What to Wear for a Headshot: The Ultimate Style Guide

A professional headshot is often your very first impression—whether on LinkedIn, a personal portfolio, or a company website. Knowing what to wear can feel a bit overwhelming, but with a few simple guidelines, you can look confident, approachable, and polished.

Here is everything you need to know to choose the perfect outfit for your next headshot session.

1. Prioritize Fit and Comfort

No matter how stylish an item is, if it doesn’t fit properly, it won’t look great on camera.

• Avoid extremes: Clothes that are too tight can bunch up awkwardly, while oversized clothing can make you look swallowed up.
• Comfort is key: If you feel stiff or uncomfortable in your outfit, it will show in your posture and facial expression. Choose structured fabrics that hold their shape while still allowing you to move naturally.

2. Choose the Right Colors

Colors play a massive role in setting the tone of your photo and complementing your skin tone.

• Go for mid-to-dark tones: Jewel tones (like emerald green, sapphire blue, or deep plum), navy, and rich grays look fantastic on almost everyone and photograph exceptionally well.
• Be cautious with white and black: Pure white can wash out your face by reflecting too much light into the camera, while solid black can sometimes hide details and look a bit heavy. If you love wearing black or white, layer them with a colored jacket, scarf, or cardigan to add depth.
• Avoid neon and loud patterns: Bright neon colors can cast strange color reflections onto your skin. Similarly, busy patterns (like tight stripes, houndstooth, or loud florals) can create a distracting optical illusion effect on camera known as “moiré.”

3. Keep Necklines and Layers in Mind

Headshots are typically cropped from the chest or shoulders up, meaning your neckline is one of the most important parts of the outfit.

• Flattering necklines: V-necks, crew necks, and collared shirts generally look timeless and balanced. Avoid strapless tops, as they can sometimes look awkward in a tight crop.
• Embrace layering: Adding a blazer, structured cardigan, or a nice jacket instantly elevates a casual top into something professional. Layers also add texture and dimension to the photo, helping you stand out.

4. Pay Attention to Details

Small details can make a surprisingly big difference when zoomed in on a high-resolution photo.

• Keep jewelry simple: Choose understated pieces—like small studs or a delicate necklace—so that people focus on your face, not your accessories. Avoid anything too large or shiny that might catch the studio lights.
• Glasses: If you wear glasses every day, definitely wear them for your headshot! Just make sure your lenses have an anti-reflective coating if possible, or ask your photographer how to handle potential glare.
• Iron or steam: Wrinkles show up easily on camera. Always double-check that your outfit is freshly pressed right before the shoot.

Final Tip: Bring Options!

If you aren’t sure between two outfits, bring both to your session and ask your photographer for their professional opinion. They know how different colors and textures look under their specific lighting setup and can help you make the final call.

What kind of setting are you preparing your headshot for (