt or blouse with the perfect fitting collar is to try it on and see how it looks. If you can't try it on beforehand, make sure to leave enough room around the neck so you're not choking yourself in the photo!

A well-fitting collar is an important part of a professional headshot. Make sure yours looks great before your big day.

Pick the Perfect Photographer To Match Your Outfit

Your professional headshot is only as good as the photographer you choose. When you're choosing what to wear for your headshot, it's important to pick a photographer that will match your outfit and style.

If you're looking to book a professional headshot session, visit our individual pricing page to learn about booking and further details.