Top 10 Headshot Clothing Tips for a Winning Professional Image

Headshot Clothing Tips #1. Dress With a Purpose: Emulate Success

Appropriate attire varies widely by industry. A great starting point is to dress like your managers or the role models in your field. If you lack a clear role model, look to other respected industry leaders and emulate their professional presentation. Study LinkedIn profile photos.

Headshot Clothing Tips #2. Define Your Formality Level

While formal clothing often conveys power and confidence, if you opt for a business casual approach, ensure it is not too casual. Your attire directly impacts your appearance and confidence during the shoot—always dress for the success you seek.

Headshot Clothing Tips #3. Prioritize Solid Colors Over Busy Patterns

Strong patterns can dominate a photograph and distract the viewer’s eye away from your face. It is generally best practice to wear solid colors or very muted, subtle patterns to keep the focus clearly on you.

Headshot Clothing Tips #4. Choose Colors Based on Perception

• Different colors communicate different messages.
• Avoid Fluorescents: They do not photograph well and can cast unflattering color onto your skin.
• Dark Colors: Perceived as formal, authoritative, and strong.
• Lighter/Brighter Colors: Seen as approachable, friendly, and confident.
• Muted Tones: Ideal if you wish to be perceived as more conservative.
• High Contrast: Wearing highly contrasting clothing items (e.g., dark jacket on a white shirt) conveys confidence and authority.

Headshot Clothing Tips #5. Ensure Clothing Contrasts Your Skin Tone

For the most flattering result, aim for a clear separation between your skin tone, your clothing, and the backdrop. While other combinations can look stunning, following this recommendation is usually the safest professional choice.

Headshot Clothing Tips #6. Keep Jewelry Simple and Minimal

We want you to be the star of your headshot, not your accessories. Your jewelry should be an accent, so keep it simple. Large or complicated necklaces can be particularly problematic if they shift or do not sit perfectly straight, which can dominate the final image.

Headshot Clothing Tips #7. Select Appropriate Necklines

Since headshots are typically cropped around chest level, choose a higher neckline to maintain a professional appearance. If wearing a button-down shirt, ensure it is buttoned up above the chest level. The neckline frames your face.

Headshot Clothing Tips #8. Address Eyewear and Glasses

If you wear glasses, do not worry! We have techniques to photograph you in your natural state without distracting glare or unwanted flashes on your lenses. (See the sample photo below).

Headshot Clothing Tips #9. Choose the Right Backdrop

Consider how the backdrop will support your brand. Whether you choose our low-cost standard backdrops (marbled blue or brown) or our unlimited set of custom options—from high-key white to moody black—we have you covered to achieve your desired perception.

Headshot Clothing Tips #10. Invest in Your Future

Ultimately, dressing for success and following these headshot clothing tips is an investment in your career. If you have any further questions about your specific outfit, please do not hesitate to contact George at (401) 284-6106.

Headshot/Portrait Resources

• 4 Reasons Why You Need a Professional Headshot
• Professional Headshots in Rhode island, What to Expect?
• Headshot/Portraiture Articles from the Blog