Practical wardrobe advice from a photographer who has spent more than 30 years helping people feel comfortable in front of the camera.
What you wear helps keep the attention on your face and communicate the right impression for your position and company.
What to Wear at a Glance
Choose solid colors that complement your coloring and keep attention on your face.
Wear clothing that fits comfortably without pulling, bunching, or restricting your movement.
Match your outfit to your professional role and company’s level of formality.
Bring an alternative top or jacket, with everything clean, pressed, and on hangers.
IN THIS GUIDE
Start With Your Company and Your Role
A senior attorney may need a very different headshot from the founder of a technology company. Your clothing should make sense for your industry, your position, and the people who will see the photograph.
Formal: A suit or jacket with a traditional executive appearance.
Modern professional: A jacket without a tie, or a polished blouse, dress, or jacket.
Business casual: A relaxed approach that still looks intentional.
“Wear a solid color that fits well.”
Kelly’s most important wardrobe guideline
Solid Colors Are Usually the Safest Choice
Solid colors keep the photograph clean and help hold the attention on your face. That doesn’t mean everything needs to be black, gray, or navy.
Blue is the color I see most often, but turquoise and teal are frequently overlooked. The right shade can bring personality to a professional portrait.
A neat collar and a jacket that sits smoothly.
A solid red top brings personality while keeping the face prominent.
What Men Should Wear for a Corporate Headshot
A navy, medium blue, gray, or charcoal jacket is an excellent starting point. Pair it with a crisp dress shirt and tie for a traditional look, or an open collar for something more relaxed.
Choose a collar that sits neatly without feeling restrictive. Extra space around the neck becomes noticeable in a close portrait.
What Women Should Wear for a Corporate Headshot
A blouse, dress, or jacket can all work well. A dark jacket with a simple top creates a traditional executive look, while a flattering color can feel more contemporary.
Pay attention to sleeves and neckline. Puffy sleeves may work in a wider portrait but overwhelm a close headshot. Choose a neckline you’re comfortable wearing without pulling the top out of position.
Keep Jewelry Intentional
Simple pieces are a good starting point, but the right statement necklace can add personality and give an outfit a finished look.
Pay Attention to Fit and Condition
Try on the complete outfit before your session. Move around and sit down in it. Your clothing should allow natural posture without pulling across the chest or bunching at the shoulders.
Bring clean, pressed clothing on hangers.
What About Glasses?
If you normally wear glasses, wear them in your headshot. Anti-reflective lenses help, and bringing an alternative pair gives us more flexibility.
Hair, Makeup and Grooming Matter Too
A polished, natural look photographs well. I’m regularly stepping in between frames to straighten ties, adjust collars, and move stray hairs.
Bring Options When You Can
You don’t have to make every decision at home.
I help clients choose between options based on fit, coloring, background, lighting, and the impression they want to make. One client brought three outfits, and we ended up mixing pieces into a combination she hadn’t considered. Bringing options gives us room to find what works.
What Should a Company Do for a Team Headshot Day?
Give employees a general level of formality and simple wardrobe direction. The portraits should look like they belong together while allowing each person’s style to come through.
Coordinated headshots with consistent backgrounds, lighting, and crops.
Don't Stress About Posing
You don’t need to arrive knowing how to pose. I’ll guide your posture, body position, chin placement, and expression, then show you what the adjustments are doing.
After a few frames, I show you the photographs on the computer screen and explain what the adjustments are doing. A pose can feel unfamiliar even when it looks good. Once clients see the results, they usually become more relaxed and confident in the process.
And Yes, We Want a Real Smile
Laughter is one of my favorite ways to get a natural smile. Often, my favorite frame is just after the biggest smile, when the face settles into something more relaxed.
Before You Leave Home
- Try on the complete outfit and check the fit.
- Bring a solid-color alternative on a hanger.
- Check collars, necklines, buttons, and lint.
- Pack glasses options and small grooming essentials.
- Follow your company’s wardrobe guidance.
The Best Corporate Headshot Still Looks Like You
Choose clothing that represents your role and makes you feel comfortable. Bring an alternative if you’re unsure, and let me guide you through the photography.
DALLAS–FORT WORTH / CORPORATE PHOTOGRAPHY
Planning Corporate Headshots in Dallas–Fort Worth?
Updating one executive portrait or coordinating a company headshot day? Let’s plan a look that fits your people and your business.