Choosing what to wear for headshots is one of the most common questions I hear from clients. After 30+ years photographing professionals across Northern New Jersey and NYC, I’ve seen what works and what doesn’t. I’m here to share that knowledge so you walk into your session confident and prepared. Your clothing should enhance you, not distract from you.

Start with Your Brand and Industry

The first question I ask every client is: where will these headshots be used? A corporate attorney needs different wardrobe choices than a creative director or a real estate agent. Your headshots should align with your professional brand and the expectations of your industry.

For law firms, financial services, and traditional corporate environments, stick with classic business attire: solid-colored suits, button-down shirts, and conservative necklines work best. I’ve photographed everyone from solo practitioners to large Bergen County law firms for professional corporate headshots, and the most successful images always feature timeless, professional clothing that won’t look dated in three years.

Creative professionals have more flexibility. Marketing directors, designers, and entrepreneurs can incorporate bolder colors, interesting textures, or business casual looks that reflect their personality. The key is intentionality. Whatever you choose should feel authentic to who you are professionally.

Colors That Photograph Best

Not all colors translate equally well in professional headshots. Here’s what I’ve learned:

Solid, rich colors photograph beautifully. Navy blue, charcoal gray, deep burgundy, forest green, and classic black all create polished, professional images. These colors provide excellent contrast against most background options without overwhelming your face.

Avoid pure white and bright black when possible. Bright white can reflect light and create exposure challenges, while solid black can sometimes appear too harsh. If you love these colors, consider off-white, cream, light gray, or charcoal instead.

Be cautious with busy patterns. Small checks, tight stripes, or intricate patterns can create a moiré effect (a weird visual distortion) in photographs. If you want texture, opt for subtle weaves or solid fabrics with interesting textures rather than bold patterns.

Jewel tones work for everyone. Color theory is widely used in visual communication and branding, which is why rich, solid colors tend to read polished on camera. Emerald, sapphire, deep plum, and rich burgundy complement most skin tones and photograph exceptionally well.

Quick Checklist: What to Wear for Professional Headshots

✓ Solid colors in navy, charcoal, burgundy, or jewel tones
✓ Well-fitted clothing that follows your natural lines
✓ Layers (blazers, cardigans) for multiple looks
✓ Minimal jewelry—small earrings, classic watch
✓ Clean glasses if you wear them daily
✓ 2-3 outfit options to review together
✓ Clothing you’ve worn before (not brand new)
✓ Sleeves (cap sleeve or longer photographs best in close crops)

Fit and Style Considerations

What to wear for headshots isn’t just about color. Fit matters tremendously. Clothing that fits well photographs better, period.

Choose properly fitted garments. Too tight and you’ll look uncomfortable; too loose and you’ll appear unprofessional. Your clothing should follow your body’s natural lines without pulling, bunching, or gaping. Pay special attention to shoulders, collars, and necklines—these areas are prominent in headshots.

Consider necklines carefully. Crew necks, V-necks, collared shirts, and moderate necklines all work well. Avoid extremely low-cut tops or high collars that can make you appear stiff.

Layer thoughtfully. Blazers, cardigans, and structured jackets add polish and professionalism. They also give you options during the session—we can shoot with the jacket on, jacket off, or jacket draped over a chair for variety.

Sleeves usually photograph more polished in tight headshot crops. If you prefer sleeveless, bring a blazer or jacket option to layer.

The Details That Make a Difference

After three decades behind the camera, I’ve developed a checklist for every corporate headshot session. These details might seem small, but they dramatically impact your final images:

Jewelry and accessories: Keep it simple and minimal. Small earrings, classic watches, and simple necklaces enhance your look. Large, dangling earrings or statement pieces can distract from your face.

Glasses: If you wear glasses regularly, absolutely wear them in your headshots—they’re part of your professional identity. Just ensure they’re clean and glare-free.

Hair and grooming: Schedule haircuts at least one week before your session so your hair has time to settle. Style your hair the way you wear it daily for work.

Bring options: I always recommend bringing 2-3 outfit choices to your session. This gives us flexibility based on which backgrounds we’re using and how different colors photograph with your skin tone. We’ll review options together and select what looks best.

Common Wardrobe Mistakes to Avoid

Let me save you from wardrobe choices that create challenges:

Brand-new clothing: Don’t wear something straight off the rack. Wash new items once or twice so they soften, settle, and fit naturally. Plus, you’ll be more comfortable in clothing that’s been worn.

Clothing that requires constant adjustment: If you’re pulling at your collar, tugging your sleeves, or repositioning your blazer every few minutes, it will show in your expression. Choose comfortable, well-fitted pieces.

Logos and graphics: Unless you’re specifically branding yourself with company logos, avoid clothing with visible text, graphics, or brand names. These date your photos and distract from your professional presence.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many outfits should I bring to my headshot session?
Bring 2-3 complete outfits. This gives us options based on background choices and how colors photograph with your skin tone. We’ll review them together at the start of the session and choose the strongest looks.

What colors should I avoid for headshots?
Avoid bright white (reflects too much light), neon colors, and busy patterns like small checks or tight stripes that can create moiré effects. Stick with solid, rich colors and jewel tones.

Should I wear glasses in my headshot?
Yes, if you wear them daily for work. Glasses are part of your professional identity. Just make sure they’re clean and properly fitted. I’ll position lighting to avoid glare.

Do you retouch headshots?
Yes. I provide natural retouching that maintains your authentic appearance while presenting you at your professional best. This includes skin smoothing, blemish removal, and color correction—never heavy editing that makes you unrecognizable. You can see an example of professional headshot quality with natural retouching that looks polished yet authentic.

Ready for Professional Headshots That Represent You Authentically

The best answer to what to wear for headshots is this: wear something that makes you feel confident, professional, and authentically yourself. When you feel good in your clothing, it shows in your expression, your posture, and your overall presence in the photograph.

I photograph professionals in my New Milford, NJ studio and on-location across NYC, serving everyone from solo entrepreneurs to full law firm partnerships. Every session includes calm, guided direction so you look natural fast, 2–3 wardrobe looks, and multiple background options. Proofs within 24–48 hours, finals typically within one week. Video coverage and content creation are also available.

If you’re preparing for professional headshots and want specific guidance based on your industry or intended use, contact me before your session. Thirty years of experience means I can offer targeted recommendations that align with your goals.

Alex Kaplan
📞 917-992-9097
📧 alex@alexkaplanphoto.com
🌐 https://alexkaplanphoto.com