What to wear for headshots

A great headshot does more than show what you look like; it signals professionalism, builds trust and convinces potential clients that you’re the right person for the job. Yet many people worry about what to wear for a headshot. Do you stick with a suit, try something more casual or break out that bright blazer? As a professional photographer at Profile Photos, a central Wellington photo studio, I’ve compiled this guide to help you choose the best outfits for corporate and business portraits. You’ll learn why mid‑tone and jewel colours work, how to keep patterns and accessories in check and how comfort and confidence come across on camera.

Why outfit choice matters for professional headshots

The outfit you choose isn’t just about fashion it directly affects how people perceive you in a tiny profile thumbnail. Professional headshot sessions benefit from variety. I recommend bringing 2-6 outfits ranging from business formal to smart casual so you can adapt during your session depending on session length. When you feel comfortable and confident, that ease translates into genuine expressions; wearing something you dislike can make you look tense. That’s why planning your wardrobe matters as much as choosing a photographer.

Best colours for headshots

Colours influence mood and message. Industry guides advise mid‑tone and jewel colours for corporate headshots. Mid‑tone colours like burgundy, navy, plum, emerald green and charcoal flatter most skin tones and avoid the harshness of pastels or neon hues . Jewel tones such as emerald, sapphire and amethyst, earth tones like terracotta and olive, and light neutrals including soft grey and cream photograph well. Darker colours project authority while lighter shades feel approachable. Neutral tones such as taupe, camel and charcoal paired with black or white create a clean, timeless palette.

Corporate headshot outfit guide showing a man and woman in mid‑tone colours with neutral background.

Avoiding extremes

Bold black and bright white need careful handling. Photography research shows that black absorbs light and loses detail, appearing flat on camera, while white can blow out under studio lighting, washing out texture. Mid‑tone colours hold detail better and separate you from the background. Industry guidelines warn against neon colours and overly bright shades like turquoise and coral, which can overpower your face.

Patterns and textures

In a corporate headshot, clothing should enhance rather than compete with your expression. Professional guidelines recommend wearing solids, noting that large prints can dominate a photo while tight patterns like pinstripes or small polka dots create distracting moiré effects on screen. Busy patterns are visual noise, so stick to solid colours or subtle texture. If you love a print, layer it under a solid jacket or blazer to keep the focus on your face.

Layering works well for headshots: choose lighter colours underneath and darker outer layers such as blazers or cardigans. Layers add structure and allow you to adjust your look during the session.

Fit, structure and necklines

Well‑fitted clothing photographs better than loose or oversized pieces. Baggy tops often add visual bulk at the shoulders and neckline, whereas structure flatters every body type. Choose quality pieces that are top‑notch in fit and style even if you’re aiming for business casual; a neat plain T‑shirt can work when layered with a jacket. Clothes should be freshly pressed and well‑fitted - wrinkled or ill‑fitting garments can detract from professionalism.

Neatly pressed blazers layered over complimenting shirts.

Necklines and sleeves

Choose necklines that frame your face: modest V‑necks, round necks, boat necks and collared shirts all photograph well. Avoid very high necklines that can make you look boxy, and steer clear of low cuts that draw attention away from your face. Long sleeves or three‑quarter lengths create clean lines, while sleeveless tops can look unbalanced unless carefully styled. Long sleeves also appear more professional; bring a jacket if you choose a sleeveless top.

Dress for your industry and brand

Your outfit should align with your profession and brand personality. Dress to impress your ideal client: lawyers, government employees and people in conservative industries should wear darker, more formal clothing, whereas those in startups can opt for a relaxed business casual look. Artists and creatives have more freedom to show stylistic flair as long as the outfit doesn’t detract from the face. Match your clothing to the context and message: a structured blouse or blazer communicates authority for leadership photos, whereas a collared knit might suit a lifestyle coach. Think about how your outfit will appear on your website, LinkedIn profile or marketing materials.

Accessories and finishing touches

Less is more when it comes to accessories. Opt for simple jewellery - small earrings, a delicate necklace and maybe one ring - because large pendants or jangly pieces can distract and even create motion blur. If you normally wear glasses, wear them in your headshot so clients recognise you; choose frames that flatter your face shape and avoid glare by tilting slightly away from the light.

Makeup should be natural and polished. Keep it similar to what you would wear to a job interview and use powder or mattifying gel to reduce shine. Avoid bold or dark lipstick; choose a shade that is just slightly darker than your natural lip colour.

Showing multiple headshot outfit options in jewel and neutral tones.

What to avoid

To keep the focus on your expression, avoid clothing and accessories that draw unnecessary attention. Professional photographers caution against:

Busy patterns, logos or slogans: they distract and date your photo.
Excessive jewellery or huge bows: they create visual clutter.
Trendy fashion or oversized sleeves: these can quickly look dated and may overwhelm the frame.
Wrinkled or ill‑fitting clothing: ensure garments are laundered, stain‑free and crisply ironed.
Neon colours or tight patterns: they can cause moiré effects and overpower your face.
Shiny or clingy fabrics: they highlight every crease and bump.

Practical tips for your headshot session

Bring multiple outfit options: A range of 2-6 (depending on the length of your session) outfits gives you flexibility, from business formal to smart casual.
Plan your wardrobe early: Make sure clothes fit well, are pressed and free of stains; try them on a few days before your session.
Choose comfort and confidence: Wear outfits you love and feel good in; if you don’t resonate with an outfit, it will show on camera.
Coordinate with your photographer: Ask about background colours so you can choose tones that stand out without blending in.
Test your outfits: Try taking selfies in different lighting to see how colours and necklines look on camera. This helps you identify any fit or colour issues before the shoot.

Conclusion

Selecting outfits for a headshot doesn’t have to be complicated. Focus on mid‑tone colours, classic cuts and well‑fitted clothing. Avoid busy patterns, keep accessories simple and ensure everything is clean and pressed. Most important of all: wear outfits that make you feel confident, because confidence shows in every frame . At Profile Photos, our central Wellington studio can help you put these ideas into practice so you step in front of the camera with ease. With these guidelines, your professional headshot will help you make a polished first impression on LinkedIn, your website or wherever your personal brand lives.

Ready to put these wardrobe tips into action? Book your professional headshot with me at Profile Photos and get guidance on choosing the perfect outfit. Use the link below to schedule your session or reach out via my contact form if you have any questions.