Have you ever been invited to speak at an industry event, sit on a panel, or contribute to a professional publication—only to be asked for a headshot…and suddenly feel the panic setting in?
You search your phone. You dig through old files. Maybe you even crop yourself out of a group photo from five years ago. Reality hits hard: You don’t have a current headshot that actually represents the person you are today. Not the leader or the expert you’ve worked so hard to become. It’s a frustrating, uncomfortable realization—and yet, it’s incredibly common.
So you decide: it’s time to update your headshot. You start researching local photographers, maybe even schedule a session… and that’s when the overwhelm kicks in once again!
What would you wear? What looks good on camera? Will your outfit come across as professional—is it flattering? Suddenly this exciting step forward starts to feel like one more stressful item on your to-do list.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to dress for your next corporate headshot photoshoot. From color choices and styling tips to grooming and accessories, you’ll learn everything you need to feel prepared, look your best, and—whether or not I’m your photographer—walk into your session with confidence and ease.
Keep It Simple and Professional
Stick with timeless, professional pieces you’d wear to an important meeting or job interview. Structured blazers, button-down shirts, and well-fitted dresses or tops in solid colors tend to photograph best.
They give you a clean, polished look without pulling attention away from your face. You want to look like the confident, capable professional you are—not like you’re testing out the latest fashion trend which doesn’t align with your personality.
Choosing the Right Colors
Color plays a powerful role in how your headshot is perceived. Neutral and deep tones—like navy, charcoal gray, black, or ivory—are always safe choices.
They convey authority, professionalism, and clarity. If you want to soften your image a bit or bring warmth and approachability into the mix, consider earth tones like olive, burgundy, or forest green. Light pastels can also work beautifully when styled well—they add freshness and a touch of modernity, especially for women in leadership roles who want to balance strength and warmth.
What should you avoid? While your personal style and fashion expression are important parts of who you are, a corporate headshot may not be the ideal space to showcase bold trends or statement pieces.
The goal here is professionalism, clarity, and approachability. Neon colors, bright reds or oranges, and anything flesh-toned that closely matches your skin can be distracting or cause you to appear washed out under studio lighting.
If you’re unsure, navy is one of the most universally flattering colors out there—it reads as trustworthy and competent without being too stark or overpowering.
Dressing for Men: Clean, Tailored, and Confident
For men, a good headshot outfit starts with a clean, pressed dress shirt. White, pale blue, or soft pastel shirts work well and bring a sense of brightness to the image. Layering with a blazer or sport coat in a classic tone like navy, charcoal, or black adds a level of polish that makes a big difference in how you’re perceived. If your workplace or industry leans more formal, consider adding a tie in a solid or subtle pattern. If you’re going for a more modern, business-casual vibe, a sweater layered over a collared shirt is a great option—just make sure the fit is flattering.
The key here is tailoring and texture. Avoid clothing that’s too tight, overly baggy, wrinkled, or shiny. Stay away from loud patterns and novelty ties, which tend to draw attention away from your face. And if you’re torn between looks, bring both options to your session. Your photographer will help you decide what works best in front of the camera.
Dressing for Women: Structured, Simple, and Authentic
When it comes to headshots, structure is your best friend. A well-fitted blouse, a classic button-down, or a simple knit top creates clean lines that photograph beautifully. Layering with a blazer adds sharpness and presence, while a tailored dress in a solid color can be a fantastic one-and-done option. Choose pieces that make you feel powerful, comfortable, and yourself—because how you feel shows in your expression.
Jewelry should be kept simple. Small stud earrings or a delicate chain can add polish, but large statement pieces tend to distract. Avoid low-cut tops, overly trendy silhouettes, or clothing that’s too tight or too loose. The goal is to wear something that flatters your shape and lets your confidence come through clearly. If you wouldn’t wear it to an important meeting, it probably doesn’t belong in your headshot.
Grooming and Makeup Tips
Looking polished on camera isn’t about perfection—it’s about preparation. Start with clean, well-styled hair that reflects how you normally wear it in your professional life. Now is not the time to try a totally new style or go for an elaborate updo that doesn’t feel like you.
For makeup, think “lightly enhanced.” Even if you don’t wear makeup day to day, a bit of matte foundation or powder helps even out skin tone and reduce shine. Soft lip color and subtle eye definition go a long way in making you look awake and polished without appearing overdone.
If you’re unsure how to achieve a camera-ready look—or simply want to take the pressure off figuring this all out—I highly recommend working with a professional makeup artist. I collaborate with a few trusted pros regularly, including @beautybykaren_ whose work consistently makes my clients look and feel amazing on set.
For those with facial hair, make sure it’s neatly groomed. And don’t forget about brows—well-shaped eyebrows can subtly define and frame your face in a way that’s hard to overstate.
The goal isn’t to look different. The goal is to look like you, just on your best, most well-rested day.
Accessories, Glasses, and the Little Details
When it comes to accessories, a minimalist approach is always best. Earrings, necklaces, and glasses should all serve your overall look without stealing attention. Clean, non-reflective glasses are totally fine (and part of many people’s signature style), but make sure they’re free of smudges and glare. Your photographer can often adjust lighting to minimize reflection.
If you’re looking for timeless jewelry and accessories that photograph beautifully, I often recommend browsing my amazing friend Suri at her mobile boutique @biuchic—she offers elegant, polished pieces that complement your look without overwhelming it.
Avoid chunky scarves, layered necklaces, or anything too bold or trendy. These can date your photo or pull focus away from your expression. Before you head out the door, do one final mirror check: Are your clothes free of wrinkles and lint? Are your accessories balanced and subtle? These small details make a big impact in the final image.
Should You Bring Multiple Outfits?
Yes please—always. Bringing two to three outfit options to your headshot session gives you flexibility and peace of mind. Maybe one look reads a little more formal, while another feels more relaxed and approachable. Sometimes, what we think will look best on camera doesn’t quite translate the way we imagined. Having options allows your photographer to guide you toward the best choice based on lighting, background, and your personal brand.
Stick to the same core principles for each outfit: solid colors, classic cuts, clean lines, and a confident fit. Your photographer will help you mix and match pieces if needed so you walk away with a variety of headshots you can use across different platforms and professional touch points—such as your LinkedIn profile, email signature, company intranet, or an upcoming keynote speaker bio.
Having a few strong images that suit different contexts not only saves time down the road, but ensures you’re showing up consistently and professionally wherever your name and image appears.
Final Thoughts: Dress To Impress!
A corporate headshot is more than just a photo—it’s your first impression. The good news is that with a little preparation and the right wardrobe, you don’t need to stress about how you’ll show up. You’ll already look the part, because you are the part.
And even if you’re not working with me for your headshots (though I’d love to help), my hope is that this guide gives you the clarity and confidence you need to walk into your session prepared, empowered, and ready to be seen as the expert you are.
If you’re a professional in the Bridgewater, NJ area— and you’re ready for a headshot that actually feels like you, let’s talk. I’d be honored to help you show up with purpose and polish.
