When it comes to professional headshots, what you wear plays a critical role in shaping the impression you leave on clients, colleagues, and potential employers. A great headshot conveys professionalism, approachability, and confidence. For businesses and organizations using headshots in their marketing, branding, or internal communications, ensuring consistency and visual harmony is key. In this guide, we’ll explore how to choose the perfect attire for your headshot to create a polished, cohesive, and professional look.
1. Dress for the Industry and Role
Your choice of clothing should align with the industry you work in. A corporate executive’s attire will differ from that of a creative professional or a startup founder. Consider the following:
- Corporate & Finance: Dark, solid-colored suits with a classic white or light-colored shirt work best. Keep ties simple and elegant.
- Creative & Marketing: Business casual attire works well. Consider adding a pop of color or a unique texture for personality.
- Medical & Healthcare: A lab coat over a professional outfit or solid scrubs can help communicate your profession clearly.
- Technology & Startups: A fitted, solid-colored shirt or blazer can strike the right balance between professional and approachable.
2. Choose Solid Colors Over Patterns
Solid colors photograph better than busy patterns, which can distract from your face. Neutral colors such as navy, gray, white, and beige work well. If you want to incorporate color, choose deeper tones like burgundy, emerald green, or royal blue, which complement most skin tones. Avoid neon or extremely bright colors that can cast reflections onto your face.
3. Avoid Distracting Logos and Graphics
Unless your headshot is for a branded corporate shoot, it’s best to avoid clothing with visible logos, text, or graphics. These can divert attention away from your face and make the image feel less timeless and professional.
4. Layering for Depth and Dimension
Layering can add depth to your look. A blazer, structured cardigan, or well-fitted jacket can create a refined appearance. If layering, ensure the outer layer is tailored to avoid looking bulky in the final shot.
5. Keep Accessories Minimal
Jewelry and accessories should be subtle and not overpowering. Simple stud earrings, a delicate necklace, or a classic watch can enhance your look without stealing focus. Large, shiny, or overly intricate jewelry can create unwanted reflections and distractions.
6. Grooming and Final Touches
- Hair: Well-groomed and styled neatly. If you have longer hair, decide whether you want it down or pulled back for a more structured appearance.
- Makeup: Keep it natural and professional. Avoid heavy foundation or overly shiny products that may cause glare under studio lighting.
- Facial Hair: Trim and shape beards or mustaches for a clean, polished look.
7. Matching Team or Company Branding
For businesses seeking a cohesive look for their team, consider coordinating colors and styles. A uniform dress code ensures consistency across all headshots, whether for a website, marketing materials, or corporate profiles.
8. What to Avoid
- Wrinkled or ill-fitting clothing – Ensure everything is pressed and fits well.
- Trendy or overly casual wear – A headshot is meant to last; timeless styles work best.
- Heavy patterns or stripes – These can cause distortion in photos.
- Shiny or reflective fabrics – They can create unwanted glare in studio lighting.
St Louis Headshot Photographer: Your Professional Partner for High-Quality Headshots
At St Louis Headshot Photographer, we understand the impact of a high-quality headshot on your professional presence. Our full-service commercial photography and video production company is equipped with top-tier equipment and an expert creative team to ensure successful image acquisition. Whether you need studio or location photography, we provide editing, post-production, and even licensed drone pilots for unique aerial shots.
Our team specializes in customizing productions to meet diverse media needs. We help repurpose photography and video branding to enhance visibility and engagement. Our studio features private lighting and visual setups, perfect for interview scenes and small productions. Additionally, our spacious studio allows for incorporating props to enrich your set design.
From private, custom interview studio setups to sound and camera operators, we provide everything necessary to make your production seamless. We even have the capability to fly specialized drones indoors, offering creative and dynamic perspectives for your content. As a full-service video and photography production company, we have been serving businesses, marketing firms, and creative agencies in the St. Louis area since 1982.
Contact us today to schedule your professional headshot session and ensure you put your best face forward!
314-913-5626 Mike Haller
St Louis HeadShot Photographer, Inc. 