Choosing what to wear for a professional headshot can sometimes feel more difficult than the photography itself. You want to look professional and confident, but you also want your photographs to feel natural and reflect who you are.
The good news is that you do not need an entirely new wardrobe for your professional headshot session. With a few simple considerations, you can choose an outfit that photographs beautifully and represents your personal brand.
Choose Something That Makes You Feel Confident
The most important thing is to wear something you feel comfortable and confident in.
Your professional headshot should look like you. If you are uncomfortable in what you are wearing, it can show in your expression and body language.
Choose clothing that you already feel good wearing and that reflects your usual professional style. Whether that is a tailored jacket, a smart blouse, a classic shirt or a simple professional top, the right choice is one that feels authentic to you.
Keep Your Clothing Simple and Professional
For most professional headshots, simple clothing tends to work particularly well.
Classic pieces photograph beautifully and keep the attention on your face rather than distracting from it. Clean lines and well-fitting clothing can create a polished and professional appearance.
Depending on your profession, you might consider:
- A tailored blazer or jacket
- A classic shirt
- A smart blouse
- A simple dress
- A professional knit or top
- A suit for a more formal corporate look
The right choice will depend on your profession and the type of image you want to create.
Consider Your Personal Brand
Your headshot is part of your professional identity, so your clothing should complement your personal brand.
A corporate executive may want a more formal and structured appearance, while an entrepreneur, creative professional or business owner may prefer something slightly more relaxed.
Think about the message you want your photograph to communicate.
Do you want to appear approachable and friendly? Confident and authoritative? Creative and contemporary? Professional and polished?
Your clothing, together with the lighting, background, expression and posing, can all help communicate that message.
Choose Colours Carefully
Solid colours are often an excellent choice for professional headshots because they keep the photograph clean and timeless.
Neutral colours such as navy, grey, black, white and cream can work particularly well, but you should not feel limited to neutrals. Colours that complement your complexion and personal branding can also create beautiful results.
If your headshot will be used on your company website or alongside existing branding, you may also want to consider colours that work well with your brand’s colour palette.
Avoid Distracting Patterns and Logos
Very busy patterns, large logos and bold graphics can draw attention away from your face.
This does not mean that you can never wear a pattern. Subtle patterns can photograph beautifully, but extremely fine stripes, very busy prints or prominent branding can sometimes become distracting in a professional portrait.
If you are unsure, bringing a couple of different options to your session gives you the flexibility to choose what works best.
Make Sure Your Clothing Fits Well
Well-fitting clothing can make a significant difference to your photographs.
Your clothing should allow you to move comfortably while maintaining a neat and polished appearance. Avoid anything that feels too tight, too loose or uncomfortable, as this can affect your posture and confidence.
It is also worth checking your clothing before your session to make sure it is clean, pressed and free from lint or creases.
Bring More Than One Outfit
If your headshot session allows for outfit changes, consider bringing two or three options.
This could include a more formal outfit and a slightly more relaxed professional option. Having a choice allows us to create a variety of images and gives you more flexibility when selecting photographs for different platforms.
For personal branding sessions, bringing additional outfits can be particularly useful as your images may be used across your website, social media, LinkedIn and marketing material.
Don’t Forget the Details
Small details can make a big difference.
Before your session, check that your clothing is neatly pressed and that shoes and accessories are clean and in good condition.
Keep jewellery and accessories relatively simple unless they are an important part of your personal style or brand.
For men, make sure shirts are neatly pressed and consider whether a tie or jacket suits the professional image you want to create.
For women, consider whether your hairstyle and accessories complement the outfit without becoming distracting.
What About Hair and Makeup?
Your professional headshot should look like you, so avoid making dramatic changes to your appearance immediately before your session.
If you wear makeup, aim for a polished version of your usual look. Professional photography lighting can be very flattering, and your photographs should still feel natural and authentic.
The same applies to your hair. If you are considering a haircut or colour change, it is generally best to do this a little before your session rather than immediately beforehand.
Most Importantly, Be Yourself
There is no single outfit that is right for everyone.
The best professional headshots are photographs that feel authentic to the person being photographed. Your clothing should support your professional image without taking over the photograph.
If you are unsure about what to wear, bring a few options to your session. We can look at the different choices together and decide which outfits will work best with the backdrop, lighting and style of your professional headshots.
Professional Headshots in Cape Town
At Katharine Linder Photography, professional headshot sessions are designed to help you feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera.
Based in Claremont, Cape Town, I work with corporate professionals, business owners, entrepreneurs and individuals to create professional images that reflect their personality and personal brand.
Whether you need a professional LinkedIn headshot, corporate headshot, executive portrait or personal branding photography, careful preparation can help you get the most from your session.
And when it comes to choosing what to wear, remember one simple rule: choose something that makes you feel confident, comfortable and authentically you.
Ready to update your professional headshot? Get in touch to enquire about professional headshot photography in Cape Town.