The What to Wear Guide for Modern Headshots: Balancing Professionalism and Style
Your face might be the star of the show, but your outfit also plays a key role in the way your headshot is perceived. Discover how the right wardrobe can enhance your personal brand and align your headshot with how you want to be seen.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about what to wear for modern headshots. We’ll explore industry-specific examples along with practical tips on posing, hairstyle, and grooming to ensure that you can put together a complete professional image.
The Importance of Attire in Professional Headshots
Your headshot is more than just a photograph; it’s a means of shaking hands from afar, of signaling to your audience who you are and what you stand for. The clothes you wear are a major part of this message — they can communicate professionalism, approachability, creativity, and a host of other leadership qualities.
Being thoughtful about your attire ensures that your headshot authentically captures your professional identity and gives honest insight into your character. A well-chosen outfit can make all the difference, so let’s learn how to put one together.
Adapting Your Wardrobe to Industry Norms
Each industry has its own expectations when it comes to professional attire. Understanding these norms can help you choose an outfit that aligns with your field’s standards and ensures you send the right message.
However, the following guide is just that—a guide. Don’t be afraid to go against the grain and defy conventions if it’s in line with the rest of your branding. This can be a great way to stand out from the crowd and appeal to a unique audience.
Corporate Professionals
In traditional corporate environments like law, finance, or consulting, it's common practice to project a high degree of professionalism and competence. Formal, conservative clothing options tend to be the go-to here:
Women: Mainstays include a tailored blazer paired with a blouse or a formal dress in muted tones. Avoid excessive jewelry or bright patterns that distract from your face.
Men: A dark suit with a collared shirt (tie optional) is a solid choice. Neutral colors like navy, black, and gray work well.
Tech and Startups
“Smart-casual” is the vibe for this crowd. Aim to look professional while reflecting the more relaxed, innovative culture of this sector:
Semi-Formal Looks: Opt for business-casual styles like a well-fitted collared shirt or a simple, stylish top paired with jeans or chinos. Solid neutral tones work well, but feel free to add a pop of color to reflect creativity.
Layering: A lightweight sweater or blazer over a collared shirt or a jacket with a neat top can elevate your look while keeping it casual.
Creative Industries
Headshots for those in creative fields should reflect the forward-thinking nature of their work while highlighting their unique brand. Use your headshot as an opportunity to showcase your vision and make a strong impression.
Expressive Styling: Incorporate unique elements that break free of traditional workwear and showcase your personal style, whether that’s an eye-catching accessory or a distinct cut of clothing.
Personal Brand Alignment: Choose wardrobe that aligns with your creative identity. If your work is bold and experimental, don’t hesitate to reflect that in your headshot. If your creativity leans more toward minimalism, opt for clean, simple lines that still feature some personality.
Reflecting Your Personal Brand in Your Headshot
While it’s important to consider industry norms, your headshot should also reflect your own individual brand. Choose colors, patterns, and styles that resonate with who you are and how you want to be perceived.
If you work in a conservative industry but you’re known for being bold and creative, a pop of color or a statement piece might be appropriate. If you’re the steady hand in a vibrant start-up, don’t be afraid to showcase your professionalism and reliability with a more traditional headshot.
Above all, make sure that your headshot feels like “you”. Authenticity builds trust, so wear something that reflects your true personality while maintaining a polished look.
Wardrobe Preparation Tips for a Flawless Headshot
Preparation is key to ensure your session goes smoothly. Here are some practical headshot tips for your wardrobe:
Select Complementary Colors: Choose wardrobe colors that complement one another, as well as the colors found in your background.
Time Your Session: Schedule your headshots early in the morning when clothes are fresh and wrinkle-free. If your session is later in the day, wear different clothes and change just before the shoot.
Managing Wrinkles: Bring a steamer if you plan to wear multiple outfits. This can help release any wrinkles that may have formed during transit. A lint roller can also come in handy.
Bring Multiple Outfits: Include several options to create different looks—formal for press kits, casual for social media, etc.
Consider Your Use Case: Think about where your headshot will be displayed and align your wardrobe choices for that specific use. If it’s going on your company’s website, for example, consider how your outfit complements your company’s brand colors for a seamless integration.
What to Consider When Choosing Your Headshot Attire
Choosing the right outfit requires more than just picking something you like; it’s about making strategic decisions that align with your personal brand and the impression you want to create.
Color Theory in Fashion: Your choice of color can evoke different emotions and perceptions. Blue, for example, tends to convey feelings of trust and reliability, while red can project power and confidence. Consider the message you want to send and choose colors accordingly.
Fit and Comfort: Your clothes should fit well and complement your body type. Remember, comfort is key—if you’re uncomfortable, it will show in your expression and posture.
Authenticity: Above all, your headshot should be authentic. Clothes that reflect the real you will feel the most natural and help you come across as genuine and approachable.
Professional Stylist: If you’re investing in a set of executive portraits or a personal branding session, consider working with a professional stylist. They can help you select outfits that align with your brand identity and ensure you look your best.
How to Accessorize with Intention
Accessories are a great way to complement your headshot and add a finishing touch to your outfit, but it’s important to keep them minimal and tasteful.
Glasses: If you wear glasses, choose a pair with non-reflective lenses to avoid glare. Ensure they’re clean and free of smudges.
Jewelry: Keep jewelry simple and understated. Avoid anything too shiny or large that could distract from your face.
Ties and Scarves: If you choose to wear a tie or scarf, make sure it complements your outfit without overpowering it.
Coordinating Hair and Makeup with Your Wardrobe
Your hairstyle and makeup should complement your outfit, creating a cohesive look.
Hair: Consider how your hairstyle interacts with your wardrobe. A sleek, professional style might work well with a sharp, tailored outfit, while softer, more relaxed styles could pair better with casual attire.
Makeup: Use makeup to accentuate your features and complement your outfit. For example, if your outfit has a pop of color, you might use a similar shade in your makeup to tie the look together. Opt for natural makeup that enhances rather than overpowers.
Tying It All Together: Think of your hair, makeup, and wardrobe as parts of a complete ensemble. Everything should work together to reinforce the personal brand you want to project.
How to Pose for Headshots: Wardrobe Considerations
Connecting Outfit and Pose with Perception
Your choice of outfit does more than just make you look good—it can inform what kinds of poses will look best. Here’s a deeper dive into how specific wardrobe choices lend themselves to certain poses and what these combinations might communicate about you:
Structured Blazers and Power Poses: A sharp, tailored blazer naturally complements strong, confident poses with more serious expressions. This is ideal for roles where leadership and confidence are key traits.
Soft, Flowing Garments and Relaxed Stances: Softer pieces like a draped cardigan or a loose blouse can pair beautifully with more relaxed poses. Leaning slightly to one side or tilting your head with a warm smile can create a welcoming and open vibe (see our guide on how to smile in a headshot). This combination is great for creatives or those in roles where approachability and connection are valued.
Casual Attire and Dynamic, Engaging Poses: Experiment with some dynamic poses for a casual vibe that aligns with this wardrobe style. Consider leaning against a wall or sitting on a stool with one leg propped up. These poses can convey creativity and a laid-back confidence, making you appear approachable and relatable.
Pockets and Natural Hand Placement: Outfits with pockets are particularly useful in posing, as they provide a natural place for your hands. Sliding one hand into a pocket can create a relaxed, confident stance. This small detail can make you appear more grounded and at ease, making for a very natural looking portrait.
Tip: Ensure your outfit allows for a range of movement and doesn’t restrict your natural poses. See our full guide to headshot poses for more inspiration.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Corporate Headshot Attire
While any rule can be broken if done thoughtfully, here are some things to be cautious about when deciding what to wear for your headshots:
Busy Patterns and Loud Colors: These can distract from your face, which should be the focal point of the headshot. The best color to wear for a headshot is one that complements your skin tone without overpowering your features.
Moiré Patterns: Tight patterns can create a distracting moiré effect on screens, so it’s best to avoid them.
Overly Distracting Accessories: Large or flashy accessories can draw attention away from your face.
Complement, Don’t Overpower: The goal of your outfit is to complement, not to steal the show. However, if you’re known for bold fashion choices in the workplace, don’t be afraid to have fun and express that part of yourself in your headshot.
Authenticity Over Perfection: Remember, these guidelines are just that—guidelines. The most important thing is that your headshot feels sincere and conveys authenticity.
Key Takeaways:
Your corporate headshots are an integral part of your professional identity, and what you wear plays a significant role in how you’re perceived. By balancing industry norms with personal style, making thoughtful outfit choices, and preparing carefully, you can create a headshot that is honest, authentic, and uniquely yours.
Here’s a recap of what to remember:
Aim to reflect your personal brand while considering industry norms.
Pay attention to details like fit, color, and accessories to ensure a polished look.
Coordinate your outfit with the background / environment of your headshot via complementary colors
Avoid busy patterns, loud colors, and overly distracting accessories that steal attention from your face.
Ensure your hairstyle and makeup complement your outfit to create a cohesive, professional appearance.
Align your poses with your wardrobe style to convey the desired impression, such as authority, creativity, or approachability.
Aim for multiple wardrobe looks (formal & casual) to cover a variety of needs
FAQ About What to Wear for Headshots
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While it's important to choose colors that reflect your personal brand and suit your skin tone, some colors may be a bit too bold for your headshot. Bright neon colors or overly saturated hues can distract from your face.
Additionally, avoid colors that blend too much with the background, such as white clothing on a white backdrop or black on a dark background.
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It’s best to iron or steam your clothes ahead of time to avoid wrinkles. Even slight creases can become noticeable in high-resolution images, especially in close-up shots. Bring a lint roller to remove any stray lint or pet hair before the session.
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Accessories should complement your outfit, not overpower it. Small, understated pieces like a watch, simple necklace, or elegant earrings are great choices.
Bolder pieces can be attention-grabbing, but if this aligns with your personal brand, then go for it!
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Absolutely. Smart casual attire can make you look more relatable and approachable—just ensure that a less formal look aligns with your industry's norms.
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Your headshot should reflect both professionalism and your personality. If you’re in a conservative industry but you're known for a creative or bold style, don’t be afraid to let that part of you show.
Breaking from the norm can be a great way to differentiate—just find the right balance so it still fits within the context of your profession.
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Yes, bringing multiple outfits is always a good idea. This allows for variety in your headshots, which can be useful if you're taking photos for different platforms (e.g., LinkedIn, your company’s website, social media).
Aim for a mix of formal and casual options so you have a variety of looks for any need.
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Wearing makeup for headshots is a personal choice, but the key is to keep it natural and professional. Consider whether you'll be shooting outdoors with natural light or indoors with studio lighting.
Matte finishes work better under studio lights, so avoid glossy or shimmery products that can reflect light and create shine.
Even if you don’t typically wear makeup (men included), a light application to even out skin tone can make a big difference on camera.
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While shoes are typically not visible in a headshot, the right pair can complete your look and make you feel more confident in your appearance. That confidence will show in your expression, so it's still worthwhile to put some thought into your choice of footwear.
You may decide that you want a full-body portrait during your session, so it's always a good idea to be prepared with shoes that complement your outfit.
Above all, comfort is key. If your feet are hurting, your expression will be impacted as well.
Showcase Your Style with Professional Headshots in NYC
Ready to nail the perfect look for your headshot? At Johnny Wolf Studio in NYC, we’ll help you showcase your style and professionalism with modern corporate headshots that authentically capture your unique brand. Get in touch to learn more!
