What to Wear for a Professional Photo

What counts as a professional photo

A professional photo is an image of you used in a work or business setting, such as a LinkedIn profile, company website, speaker bio, résumé or press kit. It is usually a headshot or a head-and-shoulders portrait with clean lighting and a simple background. The aim is for you to look like yourself, clearly and confidently, so the clothing should support the face rather than compete with it. If you are not sure whether you need a headshot or a more expressive portrait, see portrait vs headshot photography.

The core rules

Across most advice from photographers, a few ideas come up repeatedly:

• Choose clothes that fit well. Fit matters more than price. Shoulders should sit properly and fabric should not pull or bunch.
• Keep it simple. Solid colors and clean lines usually photograph best.
• Dress for the audience. Wear what you might wear to a client meeting in your field.
• Make sure you feel comfortable. Discomfort tends to show in posture and expression.
• Think about the frame. Only the top of your outfit shows in a headshot, so concentrate on the neckline, collar and shoulders.

Colors that tend to work

Solid, mid-tone or rich neutral colors are a safe base. Navy, charcoal, deep green, burgundy and other rich shades are commonly recommended, as are classic white and light blue shirts in conservative fields. Colors in the middle range tend to look good against many backdrops and skin tones.

A few considerations:

• Skin tone: Jewel tones and earthy shades often work, but the best color is one you already know looks good on you. Try a few against your face in natural daylight.
• Backdrop: Clothing that is the same color as the background can make you look like you are fading into it. Ask the photographer what color the backdrop will be.
• Brightness: Very bright or neon colors can reflect color onto your skin and draw the eye away from your face.
• Black and white: Both can work, but black can lose detail and pure white can look harsh. Off-white or a soft color is sometimes easier.

Patterns, logos and textures to avoid

• Fine stripes, checks and tight herringbone, which can create a shimmering moiré effect on camera.
• Large or busy patterns, which pull attention away from your face.
• Visible logos and slogans, which distract and can date the photo or imply a brand you do not represent.
• Shiny fabrics, which reflect light unevenly.
• Heavy wrinkles. Steam or iron the clothes the day before.

Simple textures, such as a knit or a subtle weave, usually add depth without distraction.

Fit and necklines

Necklines frame the face. V-necks, scoop necks and open collars tend to elongate the neck and give the face room. Very high or tight necklines can crowd the chin. For button-up shirts, open the top button or two unless you are wearing a tie, and check that the collar lies flat.

Check how the clothes look when you are seated or turned slightly, because that is how many headshots are posed. A jacket can look boxy or pull at the shoulders when you lean forward, so test it before the day.

Dress by industry

There is no single dress code for a photo shoot, so think about your field.

• Corporate, law, finance: A tailored suit or blazer with a shirt or blouse. Conservative colors and a polished look.
• Technology and startups: Smart casual works: a neat shirt, sweater or an unstructured blazer. Avoid looking either overdressed or sloppy.
• Creative fields: More room for personality. Distinct color or interesting texture can work if it stays simple and does not overpower you.
• Healthcare and education: Many people use professional attire or a clean version of their work uniform. Check whether your employer has branding rules.
• Actors and performers: Wear simple clothes that suit the type of roles you want and do not pull attention. Ask your agent or photographer for guidance.

If your employer or platform has specific guidelines, follow them.

Layers and accessories

A jacket, blazer or cardigan adds structure and can make a simple top look finished. It also lets you take shots with and without the layer.

For accessories, restraint usually works:

• Simple earrings, a small necklace or a watch if visible.
• Avoid large, shiny jewelry that catches light or large earrings that cause shadows.
• Ties and scarves should be neat and not too busy.
• Avoid noisy items such as bangles if the session will include video or audio.

Hair, grooming, makeup and glasses

Grooming is part of the outfit.

• Hair: Style it the way you usually wear it. A trim a week or so before the session is often a better choice than a cut the day before.
• Facial hair: Tidy it, and consider shaving a couple of hours before rather than right before the session if you tend to get redness.
• Makeup: Natural looking, slightly more defined than everyday wear since studio lights can wash features out. Matte products reduce shine.
• Shiny skin: Blot or lightly powder. Bring blotting paper.
• Glasses: Glare from lights can be a problem. Some photographers shoot with a slight tilt to the glasses or ask you to adjust the angle. If you can, bring a pair with anti-reflective coating, and ask whether you should take shots with and without them.
• Nails and hands: Keep tidy if hands might appear.

Matching clothes to the background

Think of the backdrop as part of the outfit:

• A light gray or white backdrop pairs well with darker or mid-tone clothing.
• A dark backdrop pairs well with lighter mid-tones, though not necessarily white.
• An outdoor or office background may include many colors, so choose a simple, solid garment to keep the look calm.

If you are taking the photo yourself, see professional photos and portraits at home for backdrop tips. Light also affects how colors appear. A guide to lighting for headshot photography explains why.

What to bring

Many photographers suggest bringing two to four options, even if you plan to wear just one. Consider:

• One conservative option and one more relaxed option.
• A neutral jacket or blazer.
• Different necklines or colors for different uses (a darker one for formal profiles, a lighter one for a friendly website).
• A lint roller, a small mirror, blotting paper, a comb and a travel steamer if possible.

Day-before checklist

1. Choose and try on your outfits.
2. Steam or iron them and hang them up.
3. Check for stains, loose threads and lint.
4. Plan hair and grooming.
5. Drink water and sleep well. Both show in a photo.
6. Confirm the location, time and backdrop color with the photographer.
7. Practice your expression using these smile tips.

Common mistakes

• Wearing something new that you have not tried sitting down.
• Choosing a pattern that looks fine in person and shimmers on camera.
• Matching the backdrop color.
• Wearing a very tight collar or a collar that is too loose.
• Forgetting to check the clothes under daylight.
• Over-accessorizing.
• Wearing something that does not feel like you.

FAQ

What is the best color to wear for a headshot?

There is no single best color. Solid mid-tones and rich neutrals such as navy, charcoal, and deep green are common, safe choices. Choose one that suits your skin tone and contrasts with the backdrop.

What should be avoided in a professional image?

Busy patterns, fine stripes, large logos, shiny fabrics, heavy accessories and anything that distracts from your face.

What is the dress code for a photo shoot?

It depends on the purpose. For professional photos, dress as you would for an important meeting in your field.

What is the “20 60 20 rule” in photography?

It is used in different ways, so there is no single definition. In styling it is sometimes used as a rough idea about balancing one dominant color with smaller accents. If a photographer mentions it, ask what they mean.