What to Wear for a Professional Headshot: Outfits for Women and Men
Headshot outfits that work: the colors, necklines and fits that photograph well, outfits for women and men by industry, and what to avoid wearing.
For a professional headshot, wear a solid, mid-tone top that fits well at the shoulders, with a neckline that frames your face: a blazer over a plain top or shirt for most corporate roles, a fitted sweater or plain top for creative and startup roles. Navy, charcoal, burgundy, forest green and soft blue work on most people. Avoid busy patterns, large logos, bright white and anything loose.
A headshot shows the top of your chest at most, so everything below that does not matter. What matters is color, neckline, fit and texture at the shoulders.
The rules that apply to everyone
- Solid colors. Patterns pull the eye from your face, and fine stripes and checks shimmer on screens.
- Mid-tone and jewel tones. Navy, charcoal, slate blue, burgundy, emerald, plum and soft teal flatter most skin tones. Bright white and black can lose detail; if you love them, layer them under a jacket.
- Contrast with the background. A navy jacket on a navy wall disappears. Our guide to the best background color for headshots pairs outfits with backgrounds.
- Fit at the shoulders and neck. A jacket that is too big, a gaping collar or a shirt that pulls at the buttons shows in a close crop. Iron or steam everything.
- Matte fabrics. Shiny satin and sheer fabrics catch light unevenly. Wool, cotton, crepe and knit photograph cleanly.
- Small accessories. Simple earrings, a thin chain or a watch are fine. Large statement pieces compete with your face.
- Bring two or three options. A light and a dark top, so the photographer, or you, can choose against the background.
What women should wear
Corporate, finance and law: a structured blazer in navy, charcoal or black over a plain shell or silk-look top in a lighter tone, or a sheath dress with a jacket. A V-neck or scoop neckline elongates the neck; a crew neck works under a blazer.
Startup, tech and consulting: a fitted knit or plain top in a jewel tone, with or without an unstructured blazer.
Healthcare: a white coat over a solid top in soft blue, teal or burgundy, or scrubs in your usual color for a clinical role.
Creative roles: a solid top in a color that reflects your brand, with one interesting texture or a simple accessory.
Necklines: V-necks and scoop necks frame the face and suit most people; high necks work on long necks; avoid strapless and very low necklines, which read as bare shoulders in a tight crop.
Hair and makeup: your everyday style, done a little more carefully. Matte foundation and powder to stop shine, defined brows, and lips a shade or two stronger than usual so they do not disappear. Our headshot hairstyles guide and headshot makeup guide go further.
What men should wear
Corporate, finance and law: a navy or charcoal suit jacket over a white or light blue shirt, with or without a tie. A solid or very subtly textured tie in a mid-tone; avoid shiny ties and busy prints.
Startup, tech and consulting: an open-collar shirt under an unstructured blazer, or a fitted crew-neck or quarter-zip sweater in navy, gray or forest green.
Healthcare: a white coat over a light shirt and tie, or scrubs for a clinical role.
Creative roles: a fitted plain T-shirt or sweater in a strong solid color, or a dark shirt with the top button open.
Fit: the shoulder seam of a jacket should sit at the edge of your shoulder, and a shirt collar should close without pulling. Collars should lie flat; collar stays help.
Grooming: a haircut a week before, not the day before. Shave the morning of, or trim a beard so its edges are clean. A little matte powder on the forehead and nose takes off shine.
What not to wear
| Avoid | Why |
|---|---|
| Busy patterns, fine stripes, small checks | They pull focus and shimmer on screens |
| Large logos or text | They date the photo and distract |
| Bright white on its own | It loses detail and can make skin look darker |
| Neon colors | They cast color onto your face |
| The same color as the background | You disappear into it |
| Shiny or sheer fabrics | They reflect light unevenly |
| Large statement jewelry | It competes with your face |
| Anything wrinkled or loose at the shoulders | A tight crop exaggerates it |
Dress for the role and the audience
Wear what you would wear to an important meeting with the people who will see the photo, one step more formal. A banker's LinkedIn photo in a hoodie and a designer's in a three-piece suit are both off-brand. If your company has a team page, match the level of formality of the photos already there.
When you do not have the outfit
If the right jacket is not in your wardrobe, Headshots by Magic Studio dresses you in it. It turns about ten of your own photos into 50 AI headshots across 5 looks, from a suit to a sweater, ready in 15 minutes, and you see them before paying. The free AI headshot generator lets you try it on one photo, with no sign-up. For the rest of the shoot, see our professional headshot tips.
Common questions
What is the best outfit for a professional headshot?
A solid, mid-tone blazer over a plain top or shirt in a lighter color, fitted at the shoulders. It suits most corporate and client-facing roles. For creative and startup roles, a fitted sweater or plain top.
What colors are best for headshots?
Navy, charcoal, slate blue, burgundy, emerald, plum and soft teal. They flatter most skin tones and stand out against neutral backgrounds.
What should a woman wear for a professional headshot?
A structured blazer over a plain top, or a solid knit or dress, with a V-neck or scoop neckline, simple jewelry and everyday makeup with a matte finish.
What should a man wear for a professional headshot?
A navy or charcoal jacket over a white or light blue shirt, with or without a solid tie, or a fitted sweater for less formal roles. Make sure the collar and shoulders fit.
Should I wear white or black in my headshot?
Usually not on their own. Bright white loses detail and black can merge with dark hair and backgrounds. Under a jacket in another color, both are fine.
Can I wear a pattern in a headshot?
A subtle texture, yes. A bold pattern, fine stripes or a small check, no: they distract and can shimmer on screens.