Outfit Guide for Women’s Headshots
Your headshot is speaking for you before you ever utter a word. On LinkedIn. On your company website. In your speaker bio. In that “one quick google” someone is running before they hit reply on your email. You’re not trying to blend in with the crowd. You’re trying to stand out as YOU…on your very best day, with confidence coursing through your veins before they even say hello.
Need professional headshots in Cleveland (or anywhere else in NE Ohio)? Here’s your straightforward, photographer approved styling guide for what to wear to look on brand, current and decidedly NOT “dirty-hair-no-jacket” trendy whether you’re a part of Corporate America, rocking a creative business, or building your entrepreneur brand.
Headshot Goals BEFORE Clothing Goals
When it comes to clothing for your headshot session, know your final destination FIRST.
Where will you use your image? LinkedIn profile photo? Company directory / website? Press kit / speaking bio? Real estate, law, finance, healthcare, consulting… Creative portfolio, agency site, founder bio… Entrepreneur/ personal brand website and social media?
Once you have your destinations mapped out, dress to impress your audience. Will your clothing match the formality of your audience?
Corporate/Professional = classic, structure & defined lines.
Creative = modern, elevated, with personality (but still intentional).
Entrepreneur = somewhere in between. Confident, approachable, professional. Like someone you’d actually want to do business with.
Top Colors to Wear for Women’s Headshot & What to Avoid
DO:
Solid colors. Mid-to deep tones.
Solids allow for a clean look and keep the focus where you want it: on YOUR face.
For studio and on-location photoshoots, avoid white or anything too bright. Most photographs are complimented by mid-to-dark tones the most.
Similar to the above: stick to navy, black, charcoal. If you need white, go for an off-white/ivory or no sheer fabric. WHITE tees typically do not photograph well.
Love these colors: navy, charcoal, deep teal, forest green, burgundy, plum, rust (great for warmer skin tones) cream, ivory, soft white (if the fabric isn’t sheer)
AVOID:
Tiny patterns and loud prints. Patterns create unwanted “noise” and sometimes an unnatural shimmer when photographed. Save the fun patterns for after your headshot session.
BUSY florals or bold prints.
Logo tees (unless it’s your actual brand).
Necklines & Fit:
The camera doesn’t lie.
Keep it simple shirt friends. Your LinkedIn photo will be living online for the majority of viewers as a small thumbnail next to your professional name. Clothes that look great in real life don’t always translate to photos. Aim for clothing that is:
Structured (but not stiff)
Fits smoothly without pulling or bunching
Skims your body (leave the tight AND baggy clothes in your closet)
You’ll instantly feel more confident if you know your clothes fit you well. As a general rule, keep outfit choices simple for your headshot.
PRO TIP: When trying on outfits for your session, snap a quick photo of yourself in each outfit wearing it. Face-forward. Keep the shirt you love, and be realistic with the ones that don’t work.
Blazer or No Blazer?
Unless you work in a more casual environment (creative? entrepreneur?) a blazer is your BEST friend. It not only keeps you warm, but instantly adds authority to your frame, especially if you’re shooting for a traditional professional headshot.
YES to wearing a blazer if:
You work in leadership/finance/law
You work in a corporate environment
You’re in consulting
You want an “executive” look
PASS on wearing a blazer if:
You’re shooting for modern business casual
You work in a creative field or want your brand to feel more approachable
You’re a CREATIVE, or ENTREPRENEUR. No need to rule out the blazer completely! Try rocking a blazer with a softer fabric, modern cut, or subtle texture.
Bonus tip: If you love wearing a blazer, but can’t decide if you should for your headshot, just bring it! Layered over a solid top, you now have TWO very different looks to choose from, allowing you more time to shoot versus style.
How to Show Personality Without Looking “Casual”
You have a personal style you want to showcase. You love wearing fun socks with your boots. I get it. There are fun ways to show personality in your professional headshot without looking like you “casually” stumbled upon a photoshoot.
What NOT to do: Wear anything you see everyone else wearing. Instead: Mix and match. That classic basic top you already know looks amazing on you… WITH … one outfit piece that shows OFF your personal style. (think: brand color, cool jacket, fun-but- simple neckline)
Or try:
Subtle texture in place of loud prints. (think: knit, tweed, matte satin, nicely-structured cotton)
One statement piece that allows you to proudly say “this is definitely me” (sweet glasses, signature jewelry, jacket with unique shape) We want your headshot to create memories when people see it, not, “wait what was that shirt she was wearing?”
Keep jewelry and accents intentional and minimal.
Don’t wear earrings that move around when you do.
Skip necklaces that will draw the eye down or away from your face.
Wear glasses? GREAT. Just make sure they aren’t sliding down your nose.
Are you wearing a watch? Bracelet? Keep it subtle. We want your headshot to look timeless, not trendy.
Clothing to Bring to Your Cleveland Headshot Session
2–3 solid-colored tops that fit you well.
If wearing a blazer, throw that on the rack too! We can easily swap tops in between shots.
Simple jewelry (watch, small earrings).
Nude underwear that matches your skin tone, and will not show through your clothes. (Side note: Or bring a strapless bra if needed.)
Water bottle. Coffee will turn your teeth orange, and dry mouth = weird facial expressions.
Perhaps most importantly: your finalized schedule & your image “destinations”
Ready to book your professional headshots in Cleveland?
I specialize in professional headshots in Cleveland, OH and all-around Northeast Ohio using a mixture of expression coaching and real-time image review so you know EXACTLY what to expect when you scroll through your photos.
Let’s chat so I can help you feel like you and look AMAZING doing it!
