Master your professional headshot look. Figuring out what to wear can be a real challenge, but learning the key styles, colors and styling tips will make you stand out. Get ready to create the perfect headshot with ExecHeadshots - your one-stop-shop for all your professional image needs.
Founder ExecHeadshots
When you meet someone in a business setting, your profile picture is often the first thing that grabs their attention. Whether its on LinkedIn, a company website or a press kit, a great headshot sets the tone for your personal brand, showing people that you're competent and approachable before you even say a word. But for a lot of professionals, the question of "What should I wear?" is a source of stress. The outfit has to look good in the mirror, but it also has to look good through a lens and make you look confident and in control.
At ExecHeadshots, we know how to nail professional headshots. We've helped over 80,000 customers worldwide - from real estate agents to software engineers - get the headshots they need to make a great impression. Whether you're getting dressed up for a studio session or choosing a virtual wardrobe for our AI generator to use, the principles of great headshots remain the same. You want to look natural, high-resolution and polished, and aligned with the standards of your industry.
In this guide we're going to break down the key dos and don'ts of choosing the right clothes for a headshot. We'll talk about how to pick colours that make you look good, the difference between formal and casual, and how to avoid patterns that distract from your face. By the end of it, you'll know how to create a headshot that really makes a splash.
Let's start by talking about the foundation of your professional image - the clothes you wear.
The clothes you wear are the first thing that people notice about you, and they say a lot about your personality and your style. Your outfit has to look like you put in the time and effort, and that you’re someone who pays attention to detail. It’s all about projecting confidence and credibility. A professional appearance in your headshot is essential, as it communicates your authenticity and aligns with industry standards, helping to establish a strong personal brand.
Traditionally, getting the right look for a headshot meant spending a lot of money on fancy clothes and having to keep them looking their best. But with the latest technology, that’s all changed. With a service like ExecHeadshots, you can get a boardroom-ready look without having to physically own a bunch of business suits.
You don’t have to be a fashion expert to get a great headshot. Our AI can do all the hard work for you, creating a digital model of you in all sorts of different outfits, from formal to casual. The following advice will help you decide what to wear for professional headshots and ensure you achieve a polished, camera-ready look.
The beauty of using AI to create your headshots is that you have total flexibility when it comes to your style. You don’t have to be stuck with the same old outfit every time. With ExecHeadshots, you can choose from a range of different looks, each one tailored to a different occasion or platform. This flexibility makes it easy to prepare for any photo session, ensuring you have the right outfit for every occasion. If you need a formal suit for LinkedIn, or a smart casual look for your press kit, we can do it.
For teams and companies, it’s especially important to have a consistent look across all your employees. Inconsistent clothes can really dilute your brand’s image. With ExecHeadshots, we can help you set up a virtual wardrobe that matches your company’s style and branding. Want to add your company logo to your employees’ shirts or jackets? No problem - we can do it in minutes.
A personal styling consultation can help teams or individuals select wardrobe options that align with company branding and ensure a cohesive look for headshots.
Now that we’ve talked about the tech side of things, it’s time to think about the actual style that will work best for you. Let’s explore the key considerations when choosing your headshot outfit.
Choosing the right outfit for a headshot isn’t just about picking your favourite shirt. It’s about creating a look that says something about you and your personality. What you wear for professional headshots can significantly influence first impressions and credibility, as your clothing choices convey competence, approachability, and professionalism. It’s about mirroring the expectations of your industry, and showing people that you’re someone who cares about their image.
The clothes you wear have to reflect the kind of business you’re in. For corporate types, or lawyers, or finance people, a suit and tie or a nice blazer is the way to go. But if you’re in the creative industry, or you’re in tech, you might get away with something a bit more casual—casual clothing is often suitable in these fields, as long as it aligns with your personal comfort and industry norms. The beauty of using an AI generator is that you can give experimenting with different styles a whirl without ever having to pop out to the shops. Whether what you need is a super formal look for a press pack or a more relaxed vibe for social media, at ExecHeadshots we create a unique digital model that lets you generate a collection of headshots that really look the part - and they’re indistinguishable from those taken by a top photographer. The great thing about this tech is that your outfit can reflect all the confidence and credibility you need, regardless of what you were actually wearing in the somewhat dodgy selfies you uploaded.
In a world where digital is dominating the landscape, using the exact same image across LinkedIn, your company website and internal messages can start to feel like you’re just reusing the same image over and over. Having a mix of looks at your disposal lets you tailor your image to the specific context. When taking photos for your headshot session, bringing multiple outfit options ensures you get the most out of your session and have versatile images for different professional platforms.
If you’re getting headshots done for your company, presenting a united front is key. Inconsistent wardrobes - where one employee shows up in a tuxedo and another in a t-shirt - can actually dilute brand identity. When you’re managing team headshots, you might want to consider using tools that enforce some visual standards.
Our team platform at ExecHeadshots lets administrators set the rules for clothing, so everyone’s headshot fits the company’s dress code automatically. You can also achieve 100% brand consistency by using our editing tools to slap on your company logo or select specific colours. For the most polished and consistent appearance across all team members, we recommend choosing neutral colors for team headshots. This way, whether you’re a team of ten or a thousand, your “About Us” page looks pro and polished without the logistical nightmare of coordinating a matching wardrobe for every employee.
Traditional photography is always letting you down with ill-fitting clothes ruining an otherwise perfect shot - a collar gap or a bunched shoulder that needs adjusting every time. AI-generated headshots sort all of this out. The AI creates images where the clothes fit your digital model perfectly, giving you a sharp, high-res finish. Suit jackets, in particular, can look much sharper and more authoritative when digitally tailored to fit perfectly, helping to convey professionalism and leadership in your headshot.
If you’re not 100% happy with the first set of styles, we’ve got a satisfaction guarantee at ExecHeadshots. You can use coins to make additional edits and refinements, or if the first batch doesn’t tick all the boxes, our support team can help cook up a new batch with different settings so you get the pro photos you love.
With all this in mind, it’s time to take a closer look at the specific garments that frame your face best.
Tops, Layers & Accessories: Elevating Your Headshot Look
Since a headshot crops in so closely around the chest and shoulders, the top you choose is basically the single most impactful element of your attire. It’s what frames your face and sets the tone for your professional persona. In most headshots, the face is the focal point, so clothing should be chosen to enhance your features rather than distract from them. Most headshots are cropped at the shoulders or waist, so pay special attention to collar fit and neckline details to ensure they complement your appearance within the frame. Are you going for a creative, approachable look or a strictly corporate aesthetic? The garments you choose act as visual cues to your audience.
For the most timeless result, just stick to solid colours that contrast well with your skin tone. Busy patterns, tight grids or loud graphics can create a moiré effect on screens and draw attention away from your eyes. V-necks are a flattering option for elongating the neck and drawing attention to the face, while crew necks offer a more casual, grounded look.
Blue is a popular choice for professional headshots because it conveys trust, reliability, and a sense of professionalism. Navy and navy blue, in particular, are classic options for corporate or conservative environments, projecting authority and competence. Choosing darker colors, such as navy or charcoal, can help you appear more authoritative and highlight leadership qualities, while lighter colors can reflect your personal style and add variety to your wardrobe for the shoot.
In a traditional studio setting, you’d have to iron a bunch of shirts and make sure they fit perfectly. But using ExecHeadshots sidesteps all that hassle. You can just upload some casual selfies and let the AI generate “boardroom-ready” attire, so your digital shirt is crisp, fitted and wrinkle-free without ever having to visit a dry cleaner.
Adding a layer - such as a blazer, a structured jacket or a cardigan - instantly ups the professionalism of a photo. Layers add visual depth and help define the shape of your shoulders, projecting confidence. This “third piece” rule is a classic in executive fashion - it tells people that you’re ready for business. While a white blazer can look sharp, be cautious: in headshots, it may sometimes be mistaken for a medical coat or a service uniform, which could create a misleading or overly formal impression.
With AI tech, you’re not limited to the one jacket you own. Depending on your package, ExecHeadshots lets you show off a whole lot of different outfits:
Accessories should complement your face, not try to upstage it. If you like jewelry, try a simple stud or a delicate necklace; for ties, stick with simple patterns or solid colours. And if you wear glasses, be aware of glare – although I've got to say, most good studio lighting and even some AI tricks do a pretty good job of handling reflections these days.
For companies that need to keep up a consistent image, getting dressed is key. If you’re managing a team, ExecHeadshots even has a special feature called “Add Your Logo to Clothes,” which lets you digitally slap your company branding onto shirts or jackets. That way, you can have a unified, professional look all over your website’s ‘About Us’ page without having to buy every employee a corporate uniform.
When it comes to accessories, opt for simple jewelry—think minimalistic pieces that won’t distract from your face. A simple necklace is a great choice, as it adds a touch of elegance without overpowering your look. This approach keeps the focus on you and ensures your headshot looks polished and professional.
By following these styling tips and using all the clever stuff that AI can do, you can end up with a really high-quality, really professional image that’s indistinguishable from a top-notch photo shoot. Okay, so now that your outfit is sorted, the next thing is to make sure your physical self is looking just as camera-ready.
Let’s move on to the final touches in Hair, Makeup & Grooming: Achieving a Polished Finish
When you book a professional headshot session, the expertise of your headshot photographer can make all the difference in capturing your best self. A skilled photographer knows how to put you at ease, guide you through flattering poses, and help you select the right wardrobe to highlight your personal brand. Their experience ensures that your headshot not only looks polished but also authentically represents your professional identity.
To get the most out of your photo shoot, it’s smart to plan your wardrobe with intention. Start by choosing solid colors that complement your skin tone—these shades tend to photograph best and keep the focus on your face. Avoid tight patterns, busy prints, or polka dots, as these can create distracting effects on camera and draw attention away from you. Instead, opt for classic pieces like a tailored blazer, a crisp button up shirt, or a collared shirt in neutral or muted tones. These staples convey confidence and professionalism, whether you’re aiming for corporate headshots or a more approachable business headshot.
Bringing multiple outfits to your headshot session is a great way to capture different facets of your personal style. Consider packing both formal clothing and smart casual options, so you can switch up your look and find what feels most authentic. Your photographer can help you decide which outfits work best with the lighting, background, and your body type, ensuring you look your best in every shot.
Accessories should be kept simple and understated. A delicate necklace or a pair of classic earrings can add a touch of personality without stealing the spotlight. Avoid excessive jewelry or fake lashes, as these can be distracting and may not translate well in a professional headshot. If you wear glasses, let your photographer know in advance—they’ll have tips for minimizing glare and may suggest trying on different pairs to see which frames suit you best on camera.
Ultimately, working closely with your headshot photographer and following these style tips will help you create a headshot that feels true to you and makes a memorable first impression. Whether you’re updating your LinkedIn profile, refreshing your company website, or preparing for a personal branding session, the right wardrobe and a collaborative approach will ensure your professional headshot stands out for all the right reasons.
Look, while your wardrobe sets the tone, the real deal is your grooming habits – because at the end of the day a professional headshot should look like you on your best day: polished, confident, approachable but still just you. The most important part of a headshot is the eyes, so make sure your grooming and clothing choices help them stand out and aren't overshadowed by bold accessories or distracting patterns.
Your hair is a key part of your silhouette – and for a professional profile, it's best to stick with a style that you normally wear. Trying out a whole new look just before you get your headshot taken can make the whole thing feel like you're putting on an act.
When it comes to makeup for headshots, the best look is generally the one where you're not wearing much at all - the 'no-makeup' look. High-def cameras - and even higher-def AI - can pick up loads of detail in your skin.
Now, one of the big downsides of traditional photography is that it's so time-consuming and expensive - especially when it comes to post-production retouching. If you wake up with a zit on the day of a shoot, that can be a real problem.
ExecHeadshots fixes all that. Since it can generate loads of different images (depending on the package) from just a few selfies, it naturally filters out the temporary stuff while still keeping your face looking like you. And, if you want to make specific tweaks, there's a system of 'coins for edits' that lets you do that without having to take your images to a third party.
Now that we've covered the basics of style and grooming, you might still have a few specific questions about clothes or industry standards.
You do need to wear your glasses if you normally do – because authenticity is key here. Though, if you want to avoid glare or reflective glare on your glasses, you might need to play around with lighting angles a bit – or just use frames without lenses during a studio shoot. For those using AI solutions like ExecHeadshots, though, the tech is generally pretty good at handling facial features, so you don't have to worry about losing your distinctive features.
Seriously, the more variety you can bring, the better – either that, or ExecHeadshots offers packages that will give you multiple different outfits in your final portfolio, without you having to lug a giant suitcase.### Can You Wear Patterns or Should You Stick to Solids
Solid colors are generally a safe bet when it comes to picking out what to wear for a headshot - they do a good job of drawing attention to your face rather than your clothes. On the other hand, busy patterns, stripes that are a little too thin, or complicated textures can cause a real eyesore on screens - known as a "moiré effect" which is super distracting. If you're working with a team, ExecHeadshots makes it really easy to keep everyone looking on-brand, letting you enforce dress codes or colour schemes across the whole team.
You don’t have to break the bank to get a new wardrobe just for a photo shoot. You can borrow some items from a friend, rent a fancy outfit or even just use technology to give your photos a bit of a lift. ExecHeadshots lets you turn those casual snaps you took on your phone into top-notch headshots which look like they were shot in a professional studio. If you don’t have many clothing options, avoid wearing white clothing if your background is also white, as this can cause you to blend in and lose definition in your headshot.
To be honest, it's recommended you update your headshot every year to keep your professional image looking a bit more up-to-date. Beyond that, if you've had a major hair cut or change in weight it's worth getting a new one so people can still instantly recognise the real you.
With all your questions answered and your wardrobe strategy in place, you're basically ready for a close-up - let's round things off with some final thoughts in Final Touches for Your Perfect Professional Headshot.
Getting the perfect headshot is more than just a quick camera snap and a smile, it’s about creating an image that says “this is who I am and where I’m at in my career”. By now you should have a good idea that choosing the right wardrobe is key - sticking with solid colours and avoiding patterns that are going to detract from your image. As a final reminder, avoid wearing items like undershirts, as they can detract from a clean and polished appearance in your professional headshots.
However, getting all your tie-in’s right like your grooming, lighting and wardrobe can be a real hassle - and if the thought of lugging around all the gear, ironing shirts and getting a photographer booked in feels like too much, then handy as it may be, traditional photo shoots may not be the way forward for you. Platforms like ExecHeadshots offer a really streamlined solution that lets you avoid all that and still end up with a top-notch headshot. All you need to do is upload a few of your better casual snaps and you can get a bunch of new images that look like they were shot by a pro - all in a matter of minutes.
Using a digital service has loads of advantages for people who are looking to refine their professional image. Because the AI can put you in loads of different outfits and backgrounds you can end up with a whole range of different looks - from business casual to full-on corporate - without having to spend a fortune on buying all new clothes or booking a long studio session. It’s also a really efficient way to make sure your image is super high-resolution and looks the part, all while keeping your data safe with strict privacy protocols - so your snaps get deleted after 30 days.
At the end of the day the goal is the same whether you go for a traditional photoshoot or use a bit of technology to get you looking sharp - authenticity. We still recommend getting a new headshot every year or whenever you’ve made some big changes to your look to keep your personal brand looking fresh. When you look like you know what you’re doing you tend to have the confidence to make a lasting impression too - so make sure your LinkedIn profile, company website and all the rest of it reflect the real you.
Unlock your best headshot with professional posing techniques. Discover how to perfect your expression, angles, and posture for a compelling image. Get started with ExecHeadshots today!
Ben
Founder ExecHeadshots
Master professional headshots from home with expert tips on setup, lighting, and attire. Create impactful images for your career today, or try ExecHeadshots for AI convenience.
Ben
Founder ExecHeadshots
Discover essential tips for choosing the perfect attire for professional headshots. Dress to impress and make a lasting impression. Read the article now!
Ben
Founder ExecHeadshots