What to Wear for Professional Headshots: Style Tips for Every Industry

Your professional headshot is often the first impression someone gets of you—whether it’s on LinkedIn, your company’s website, or your portfolio. Wearing the right outfit can make a significant difference in how you’re perceived, helping you appear polished, approachable, and confident. But with so many industries and personal styles, choosing the perfect look can feel overwhelming.

Here’s a breakdown of style tips for professional headshots tailored to different industries, ensuring your look matches your goals and audience.

What to Wear Based on Your Industry

Corporate and Business Professionals

• What Works:
  • Classic tailored suits, button-down shirts, and blazers.
  • White, navy, gray, and black are ideal, but you can add a subtle pop of color with a tie or blouse.
  • Women might consider a structured dress or a blazer paired with a simple top.
• What to Avoid:
  • Loud patterns, overly casual pieces, or overly bright colors that clash with corporate settings.

Creative Industries (Designers, Artists, Photographers)

• What Works:
  • Outfits that showcase your personality, like trendy jackets, textured fabrics, or unique accessories.
  • Muted tones with a pop of creative flair, such as a statement necklace or bold scarf.
  • Layers, like a cardigan or casual blazer, for a dynamic look.
• What to Avoid:
  • Overly corporate or stiff attire that doesn’t align with your creative identity.

Tech Professionals

• What Works:
  • Business casual attire, such as a clean button-up shirt without a tie or a smart casual sweater.
  • For women, a simple blouse with tailored pants or a sleek dress works well.
  • Subdued tones, like blues and grays, create a modern and approachable vibe.
• What to Avoid:
  • T-shirts or overly casual outfits that could come off as unprofessional.

Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners

• What Works:
  • A mix of professionalism and approachability, such as a blazer over a casual top or a smart dress.
  • Incorporate your brand colors subtly into your outfit to tie your look to your business.
• What to Avoid:
  • Anything that doesn’t align with your brand's message—whether it’s too formal or too casual.

Medical and Healthcare Professionals

• What Works:
  • Lab coats or scrubs, if it aligns with your role, to reflect your profession.
  • For general headshots, a blazer or smart casual attire works well.
• What to Avoid:
  • Overly busy patterns or jewelry that detracts from a clean, professional look.

Performers and Entertainers

• What Works:
  • Outfits that reflect your persona or casting type, such as a leather jacket for edgier roles or a softer top for approachable looks.
  • Bold but not overwhelming colors that highlight your features.
• What to Avoid:
  • Distracting patterns or pieces that don’t align with your intended audience.