What Should I Wear for a Professional Headshot? (2026 Guide)
Your professional headshot is often the first impression someone has of you. Whether you're updating your LinkedIn profile, applying for a new position, building a personal brand or representing your company, the right outfit can make a significant difference.
One of the most common questions clients ask before a headshot session is:
What should I wear?
The answer depends on your industry, personal style and where your photograph will be used. However, a few simple principles can help you look confident, approachable and professional.
In this guide, we'll cover the best clothing, colours and preparation tips for a successful professional headshot.
1. Choose Clothing That Reflects Your Profession
Your headshot should communicate who you are and how you want to be perceived professionally.
For corporate professionals, lawyers, consultants and executives, structured clothing such as a well-fitted blazer, shirt or smart blouse can create a polished appearance.
For creative professionals, designers, photographers and entrepreneurs, a more relaxed outfit may be appropriate. A simple shirt, knitwear or smart casual jacket can communicate personality while maintaining a professional look.
The goal isn't necessarily to look more formal. It's to look appropriate for your profession and comfortable in your own style.
Photographer's tip:
Consider what you would wear when meeting an important client or attending a professional networking event.
2. What Are the Best Colours for Professional Headshots?
Solid colours generally photograph well because they keep attention on your face rather than your clothing.
Some reliable choices include:
Navy blue: Professional, versatile and suitable for most corporate environments.
Charcoal grey: A timeless option that works well for business portraits.
Cream and off-white: Clean, approachable and particularly effective against darker backgrounds.
Burgundy: Adds subtle colour without overwhelming the portrait.
Forest green: A sophisticated alternative to traditional corporate colours.
Muted earth tones: Useful for relaxed, creative or personal branding photography.
Black can also work beautifully, especially with suitable lighting and background contrast.
There is no single best colour for everyone. Your skin tone, hair colour, background and the overall style of the photograph all influence the result.
3. Should You Wear Patterns or Plain Clothing?
For most professional headshots, plain clothing is the safer choice.
Large logos, bold patterns and busy prints can draw attention away from your expression.
Very fine stripes and closely spaced patterns may also produce unwanted visual effects on camera.
If you prefer patterned clothing, choose something subtle and make sure the overall outfit doesn't compete with your face.
Remember that professional headshots are often displayed at small sizes on LinkedIn, company websites and email profiles. Simple clothing usually remains visually effective when the photograph is reduced.
4. Should You Wear a Suit for a Corporate Headshot?
Not necessarily.
A suit can be an excellent choice for professionals working in law, finance, consulting or senior management. However, many modern businesses prefer a more approachable visual style.
A blazer over a simple shirt or top can offer a balance between professionalism and personality.
For companies arranging headshots for multiple employees, consistency is often more important than requiring everyone to wear identical clothing.
For example, a company might recommend smart business attire in neutral colours while allowing employees to choose outfits that suit their individual roles.
5. What Should Women Wear for a Professional Headshot?
A well-fitted blazer, blouse, dress or simple top can all work effectively.
Choose a neckline that feels comfortable and suits the intended use of the photograph. Avoid clothing that requires constant adjustment during the session.
Jewellery can add personality, but large or highly reflective accessories may distract from your face.
If you normally wear makeup, aim for a finish that feels familiar and natural to you. Studio lighting can reveal details that are less noticeable in everyday lighting, so taking a little extra care with blending and shine can be helpful.
Most importantly, your headshot should still look like you.
6. What Should Men Wear for a Professional Headshot?
A fitted shirt, blazer, suit jacket or smart knitwear can work well depending on your profession.
Pay attention to the collar, shoulder fit and fabric condition. A shirt that bunches around the neck or a jacket that sits awkwardly on the shoulders can affect the final image.
If you wear a tie regularly for work, including one in your headshot may be appropriate. Otherwise, an open-collar shirt can create a more relaxed and approachable appearance.
Facial hair should be groomed in the style you normally wear.
7. Should You Bring More Than One Outfit?
Yes, when the session length allows.
Bringing two outfits gives you flexibility and can help create photographs suitable for different professional purposes.
For example:
Outfit one: A formal look for your company website or corporate profile.
Outfit two: A smart casual look for LinkedIn, speaking engagements or personal branding.
Even changing a jacket or shirt can create a noticeably different impression.
If you're booking a short headshot session, check whether there is enough time for an outfit change.
8. How Should You Prepare Before Your Headshot Session?
A little preparation can make the photography session smoother.
The day before:
Choose and try on your outfit.
Check for wrinkles, marks or loose threads.
Prepare any accessories.
Get a good night's sleep where possible.
Avoid making last-minute changes to your usual hairstyle.
On the day:
Arrive with clean, tidy clothing.
Bring a brush or comb if needed.
Allow enough travel time to avoid rushing.
Bring a spare shirt or top if practical.
Let your photographer know if you have a preferred side or particular concerns.
You don't need to know how to pose. A professional headshot photographer should guide you through posture, positioning and expressions.
9. What If You Feel Uncomfortable in Front of the Camera?
You're not alone. Many people feel uncomfortable having their photograph taken, especially when the image will be used professionally.
A good headshot session should feel collaborative rather than intimidating.
Small adjustments to your shoulders, chin position and expression can make a significant difference.
At Lia Photography, the aim is to create professional portraits that feel natural, confident and appropriate for each client's individual needs.
10. What Should You Avoid Wearing?
There are no absolute rules, but some choices can make professional headshots more difficult.
Try to avoid:
Large logos and prominent slogans.
Extremely busy patterns.
Clothes that don't fit comfortably.
Heavily creased fabrics.
Accessories that distract from your face.
Outfits that feel unlike your normal professional appearance.
The most important consideration is whether your clothing supports the impression you want to create.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is black or white better for professional headshots?
Both can work well. The best choice depends on the background, lighting and your overall appearance. Black often creates a strong, classic look, while white can feel clean and approachable.
Can I wear glasses in my professional headshot?
Absolutely. If you regularly wear glasses, it's usually best to wear them in your headshot. Your photographer can adjust the lighting to minimise reflections.
Should I smile in my headshot?
A natural smile often creates a friendly, approachable impression. A more neutral expression can also work, particularly for certain professional roles. Your photographer can capture both.
Can I wear casual clothes for LinkedIn?
Yes, provided they suit your profession and the image you want to communicate. Smart casual clothing can be particularly effective for creative professionals and entrepreneurs.
How many outfits should I bring?
One well-chosen outfit is sufficient for a short session. For longer sessions, bringing two options can provide more variety.
Book a Professional Headshot in London
Whether you need an updated LinkedIn photograph, an executive portrait or consistent headshots for your team, Lia Photography offers professional headshot photography in London.
Individual sessions and tailored corporate team photography are available.
Explore our headshot photography services and enquire about your session:
Lia Photography — Professional Headshot & Commercial Photography, London.
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