Women’s STYLE GUIDE:
WHAT TO WEAR FOR HEADSHOTS

📍Professional headshots in Saratoga Springs NY, New York City, and Portland OR.

Woman in black outfit standing by beige sofa with indoor plants.

phew! You’ve booked (or you’re about to book) a headshot session and you’re wondering what to wear.

As a Saratoga Springs NY, NYC, and Portland OR headshot photography team, we know a thing or two about what photographs nicely on camera (and what doesn’t).

We want your friends to see your headshot and not only feel like “oh yeah, that’s her” but maybe rethink how outdated theirs look, too.

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

Book your Saratoga, NYC, or Portland headshots

Neutrals photograph beautifully

whites, navy, gray, brown, cream.

Here are my favorite tips when you are trying to pick what to wear for headshots:

  1. Avoid logos and loud patterns

  2. Avoid overly casual pieces, or, “zhuzh” it up with a structured blazer and simple jewelry

  3. Aim for solid colors

  4. Pick button downs with structured collars (no floppy polo collars please!)

  5. Pick a modest neckline

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

Clothing colors reflect on our faces.

Light-colored shirts help reflect more light onto your face.

Dos and Don’ts for headshot outfits:

Don’t…

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

  • Don’t wear anything low-cut

  • Don’t forget to lint roll

DO…

  • Do iron or steam your clothing

  • Do plan your jewelry for each look ahead of time

  • Do branch out from the standard black-blazer outfit

  • Do a trial run of outfits prior to your headshot session

I hope this helps inspire and maybe even make clothing selection easier for you, when you’re wondering what to wear for headshots this year.

Headshots vs. Personal Branding: which is best for your business?

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

Website homepage featuring a woman sitting at a desk with a laptop, labeled as a licensed professional counselor. The text includes "Meet Katy Hartnett Boruff."
Consulting firm website with fall background, showing a woman carrying a bag and phone, outlined text "Inspire. Empower. People." and details on HR services.
Website for a real estate broker named Kimberly Ainge Payne, featuring a living room with a fireplace and a section with a woman in a blue sweater.
Woman smiling, wearing a white shirt, with short hair, on a blue background. Text describes her as a founder with over 25 years of experience as an attorney, finance professional, entrepreneur, and leader.
Website homepage of Dr. Jennifer Lincoln, OBGYN, author, and educator. Features a headshot of Dr. Lincoln smiling, along with text introducing her work and a "More About Me" link. Social media icons are at the top, and logos of media outlets like BuzzFeed, Newsweek, and Seventeen are at the bottom indicating publications she appeared in.
Website homepage of Red Kite Consulting, featuring a woman sitting on a sofa, promotional text "Excite. Inspire. Empower.", and logos for National Speakers Association, Everything DiSC, Certified Executive Coach, and The Five Behaviors.
8 PLACES TO USE NEW HEADSHOTS

Hey, I’m Erin and this is my team

Three people posing in a studio against a white backdrop; one person sitting on a stool, the others standing.

We are headshot and personal brand photographers who serve Saratoga Springs NY, NYC, and Portland OR. We believe fresh headshots are an amazing first impression online and they absolutely represent your personality and professionalism. If you have any questions about headshot photography, I’d love to hear from you.

Contact erin