Men’s Style Guide: What To Wear For Headshots

A man in a light blue suit walking on a city sidewalk, with tall dark buildings and a glass building in the background.

You’ve finally decided to refresh your headshot and you’re wondering what to wear.

As a headshot photographer, I know a thing or two about what photographs nicely on camera (and what doesn’t).

Most importantly, when having your headshot portraits taken, pick clothing that speaks to your style and has structure around the neck and shoulders.

Set Up your headshot session

We offer headshots in New York City, Saratoga Springs NY, and Portland OR.

Honestly, if a suit or corporate-anything doesn't fit your vibe, skip it.

We are not here for the stiff, personality-less headshots.

Pro tips on what to wear for headshots:

  1. Simple, solid-colored collared dress shirt and dark trousers or slacks.

  2. Make sure the clothing fits properly and isn’t overly baggy.

  3. A blazer can add a professional touch (and variety, when we capture your headshots with and without it).

  4. Avoid overly busy prints, logos, or patterns that could be distracting.

  5. Suits will never go out of style.

  6. Accessories such as watches and glasses can be worn, but be sure to keep it simple so that the focus remains on you.

Clothing colors reflect on our faces.

This is why I advise avoiding bright colors like cherry red or neon orange. Meanwhile, light-colored shirts help reflect more light onto your face, lessening the appearance of wrinkles and shadows.

Three side-by-side portraits of a smiling bald man wearing different colored shirts against various backgrounds: black, brown, and white.

Brian picked a variety of shirts that have structure around the neck and shoulders to maximize options during his studio headshot session.

Man walking on a cobblestone street in a city, wearing a gray coat, black shirt, blue jeans, and sneakers.

Lucas paired a timeless jacket and black t with Nikes and jeans for his NYC headshot session.

Dos and Don’ts for headshot outfits:

  • Do iron or steam your clothing

  • Don’t forget a lint roller

  • Do a trial run of outfits prior to your photoshoot

  • Don’t wear red unless that’s part of your brand!

  • Don’t wear a tie

  • Don’t wear overly baggy pieces

Book Your headshots today

Once you get your fresh, modern headshots, don’t forget all the places online you can (and should!) update that profile picture.

BEST PLACES TO USE HEADSHOTS

Hey, I’m Erin and this is my team

Three people in a modern kitchen with light wood cabinets, standing around a kitchen island, with plants on the counter and open shelving in the background.

Thanks for stopping by!

We headshot and personal brand photographers who serve

  1. Portland Oregon

  2. Saratoga Springs New York

  3. NYC.

We believe fresh headshots are an amazing first impression online and they absolutely elevate your personality and professionalism.

If you have any questions about headshot photography, I’d love to hear from you.

Contact Erin