What to Wear for Your Corporate Headshot: The Complete London Guide

What to Wear for Your Corporate Headshot: The Complete London Guide

By Lia Photography | London Corporate & Headshot Photographer

You've booked your headshot session. The date is in the diary. Now comes the question that almost everyone asks at some point before they arrive: "What should I wear?"

It matters more than you might think. The right outfit can make a headshot look polished, confident, and professional. The wrong one — even with perfect lighting and a great expression — can make the whole thing feel off.

This guide covers everything, from colours to patterns to grooming, so you can show up ready.

Colours that photograph well

The most reliable colours for professional headshots are mid-tones — not too light, not too dark.

Navy blue is probably the single best colour for corporate headshots. It reads as professional and trustworthy, it works against almost any background, and it photographs consistently well in both warm and cool lighting.

Grey (mid to dark) is similarly versatile. A charcoal grey suit or a slate grey top keeps the focus on your face rather than your clothing.

Deep green, burgundy, and teal are excellent choices if you want something slightly less conventional while still looking professional. These colours add personality without being distracting.

Earthy tones — rust, terracotta, warm brown — work well for more relaxed or creative professional contexts.

Colours and patterns to avoid

All white or very light colours against a light background create a washed-out effect where your top seems to disappear. If you love wearing white, layer it under a jacket in a darker colour.

All black against a dark background causes the same problem in reverse — you become a floating head. Black can work with the right background, but it's safer to check with your photographer in advance.

Busy patterns — fine stripes, small checks, herringbone, or any tight repeat pattern — cause a visual distortion called "moiré" in photography. What looks perfectly fine in person creates a shimmering, rippling effect in the image that's almost impossible to fix in editing. Avoid these entirely.

Large logos and brand names are distracting. They pull the eye away from your face and date the image quickly.

Men's guide: suit vs smart casual

In most corporate contexts, a well-fitted suit in navy, charcoal, or dark grey is the safest and most reliable choice. The key word is well-fitted — a suit that doesn't fit properly looks worse in a photo than smart casual that fits perfectly.

If your industry or company culture leans more casual, a plain shirt (no logos, no loud patterns) in a solid colour with or without a jacket works well. Roll up the sleeves or undo the top button if that fits your personal style — just be consistent with how you'd present yourself to a client.

Ties are less common now than they were ten years ago, but if you wear one, keep it simple. A solid colour or a very subtle texture always looks better than a novelty pattern.

Women's guide: necklines, patterns, and jewellery

Similar principles apply. Solid colours in the mid-to-dark range photograph most reliably. V-necks and boat necks work particularly well for headshots because they create a clean line that draws attention upward toward your face.

Jewellery can add character to a headshot, but keep it simple. One or two pieces maximum — a pair of earrings, a necklace, or a bracelet. Anything that catches the light dramatically or moves a lot can become a distraction.

Patterns carry the same risks as they do for men. Avoid fine stripes, small checks, and anything that repeats in a tight grid.

If you wear glasses, consider whether you want them in the shot. They look perfectly professional if the frames suit your face, but reflections can sometimes be tricky — let your photographer know in advance so they can adjust the lighting accordingly.

Grooming tips

You don't need to do anything extreme, but a few things make a difference.

Hair: Have it how you'd wear it to an important client meeting. If you're due a cut, get it a few days before (not the day before — haircuts always need a day to settle). If your hair changes a lot with weather or humidity, consider that for the day of the shoot.

Skin: If you use skincare, do your usual routine the morning of the shoot. Avoid anything that makes your skin unusually shiny. Matte moisturiser or a very light translucent powder can help reduce shine if that's a concern.

For men specifically: Shave or trim to wherever you normally sit. A fresh shave can sometimes look slightly raw in photos — if you're clean-shaven, the day before the shoot is often better than the morning of.

One final tip: bring options

If you're unsure, bring two or three outfits and we'll choose together on the day. It takes two minutes and removes any uncertainty. Most people who bring a backup are glad they did.

Corporate headshots in London — come to your office

Lia Photography offers on-location headshot sessions across London. We come to your office, set up in a quiet space, and work through your team efficiently. The whole thing is straightforward, professional, and a lot less stressful than you might expect.

Book your headshot session at liaphotography.co.uk

Keywords: what to wear corporate headshot, headshot photography tips, professional headshot outfit, corporate headshot photographer London