Whether you’re preparing for a corporate headshot, a personal branding session, or team photos, what you wear plays a huge role in the final image. Your outfit should reflect your personality, align with your industry, and, most importantly, make you feel confident. Here’s your go-to guide for what to wear for professional headshotsso you can look and feel your best in front of the camera.
👔 Why Your Outfit Matters
Your headshot is often the first impression someone has of you—on your website, LinkedIn, or professional portfolio. What you wear helps shape the perception others form within seconds. The right clothing can communicate trust, professionalism, approachability, and authority.
👕 What to Wear: The Basics
1. Stick to Solid Colors
💡 Avoid busy patterns, logos, or flashy prints. They can date the image and steal focus from your face.
Solid colors are timeless and look clean in photos. Neutrals like navy, charcoal, black, white, beige, and olive work well for almost everyone. Jewel tones (emerald green, deep purple, burgundy) also pop on camera and add visual interest without being distracting.
2. Choose Flattering Necklines
For women, v-necks, scoop necks, or square necklines tend to be the most flattering.
For men, a well-fitted dress shirt or a classic crew neck or polo (depending on the formality of the shoot) is ideal. Well Suited Men’s is my favorite store here in Louisville Kentucky
Avoid turtlenecks unless they’re part of your brand look—they can shorten the neck and create a stiff appearance.
3. Consider Layers
Blazers, cardigans, and tailored jackets add dimension to your outfit and help you look more polished and professional. They also give you more posing flexibility (hands in pockets, relaxed arms, etc.).
Pro tip: If your shoot offers multiple outfit changes, bring a couple of layering pieces to mix and match.
4. Dress for Your Industry
Corporate/Finance/Legal: Stick to classic, tailored pieces—blazers, button-ups, ties.
Creative/Tech: Go slightly more relaxed—well-fitted tees, casual jackets, or statement accessories.
Real Estate/Entrepreneurs: Aim for polished but approachable—solid colors, clean lines, maybe even a pop of brand color.
Personal Branding: Showcase your personality and style while keeping things elevated.
👠 Accessories, Hair, and Makeup
👓 Accessories
Less is more. Stick to simple jewelry, stud earrings, or minimal watches. Avoid large, shiny pieces that might reflect light or distract.
💄 Hair & Makeup
If possible, opt for professional hair and makeup styling. It enhances your natural features and helps even out skin tones under studio lighting. If doing it yourself, go for a clean, polished look.
Men: A clean shave or neatly trimmed beard goes a long way. A bit of translucent powder can reduce shine on camera.
🎯 Final Tips Before Your Shoot
Try on your outfit(s) ahead of time and take mirror selfies in good lighting.
Iron or steam clothing to remove wrinkles.
Bring backup options, including an extra top or jacket.
Avoid clothing that fits poorly, is too loose, or bunches up in awkward places.
Feel confident! The best accessory you can wear is confidence.
📸 Ready to Book Your Headshot Session?
At Vine & Branch Studio, we guide our clients through the full experience—from wardrobe styling to final image selection—so you walk away with timeless, professional images that reflect your best self.
✨ Need help choosing the perfect look for your headshots? Reach out during your pre-session consultation and we’ll help you plan every detail with ease.
