What to Wear for Professional Headshots: Your Feel-Good Style Guide

The good news? You've probably already got something great in your wardrobe. And if not, we'll find something that makes you feel like the best version of yourself.

After thousands of headshot sessions, I've discovered something wonderful: when people feel good in what they're wearing, it shows in their face, their posture, their whole energy. That's what we're aiming for – you looking like you, just polished and confident.

Finding Your Sweet Spot

The magic happens when you look like yourself – just the professional, polished version that your clients and colleagues expect to see.

It's not about hiding who you are or wearing a "uniform." It's about showing your expertise in a way that feels authentic to you and reassuring to your audience.

What Works Well in Different Fields

Every industry has its own visual language, and there's plenty of room for your personality within that. Here's what tends to work brilliantly:

The Magic of Colour

Colours can make you look vibrant and confident, or they can wash you out. The trick is finding the ones that make you look healthy and energised. Here are some colours that work beautifully for most people:

• Navy Blue: Classic, trustworthy, and flattering on almost everyone
• Rich Burgundy: Sophisticated and warm – great for bringing some personality
• Forest Green: Fresh and professional, especially lovely if you have green or hazel eyes
• Charcoal Grey: Elegant and authoritative without being harsh
• Crisp White or Cream: Clean and fresh – perfect as an accent or on its own

Colours That Can Be Tricky (But Not Impossible!)

A few colours need special handling under professional lighting, but we can usually make them work:

• Pure White: Can be a bit stark – cream or off-white often looks more flattering
• Bright Red: Can overpower your face, but deeper reds work beautifully
• Neon Colours: Can reflect odd colours onto your skin, but we have ways around this!

A Few Technical Tips (Don't Worry, They're Simple!)

Patterns and Textures

Here's what tends to work well in photos:

• Solid colours are your friend: They keep all the attention on your lovely face
• Subtle textures add interest: A nice wool blazer or quality cotton shirt photograph beautifully
• Very busy patterns can be distracting: But don't panic if that's what you love – we can often make it work!

The Fit Factor

You know that feeling when something fits just right and you feel amazing? That's what we're after. A few things to check:

• Shoulders should sit comfortably – no pulling or bunching
• Sleeves at a good length – about 1/4 inch of shirt cuff showing is perfect
• No big gaps at the collar – it should sit nicely around your neck
• Overall comfort – if you feel good in it, you'll look good in it

The Details

A Few Things That'll Make Your Life Easier

• Wear something you've worn before: You'll feel much more natural and comfortable
• Think about your neckline: Since headshots focus on your face and shoulders, this area matters most
• Consider the season: If it's sweltering outside and you're in a heavy wool suit, you might look a bit warm!
• Less can be more with accessories: One or two pieces usually work better than lots of competing elements

Getting Ready for Your Session

A Week Before:

• Gather 3-4 outfit options you feel good in
• Try them on and see how they look together
• Book any grooming appointments you want
• Take a few test photos with your phone to see how colours look

The Night Before:

• Iron or steam your chosen outfits
• Lay everything out so there's no morning rush
• Get a good night's sleep (you'll feel so much better!)

Day of Your Session:

• Bring those backup options – we love having choices!
• Have something to eat beforehand so you feel comfortable
• Arrive relaxed – we'll start with a chat before any cameras appear
• Remember: I'm here to help you look and feel amazing

The Secret Ingredient: How You Feel

Here's what I've learned after all these years: the best-dressed person isn't necessarily wearing the most expensive outfit. They're wearing something that makes them feel like themselves – just the elevated, confident version.

When you feel comfortable and confident in what you're wearing, it shows in everything – your smile, your posture, the sparkle in your eyes. That confidence is worth more than any designer label.

Looking Great on Any Budget

You don't need to spend a fortune to look professional and polished. Here are some brilliant ways to maximise your impact:

• Focus on fit over labels: A well-fitted high street piece always beats an expensive outfit that doesn't suit you
• Invest in one quality piece: A great blazer can transform a simple shirt into a powerful look
• Shop your own wardrobe first: You might already own the perfect piece hiding in the back
• Borrow from friends: Sometimes a friend's blazer is exactly what you need

The Most Important Thing to Remember

Your outfit is just the frame for the real star of the show – you! Your expertise, your personality, your warmth and confidence. That's what people will remember long after they've seen your photo.

A skilled photographer (like me!) will help bring out your best qualities regardless of what you're wearing. But when you choose something that makes you feel confident and comfortable, that inner glow shines through in every single shot.

We're not trying to turn you into someone else's idea of "professional." We're capturing the wonderful professional you already are – just polished and ready to take on the world.

Ready to Look Amazing?

Now that you know what works, let's create professional headshots that showcase the confident, brilliant professional you are. I can't wait to help you find that perfect look!

Because when you look great, you feel great – and that confidence is absolutely magnetic.