“First impression lasts.”

In today’s competitive job market, these are words to live by when you are trying to impress your potential clients and employers with your professional headshots. Headshots are essential tools that help you shape initial perceptions. They serve as a visual introduction, conveying not just your appearance but also your professionalism and personality at a glance.

The outfit you choose for your headshots carries significant weight, influencing how potential employers, clients, or collaborations perceive your suitability and credibility. In the era of online platforms and virtual meetings, your professional headshot is the closest tool you can use to build trust and convey quality to your clients.

Our guide provides recommendations for the perfect outfit to wear for your professional headshots. These outfits enhance your professional image, helping you leave a positive first impression that aligns with contemporary expectations.

General Guidelines for Professional Attires

When preparing for professional headshots, it is essential to dress according to the norms and expectations of your industry. Different sectors have varying standards for professional attire:

  • Formal: A formal and conservative dress code is typically expected in industries such as finance, law, and corporate sectors. Men should consider wearing a well-fitted suit, a crisp dress shirt, and a tie. Women might opt for a tailored blazer paired with a blouse and either dress pants or a skirt.
woman in formal outfit
man in formal outfit wear for professional headshots
  • Creative Industry: In more creative fields like advertising, design, or the arts, there is often more flexibility and room for personal expression. While maintaining a professional appearance on your theatrical headshots or acting headshots, you can incorporate unique elements that reflect your personality and the creative nature of your work. This could include bold colors, interesting textures, or stylish yet professional pieces.

Final Tips to Perfect Your Professional Headshot

Besides what to wear for a professional headshot, you have to practice headshot poses and expressions. Here’s how to do it:

  • Rehearse in front of a mirror: Practice different poses and facial expressions while wearing your chosen outfit. This will help you become more comfortable and confident in front of the camera, and you can see how the clothing looks with various poses.
  • Identify your best angles: Experiment with different angles to find the most flattering ones for your face and body. Knowing your best angles can help you achieve more natural and appealing headshots.
  • Facial expressions: Practice a range of expressions, from friendly and approachable to serious and professional. Trying out several facial expressions gives you several options to choose from, ensuring that your headshots reflect different aspects of your personality. If you are working on acting headshots or theatrical headshots, make sure your facial expressions fit the role you want to convey.
  • Posture and body language: Work on maintaining good posture, as it conveys confidence and professionalism. Do not slouch when taking your headshot. Pay attention to your body language, ensuring it aligns with the image you want to project. If you are working on acting headshots or theatrical headshots, make sure your posture and body language fit the role you want to convey.
practice pose with best outfit to wear for professional headshots
  • Other than practicing poses and expressions in your chosen outfit, take advantage of your photographer’s expertise. If you are not confident about what to wear to a professional headshot, you can bring extra options for the photographer’s advice. This will give you and your photographer options to choose from, ensuring you find the best look for your headshots.

But what if there is no time to prepare what to wear in your professional headshots?

Sometimes, you might find yourself in a situation where there’s no time to prepare an outfit for a professional headshot, or if you don’t have the clothes or don’t like the hassle of heading to a headshot studio, they could use AI. In such cases, using an AI headshot generator like Profile Bakery can be a convenient and effective solution. These tools can create realistic and professional-looking headshots quickly, whether it is acting headshots or theatrical headshots. They can help create professional photos in whichever industry you are in.

While a well-prepared outfit is ideal, AI headshot generators can provide a viable alternative when time is of the essence – you can take a professional headshot at home. Profile Bakery can provide a polished professional headshot without the need for extensive preparation.

For professional headshots, choose classic, well-fitted clothing that suits your industry and personal style.

  • Men should wear a tailored suit or blazer with a dress shirt and tie.
  • Women should opt for a professional blouse with a blazer or a sophisticated dress. Stick to solid colors to avoid distractions and keep accessories minimal.

The key to great headshots is feeling comfortable and confident in what you wear.

Avoid casual or trendy clothing that can make your headshots look outdated. Stay away from loud patterns, logos, or flashy jewelry, as they can distract from your face and professional image. Bright or neon colors can overpower your features and clash with the background. Also, make sure your clothes fit well and aren’t wrinkled, as sloppy attire can ruin the photo. Opt for timeless styles and neutral colors that enhance your professional appearance.

Clothes in neutral colors are safe choices for professional headshots as they convey a sense of professionalism and elegance. These colors also tend to complement most skin tones and are less likely to distract from your face. If you prefer color, choose muted tones like soft blues, greens, or burgundy, which can add a touch of your personality without overwhelming the photograph. Avoid very bright or neon colors, as they can reflect light and alter your skin tone in the photo.

Actor headshots should reflect your versatility and casting range. Men actors wear solid-colored shirts or simple layered looks that highlight their facial features without distracting them. Women actresses often choose tops or dresses that flatter their neckline and frame, opting for solid colors or subtle patterns. It is essential to avoid clothing with busy patterns, logos, or overly trendy styles that may overshadow your expressions and acting potential. Choose outfits that make your headshots professional and that make you confident to showcase your unique personality and potential roles.

For theatrical headshots, your outfit choices should reflect the diverse characters and roles you can portray. Wear outfits that suggest the types of characters you can convincingly portray. This might include hinting at different time periods, professionals, or personalities relevant to the role you seek. While theatrical headshots can be more expressive, avoid overly patterns or logos that might distract from your face. Choose clothes with textures or subtle patterns that add interest without overwhelming the photo.